Why You Need a Solid Financial Strategy
In recent years, the F.I.R.E. movement—short for Financial Independence, Retire Early—has gained traction among Canadians looking to leave the workforce decades ahead of the traditional retirement age. While the dream of stepping away from work in your 40s or 50s is exciting, it also raises a big question: how do you make your money last […]
The Smart Way to Weather Life’s Storms
We all know the saying: nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. But there’s another truth we tend to forget—life is full of surprises, and not all of them are good ones. A sudden job loss. A medical emergency. A serious accident. Even the loss of a loved one. When you think about […]
Debt-Free Retiring: From Mortgage Stress to Freedom
Feeling weighed down by debt while trying to save for retirement? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are juggling mortgages, lines of credit, and family expenses while still hoping to retire comfortably. The numbers tell the story. According to Statistics Canada, the household credit market debt-to-disposable income ratio reached 173.9% in Q1 2025—the second-highest level on […]
5 Costly Money Mistakes Millennials Make
If you’re a millennial, you’ve probably heard the usual money advice: save early, spend less, invest smart. But let’s face it—real life is busy, expensive, and unpredictable. Still, there are a few money habits that can quietly sabotage your future if you’re not careful. Here are five of the most common ones to watch out […]
Active vs. Passive Investing: Your Best Bet
The debate between active and passive investing has been going on for decades—and for good reason. Both approaches have their strengths, but choosing the right one can make a big difference in whether you simply meet your goals or exceed them. Why You’re Investing in the First Place Most people invest with two goals in […]
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
Ralph had always worked hard for what he owned. But after watching friends and acquaintances struggle with messy estates, he realized that without a proper plan, everything he’d built could be left in chaos. Take Vivian, for example. She remarried and decided to save money by using a do-it-yourself will kit. Unfortunately, she overlooked obligations […]
Keep More, Owe Less: Smart Tax Moves Anyone Can Make
It doesn’t take long after getting your first paycheck to realize something: not all that money is yours. The Canadian government takes a share—and the more you earn, the more it takes. But here’s the good news: with a bit of basic tax knowledge, you can hang on to more of your income. Having a […]
A Financial Game Plan for Newlyweds
John and Jane spent months planning their dream wedding—and a lot of money to make it happen. Now that the big day is behind them, it’s time to shift focus from flowers and guest lists to something just as important: their financial future. Here’s a quick and practical checklist for any newlyweds ready to get […]
Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes in Retirement
Retirement is a milestone many eagerly anticipate – a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of years of labor. However, for some, this dream can turn into a financial nightmare due to poor money management. While every retiree’s situation is unique, several common mistakes can derail even the most carefully laid plans. Avoiding these […]
9 Common Ways Canadians Erode Their Wealth
Managing money isn’t always glamorous, but small missteps can quietly chip away at your nest egg. Avoid these nine wealth-killers, ranked from “minor leak” to “financial sinkhole.” 9. Chasing Loyalty Points We all love a deal, but loading up on loyalty points by spending more than you planned is a losing game. If you spend […]
Life Insurance: What You Need to Know
When it comes to life insurance, the name is a little misleading—it’s not really for your benefit. It’s there to protect the people you care about most if something happens to you. In a way, it’s more of a “loved ones’ lifestyle protection plan.” One of the first things to understand is that you don’t […]
Tax Efficient RRSP Withdrawal Strategies
Many Canadians diligently contribute to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) throughout their working years, aiming for a comfortable retirement. However, when it comes to withdrawing these funds, the strategy isn’t always straightforward. For some, tapping into their RRSPs earlier than traditional retirement age can offer significant tax benefits and financial flexibility. Why Consider Early […]
Hitting Your Financial Goals—Despite Economic Uncertainty
Let’s be real—there’s always something going on in the world that makes you question if now is the right time to invest or save. One minute it’s inflation, the next it’s interest rate hikes or global turmoil. But here’s the truth: financial success isn’t about timing the perfect moment. It’s about building habits and sticking […]
Are You Missing the Mark on Retirement Planning?
Here’s the thing—many Canadians are great at setting money aside in their workplace retirement plans. But when it comes to actually figuring out how much they’ll need in retirement and whether they’re on track to get there? That’s where things fall apart. A survey from Ipsos Reid1 found that only about half of Canadians follow […]
The Unexpected Reality of Eldercare
Scott Havens* is the kind of guy everyone wishes they had in their life. At 35, he’s the go-to mechanic in Vancouver who never hesitates to lend a hand—whether it’s helping a buddy fix a transmission or pulling over to help a stranger with a stalled engine. He’s the definition of dependable. But nothing prepared […]
The Magic Ingredient Behind Wealth (It’s Not What You Think)
There’s a story that gets passed around the financial world—about an advisor out in Omaha, Nebraska, not far from Warren Buffett’s hometown turf. Let’s call him Fred Smith. Fred’s built a reputation for helping local farmers understand the real power behind long-term investing. Nothing flashy. No gimmicks. Just simple, solid advice. When you walk into […]
Have You Protected Your Most Valuable Asset?
Here’s a question that most people don’t think about: What’s your most valuable asset? Your house? Your investments? Maybe your car? Actually, it’s none of those. Your most valuable asset is your ability to earn an income. It’s the engine that keeps everything else in your financial life running—your mortgage, your groceries, your kids’ sports […]
Late-Career Retirement Planning Possibilities
Remember when the government rolled back the age for Old Age Security (OAS) eligibility to 65? A lot of Canadians let out a collective sigh of relief. Even a few hundred bucks a month can make a big difference in retirement, especially if you’re trying to stretch your dollars. But as helpful as that was, […]
Top 10 Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Filing taxes isn’t exactly fun, but making mistakes can turn an already frustrating process into an expensive one. The last thing you want is to deal with penalties, delays, or an unexpected audit. So, let’s go over the top 10 tax filing mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Missing the Deadline Procrastination can be […]
Protect Yourself from Online Financial Scams
Hey there! The online world is full of opportunities—but unfortunately, it’s also full of scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting people. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)1 over $600 million was lost to fraud in 2024. The first line of defense against fraud is simply educating oneself about the facts. The good news? […]
Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill: A Practical Guide
If you’re between 35 and 65, chances are you know someone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s a tough reality, but if there’s still time, helping them get their estate in order can provide peace of mind for them and their loved ones. Why Estate Planning Matters No one wants to see […]
How to Weather Economic Uncertainty
With all the media talk about US / Canada trade tensions these days it’s a good time to discuss some wise strategies for times of economic uncertainty. Whether you’re still saving for retirement or already enjoying it, negative economic news can shake confidence. The good news? A solid plan can help you stay on track. […]
Could Your Finances Survive a Critical Illness?
Nobody wants to think about it, but what if you get seriously ill? We all like to believe it won’t happen to us – cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke – are things that happen to other people. And we might assume that if something does happen, the healthcare system will take care of […]
Sudden Wealth: Choices and Opportunities
Okay, let’s talk about what happens if you suddenly find yourself a million dollars richer. Imagine an inheritance or maybe you invented the next big thing. It’s a life-changer, right? Suddenly, early retirement isn’t just a dream, it’s a possibility. But here’s the catch: a lot of people who suddenly come into money aren’t prepared […]
True Costs of Financial Procrastination
Have you ever thought, “I’ll start saving next month” or “I’ll get serious about my financial strategy next year”? If so, you’re not alone. Procrastination is something we’ve all been guilty of at some point. However, when it comes to your finances, the costs of waiting can be much higher than you think. Let’s explore […]
Insurance Essentials for Small Business Owners
Starting a small business often begins with a great idea and a desire to build something meaningful. For many owners, their business isn’t just a source of income—it’s how they provide for their families. But here’s the thing: most small businesses rely heavily on the health, skills, and vision of the owner or a key […]
The Retirement Dilemma: Part 2
In retirement, most people aim for financial security—but rising costs can make that harder than expected. Let’s talk about it. Many seniors prefer to invest in “safe” options, but here’s the reality: your expenses don’t stay the same. Costs like hydro bills, property taxes, and healthcare typically climb year after year. So, what’s the plan? […]
New Years Financial Resolutions
Jack and Diane want to improve their financial situation and feel that making financial New Years resolutions and implementing them is a good start. To help identify their priorities, they made the following list: Set Objectives – Goal setting is the foundation of achieving financial success. If they write down their goals, it will help Jack […]
More Overlooked RRSP Tricks
More than 65% of Canadians have made deposits to Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Many do so just for the tax savings, but here are some often overlooked tricks you should be aware of: RRSP loans – Those who use investment funds for their RRSPs should be well aware of the strategy of ‘buying low and […]
The Retirement Dilemma: Part 1
In the mid – 1960s conventional wisdom (or motherhood) for retirement planning said that you should take all of your investments and put them into government bonds or fixed income type products. The thinking was that you could not afford to take any ‘risk’ in your retirement years. Thus it was believed that guaranteed investing […]