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Back to the (investing) basics
Revisit basic principles in volatile times New investors who began trading on their online brokerage platforms last year when stock indexes were soaring to record highs could be forgiven for wondering what happened. The New Year has not been particularly kind to...
Finding funds for RRSP contributions
There are more sources of funds than you might think The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is the single most powerful tax-deferral vehicle available for Canadians saving for their retirement. That’s because contributions are tax-deductible in the year they...
Time for a portfolio review and rebalance
Getting your investments back on track Stock markets were on a tear last year. The S&P/TSX Composite was up 21% in 2021, while the S&P 500 Composite Index rose 27%. But trouble may be brewing, with inflation still raging and interest rate hikes looming....
Five financial planning resolutions for the New Year
Make your resolutions now – get busy in January! It’s traditionally the time to make resolutions and make a fresh start in the New Year. And with the holiday spending bills coming in through January, it’s a great time to take control of your personal finances. Here...
A cure for holiday spending disorder
Set a budget, make a list, and check it twice Holiday spending is on a roll this year. According to a survey by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, Canadians expect to spend about $555 on gifts in 2021. And according to a recent FP Canada survey,...
Year-end financial and tax-planning tips
There’s still time to save on 2021 taxes There’s still time before year-end to make a a few tax and investment moves that could save you tax for 2021. But you have to act before Dec. 31 to take full advantage. Year-end payments There are a number of payments you...
Downsize and retire early? Here’s how this couple can do it
Robyn Thompson is featured in The Globe and Mail’s “Financial Facelift” series by Diane Maley. Eloise is ready to retire early based on their investment portfolio and their sale-ready $2 million home in Toronto. Adrian is hesitant and is concerned that they don’t...
Robyn Thompson chosen for 5-Star Leading Women in Wealth Award
Robyn Thompson, CFP, founder of Castlemark Wealth Management has been chosen as a recipient of the 2021 5-Star Leading Women in Wealth Award by Wealth Professional Canada magazine. The award is given to 50 women who tackled the turbulent climate of the wealth...
Elements of teaching kids about money
First steps to financial literacy We are becoming an increasingly cashless society. And where we once taught our kids about money by “saving their pennies” in a piggybank, pennies have disappeared. Eventually, so will nickels, and possibly dimes. As society...
Elements of registered savings plans
First steps to financial literacy When it comes to registered savings plans, Canadians have two popular options: Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). Each has its advantages and drawbacks. But ultimately, there’s no...
Elements of life insurance
First steps to financial literacy Life insurance and related products come in many different variations. These include life insurance policies, segregated funds, and annuities. Sometimes, it seems, there are too many variations, most of them confusing and seemingly...
Elements of budgeting
First steps to financial literacy For most people, “budget” is the ultimate financial six-character four-letter word. It’s viewed as a distasteful chore, and something to be avoided. And often, even if an attempt at budgeting is made, it’s soon set aside as...