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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...
Robyn Thompson a finalist for WP Award
Robyn Thompson, CFP, Founder of Castlemark Wealth Management, has been selected as a finalist for the IFSE Institute Award for Financial Literacy Champion. The Award is given annually by Wealth Professional magazine to recognize a top financial professional who has...
HBP can help relieve mortgage stress
The Home Buyers’ Plan and the stress test Shopping for a new home? Welcome to the crowd. The residential real estate market is hot in all of Canada’s major urban centres and surrounding areas, mostly because of the current environment of ultra-low interest rates....
Avoid the cryptocurrency gamble
The big difference between investing and speculating Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Etherium, have been much in the news lately. That’s not surprising, because the quoted value of these esoteric assets has skyrocketed over the past year. So should you add...