10 topics to cover during the interview Increasingly, younger people, especially businesspeople, professionals, and managers, are reaching the stage in their careers where they need the help of a financial planner. But where do you begin? And what kinds of...
Decide what you really, really want Around this time of year, many people are beset by doubts and anxieties about their financial situation – especially after the no-holds-barred holiday spending season. But don’t despair – there’s a way to bring order to your...
Avoid falling into the unintended investment-risk trap Looking at your annual bottom-line performance is, of course, key. But it doesn’t tell the whole story. Conducting an annual investment review over and above the pure performance number tells you not only how...
Robyn Thompson is regularly featured in The Toronto Star’s “Money Makeover” series by Deanne Gage. This month, Money Makeover takes a look at Angela and Roy, two primary school teachers who earn high incomes but are clueless about investments. They need to save for...
Tips for post-divorce financial planning The stress of a divorce, with its hearings over settlements and custody arrangements if there are children involved, can quickly eclipse any thoughts of financial planning for yourself. But it’s something you shouldn’t...
Read Robyn’s advice on how to stop being broke Young singles are a special breed. Definitely independent, confident in their ability to fend for themselves. And with a career underway, they’re thinking about growing that nest-egg for their retirement years. But how...
Robyn Thompson is regularly featured in The Toronto Star’s “Money Makeover” series by Deanne Gage. This month, Money Makeover takes a look at Justine and Gary, a couple with two young children, well-paying jobs, and who are living well within their means. The...
Make paying down your student loan a priority If you just graduated from university or college, you may or may not have a job in your field of study. What you probably do have is a pretty hefty student loan debt load. Many students wonder how they’re going to pay...
A little pre-nup financial advice Young couples getting ready to tie the knot this summer typically have a lot to talk about – guest lists, invitations, venues, honeymoon, and all the details that go into planning a wedding. Money often isn’t part of the...
Professionals bring unique skills to the table It seems like there are “financial advisors” around every corner. Trouble is, they all seem to offer different services and have different qualifications. And they all charge different fees. Do you really need a lawyer...
Here’s what you need to take on that role You’ll probably know of friends or colleagues who are unable to balance their chequing account on a monthly basis. I’ve had clients come to me who regularly simply close their out-of-control (and usually overdrawn) chequing...
Timely tips for first-time homebuyers Real estate is hot, hot, hot. Just ask anyone trying to buy a home in Vancouver or Toronto. The Teranet-National Bank National Composite House Price Index was up 0.5% in January from December. The rise matched the largest...