As Canadian and US stock market indexes hit new highs this year, many investors began expressing anxiety about a possible ‘correction’. Financial media personalities have also been speculating about the timing of correction from these recent market highs – following a strong run over the past year.
Before a sky scraper can reach for the clouds, it needs a very strong foundation. Once the building is complete, the foundation is virtually unseen. The same goes for our financial strategies. Following are the basics of a strong financial foundation:
Budget – Governments and businesses use budgets to properly allocate resources. It’s known as good business. A budget can help you figure out where your hard earned income is going and to identify ways to cut spending or increase savings.
Recently, a client wanted to leave all their money to two charities through their Will. They wanted to leave a legacy to a few charities, and they didn't have any close family members.
Here is her situation: Age 80, $550,000 in savings (75% non-registered and TFSA), with income of $70,000 annually from pensions and RRIFs. She was also spending an additional $20,000 a year from savings to support her lifestyle.
It is not uncommon for an individual or organization, such as a charity or community tennis club, to consult a financial advisor regarding investment returns that can be generated on some spare cash that is not needed in the immediate future.
Most people have a false sense of security by believing that they will not be victims of a critical illness like cancer, heart attack or stroke; and if they are, that the healthcare system will look after them. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A new baby in the family brings many hopes, dreams and expectations. This can often include thoughts about how their lives can be better than that of their parents. And that often includes hopes about careers and the education that goes with them. It is also the time to start planning how to finance the education needed to fulfill those hopes and dreams.
