Archive for January 2015
Weekend Reading: Super Bowl XLIX Edition
The Super Bowl is the most-watched program on television each year and this year’s match-up between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will be no exception – as 113 million viewers are expected to tune-in to the big event. I don’t have a horse in this race. My team, the dysfunctional Cleveland Browns, faded…
Read MoreComparing Your Net Worth
Do you ever wonder what others are doing with their finances and where they stand? My usual, rather pessimistic, thought is that I’m not doing nearly as well as my peers. I came across this calculator on CNN Money that gave a median net worth comparison for income and age. My income is pretty low…
Read MoreDoes International Diversification Still Work?
Many people are saying that since all stock markets went down in 2007 – 2009, international diversification doesn’t work anymore. How is it supposed to help you when everything is falling apart? Does it even work? Is it worth the trouble? I’ll show you a few examples from recent years so you can see for yourself.…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Eric and Ilsa Edition
Meet Eric and Ilsa, the Vancouver couple who broke the internet last week when their Financial Facelift feature in the Globe and Mail went off the rails. It started with sketchy details – Eric, a physician, made $200,000 working one day a week at a clinic, plus another $100,000 teaching one day a week at a…
Read MoreHunting Season: How to get more out of your RRSP this year
Folks, it’s time to break out your fluorescent orange safety vests and get ready for hunting season. Across the country, bank employees are flipping through lists of RRSP leads, and – if you any products at all with the bank – your name is on one of those lists. Normally, of course, an orange vest…
Read MoreWould You Benefit From Working With A Financial Advisor?
January is typically the time to make resolutions for the coming year. They most often involve some type of self-improvement – lose weight, get more organized, get a handle on your finances. Yet the reality is that by the end of the month almost 90% have already bailed on their resolutions. Most often it’s because…
Read MoreQuestrade Portfolio IQ Review
While investment firms and regulators continue debating over issues like fee disclosure, advisor conflict of interest, and a standard of care for investors, a new breed of investing services has put the industry on notice by bringing low cost investing to the masses. Last year I reviewed the new robo-advisor entrants, but since then Questrade has…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: $100 Gift Card Promo Edition
Scotia’s Momentum Visa Infinite card is the cash back rewards king in Canada and right now for a limited time when you sign up for the card you’ll get a free $100 gift card upon approval. This is the go-to rewards card for all of my grocery and gas spending (4% cash back), as well as for…
Read MoreHow To Get Started With An Index Portfolio
“I’m interested in investing but I don’t really understand how to get started. Could you please explain how to begin investing in index funds?” The work involved in learning about investing may seem overwhelming when you have no idea how to begin. The following is a primer on how to get started investing with an…
Read MoreExpiry Dates: How Long Do Products Last?
Some time ago, the manufacturer of Polysporin held a contest to see who had the oldest tube of this antibacterial cream. I thought I had a sure thing with my 25-year-old tube, but I guess I was wrong because I didn’t win. Related: 10 useless kitchen gadgets We all pay attention to expiration dates when…
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