Posts by Robb Engen
Weekend Reading: Au Revoir, Toronto Star Edition
Monday marked the end of my bi-weekly column in the Toronto Star. The most widely read newspaper in Canada has decided to scale back its personal finance section to focus more on consumer awareness and advocacy stories (okay, more Rob Ford coverage). I want to thank The Star, and my editor Adam Mayers, for the opportunity…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Big Merger Edition
Earlier this week, two iconic fast-food chains decided to join forces when Burger King and Tim Hortons merged in a $12.5 billion deal. The news caused an uproar on both sides of the border, with Burger King facing criticism for moving its headquarters up north to reduce its corporate tax rate, and Tim Hortons “selling out”…
Read MoreMore Ways The Investment Industry Is Screwing Canadians
A client reached out to me for advice after her financial advisor at BMO Nesbitt Burns dumped her earlier this summer. The advisor was looking to scale back his practice and she was one of the unfortunate investors he was “letting go”. The client, let’s call her Jane, shared the “transition” letter with me and…
Read MoreWhy Cheques Won’t Disappear Anytime Soon
Retailers stopped accepting cheques several years ago as consumer preferences shifted from paper to plastic. Many feared that the final nail in the coffin for cheques came when the federal government announced plans to phase out cheques for Canada Pension Plan payments and tax refunds by April 2016. After that it will be direct deposit…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Contest Winners Edition
The financial blogging community is outstanding in the way it supports each other online. It was evident when reading the comments on our anniversary post this week that many of you came here for the first time after a mention on another blog. Our top referring sites over the last four years include Carrick on Money,…
Read MoreCelebrating Four Years Of Boomer & Echo
When I clicked ‘publish’ for the first time four years ago I never thought this blog would have grown into something life changing. What started off as a mom and son blogging team trying to differentiate ourselves in the personal finance niche turned into so much more. Our articles have been featured in the Globe and Mail, MoneySense,…
Read MoreWhy Options Mean Freedom When It Comes To Retirement
Saving outside of my defined benefit pension plan will give me several options to consider when it comes to retirement. To me, options mean freedom, even though I’ll be faced with some tough choices. Here’s why: Related: Why I save outside my defined benefit pension plan According to my plan provider, I should be able…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Robo-Advisor Edition
The term “robo-advisor” refers to an online service that uses an algorithm to help you choose and manage your investments. Automated financial advice is already up and running in the U.S. and is now generating buzz in Canada as firms such as NestWealth, ShareOwner, and WealthSimple look to set up shop here. The service is based around clients…
Read MoreHow Automation And Habit Combine To Produce Amazing Results
Recently I made a small change in my diet that had a big impact on my weight and overall health. At breakfast every day I would eat a whole bagel with peanut butter or cream cheese. The meal came to about 450 calories. A few months ago I cut that portion in half, eliminating 225 calories…
Read MoreWhich Credit Cards Are Best For Earning Rewards?
One of the most frequent questions readers ask is which credit cards are best for earning rewards. Unfortunately, the most common answer is “it depends”. Do you prefer travel rewards or cash back? How much do you spend every month, and in which categories do you spend the most (i.e. groceries, gas, travel)? As for…
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