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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meeting a new financial advisor for the first time can feel a bit daunting. What should you say? How much should you share? And perhaps most importantly, what should you expect from the meeting? There are generally two ways to approach your relationship with a new advisor. Approach One: Hand
What’s the secret to building and maintaining wealth? For the rich, it’s not just about earning a high income—it’s about the habits they cultivate. These strategies don’t just help them grow their wealth; they also ensure it lasts for generations. Start today and take more control of your financial future.
Let’s face it—your death will create challenges for your loved ones. These challenges will fall into three main categories: emotional, legal, and financial. The good news? You have the power to minimize these issues. The bad news? If you want to make things worse, you can follow the “how not
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meeting a new financial advisor for the first time can feel a bit daunting. What should you say? How much should you share? And perhaps most importantly, what should you expect from the meeting? There are generally two ways to approach your relationship with a new advisor. Approach One: Hand
What’s the secret to building and maintaining wealth? For the rich, it’s not just about earning a high income—it’s about the habits they cultivate. These strategies don’t just help them grow their wealth; they also ensure it lasts for generations. Start today and take more control of your financial future.
Let’s face it—your death will create challenges for your loved ones. These challenges will fall into three main categories: emotional, legal, and financial. The good news? You have the power to minimize these issues. The bad news? If you want to make things worse, you can follow the “how not