How To Profit From Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are everywhere, it seems like every company has one these days. Our wallets and purses are bursting at the seams with plastic cards and mini-cards attached to our key chains. 94% of Canadians are a member of at least one program. If we’re all members of loyalty programs, that must mean they’re good…
Read MoreSnowbirds: What You Need To Know
Canadians who head down south for a good part of the winter to enjoy sunnier skies and a milder climate – and the opportunity to golf in January – are known as snowbirds. Although there are other options, the Sunbelt of the U.S. is by far the most popular destination – it’s close by, has…
Read MoreLiving In The City Vs. The Suburbs: Pros And Cons
There’s a lot to like about buying a home in the suburbs instead of the city. Houses are bigger and more affordable on the outskirts. Arguably, the quality of life is better too. Small communities have quality schools, low crime rates and plenty of amenities nearby, which is desirable when you’re raising a family. Related:…
Read MoreHow To Determine Your CPP Benefits
When planning for retirement it’s important to have at least some idea of the income you’ll be receiving. One source of income that’s often over-estimated is your Canada Pension Plan benefits, or CPP benefits. Financial planning tools always enter the maximum CPP benefits that can be received with corresponding reductions for early payments. The CPP…
Read MoreHow To Avoid These 4 Investing Mistakes
Investing isn’t rocket science, but our irrational behaviour often leads to poor returns. For the 20 years ending December 2010, the S&P 500 Index averaged 9.14% a year, but the average equity fund investor earned only 3.83% a year. This happens because we tend to buy after the stock market goes up, and bail when…
Read More6 Free Mobile Apps That Make Travel Easier
Up until the last few years, travel technology offerings had mostly consisted of online travel agents like Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline and others. These sources help travelers book flights and hotels, rent cars and find other deals. Then along came the iPhone and the application or “app” ecosystem, which also includes Android and BlackBerry. Even though…
Read MoreHave You Checked Out A Pawn Shop Lately?
I have to admit that I’ve always had a strange bias against pawnshops. To me, a pawn shop was a shady business located in some dark alley in the seedy part of town, dealing in stolen goods. In my vision, the hairy tattooed proprietor was one level above “Vinnie the Loan Shark” and was just…
Read MoreJoint Or Separate Accounts: How Should Couples Handle Finances
Regardless if you have joint or separate accounts, couples will disagree about money from time-to-time. But would you go so far as to hide purchases from your partner? Financial infidelity can be as damaging to a relationship as sexual infidelity, and is one of the leading causes of divorce today. A recent survey found that…
Read MoreWhy A Fiduciary Standard For Investment Advisors Is Needed In Canada
The United States, Britain and Australia have recently introduced legislation to strengthen the legal rights of investors and put in place a professional standard for investment advisors. Unfortunately, Canadian standards are far inferior. They rely on self-regulatory organizations such as the Mutual Fund Dealers Association, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian…
Read MoreHow To Use A Stock Screener To Find The Best Stocks
When I started looking for some dividend stocks to add to my TFSA, one of the first places I went was the TD Waterhouse markets and research section. I was looking for a stock screener to help me narrow down my selections. I’ve held my RRSP, TFSA and RESP accounts with TD Waterhouse since I…
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