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Preparing your portfolio for inflation
Do’s and don’ts for the new investment environment By now, you’ve noticed that the prices of everyday essentials from groceries to gas to lumber have edged up, some quite significantly. No, you’re not dreaming, and it’s not a mistake. Consumer price indexes have...
What home buyers need to know about mortgage rules
Navigating stress tests and high-ratio mortgage insurance As if the real estate market weren’t already challenging enough, the government has decided to make it even tougher by tightening the qualification thresholds for certain mortgages. If you’re applying for a...
The Women’s Collection – Financial Literacy Designed for Women
I’m pleased to announce my association with The Women’s Collection, a new online resource designed to deliver a female-focused, comprehensive financial literacy and investment program to empower and engage women who want financial freedom and independence. The...
Pandemic cash flow
Pandemic restrictions have changed how much money we have on hand. For some, it’s more, for many it’s much less. Check out my recent interview on CHCH TV for some tips on the 4 C’s of managing personal cash flow during the...
Castlemark Wealth Management wins 5-Star Top Team Award
I’m thrilled to announce that the Castlemark Wealth Management Team has been chosen by Wealth Professional Canada Magazine as one of Canada’s “5-Star Top Teams.” Each of the 15 winning advisory teams was evaluated on critical aspects of their wealth management...
The “4 Cs” of pandemic cash-flow planning
Managing your cash, from crunch to conservation Over the past year, the pandemic has put many people between a rock and a hard place financially. A recent survey by FP Canada indicated that nearly 60% of respondents said they had at least one negative financial...
The pre-marriage money talk
Avoid surprises: talk about money before exchanging vows Couples caught up in the details of planning a wedding – especially during the pandemic lockdowns – often neglect to talk about money. That’s not surprising, since the Leger Discomfort Index, a survey of what...
Busting the sell-in-May stock market myth
Investing by stock market lore could be a money-losing strategy “Sell in May, go away, and don’t come back ’til Labour Day” is one of those bits of market lore that’s trotted out from time to time. Other instances of such supposed deep wisdom include, “Never try to...
TFSA planning
What you need to know about TFSAs You may have a tax refund coming. Or you might have excess cash saved up because you’ve spent less during Covid. Or you’ve received an inheritance. Don’t let that cash sit around! Consider contributing to a Tax-Free Savings...
Tax deductions, credits, and changes for 2021
Last minute tax tips, and key federal budget proposals The April 30 tax filing deadline is just a few days away. But you still have time to ensure you get every tax break coming to you before you have to file. In addition, the April 19 federal budget made some...
Should parents help their kids buy a home?
Robyn Thompson is featured in Investment Executive with tips for advisors whose clients want to provide financial assistance to adult children looking to buy a home. But there are several factors parents should consider before they fork over tens (or hundreds) of...
Home, sweet office deductions
Deducting pandemic-related home office expenses The Covid-19 pandemic and associated government-mandated lockdowns and “stay-at-home” orders have resulted in a great deal of financial stress for individuals, families, and small businesses. So this tax season, it’s...