Q – I am tired of seeing negative numbers on my quarterly performance reports. When I speak to my advisor, he assures me that I have done better than the “market” and that other people are worse off than me. Frankly, I do not care about “other people.” How can I...
Q – I am a 35-year-old single female, and I have a good grasp of investing. I currently hold all my investments through a self-directed brokerage. I do need help with some planning, and I have met with a few potential advisors. But most want my investments to manage...
Q – I am getting set to retire this September. I’ve held the same job at an automotive manufacturer for 20 years. Lately I have begun to worry about the amount of savings I have for the future. I am now 70 years old and have set financial parameters in my financial...
Q – My husband and I are young newlyweds, and we are in the process of starting to look for our first home. We were preapproved by my bank, but now the rules have changed. How will the new mortgage rules affect me? – June R., Niagara Falls, Ontario A – The bottom line...
Q – I am worried about protecting my income during retirement. At the same time, I want to leave something to my grandchildren in my will. I’ve heard that annuities can provide a guaranteed stream of income. But once the annuity is paid out, there won’t be much left...
Q – We’ve often heard the old market saying, “Sell in May and go away.” What is your opinion about this? Do you recommend it as a strategy? – Mark N., Guelph, Ontario A – Catchy little bits of old market lore like this have become so ingrained that they’re often taken...
Q – My wife and I own our own home. We have been diligent about paying down our mortgage but at the cost of investing in the equity markets. Our house is fully paid for now, and we are both in our mid-40s. What is your advice on how to start investing in the markets?...
Q – I am planning for my retirement and would like some advice on inflation. What rate of return should I aim for to cover inflation and still see some investment growth over the span of my retirement? – Candice S., Toronto, Ontario A – Inflation referrers to the...
Q – The markets seem to go in one direction these days – down. Is now the time to invest my money, or should I wait? – Craig R., East York, Ontario A – There’s actually no “right” answer to that question. When you invest your money in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds,...
Q – As an avid investor, I pay particular attention to my investment portfolio. I am looking at purchasing a life insurance policy as an investment. Do you recommend this? – Lyn H., North York A – There are many types of life insurance policies. “Term-life” policies,...
Q – I am 27 years old, just finished university, and I want to create an investment plan for my future. Where do I start? Thanks. Jim S., Toronto, Ontario A – The key is to know where you want to end up. I know this sounds like putting the cart before the horse, but...
Q – I am single and in my early 30s. I hope to one day settle down and get married, but as luck would have it, I have yet to meet my prince charming. Do you have any advice on how a single person can secure retirement and still be able to pay their mortgage? Ingrid....