Blog

Cutting Through the Noise


February 5, 2024

By Scott Ronalds

3 key retirement tax credits you should know about

In our latest Coffee Break, Owen Winkelmolen, an independent advice-only financial planner, shares some valuable insights on how to lower your tax bill in retirement.

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January 17, 2024

By Scott Ronalds

The benefits of diversification — 2023

A colourful look at the benefits of diversification.

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November 27, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Thinking of opening a First Home Savings Account (FHSA)? Here’s a few reasons to consider doing it before the end of the year

The newly-launched First Home Savings Account has some unique features that can make it beneficial to open an account before the end of the year. We explain.

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October 30, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Cash isn't king, but it's princely at least

You can now get a yield of 5% or more on your cash by investing in a GIC or money market fund. But here's why the return on cash is still no substitute for assets better geared to provide your portfolio with long-term growth — namely stocks, and yes, bonds.

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September 11, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Canadian Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can provide over $12,000 per year of tax-free retirement income. We walk through how the government program works.

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July 31, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Financial tips for empty nesters

Are you a soon-to-be empty nester? Investor Specialist Jeff Stashuk shares some of the most talked about emotions and offers some financial tips to consider during this major life event.

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July 17, 2023

By Salman Ahmed

Mid-Year Recap - 2023 (Video)

Investors might be surprised to learn that their portfolios have likely grown during the first half of 2023 despite the negative news dominating headlines. We provide some highlights on how the Founders and Builders Fund have performed, our returns outlook and how we're positioned.

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May 8, 2023

By Salman Ahmed

GICs vs. bond funds: Which one is the right investment for you?

In our latest video, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of GICs and bond funds to help you determine which might be a better fit for your investment goals and horizon.

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April 13, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Estate Planning, Part 2: Passing your wealth to the next generation, probate tips, and understanding trusts

Estate planning experts Lucy Main and Julia Chung discuss probate tips, passing your wealth to the next generation, and a primer on trusts.

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March 27, 2023

By Salman Ahmed

Why do bonds and interest rates move in opposite directions?

Bond prices fall when interest rates rise, and vice versa. In this quick two-minute video, we explain why.

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March 23, 2023

By Tom Bradley

Taking economics too far

Economists can have great insights, but be careful to not get too caught up in their short-term market forecasts. They're not worth the paper they're written on — no matter who writes them.

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March 15, 2023

By Salman Ahmed

What you should know before you hire or fire your financial advisor

The best questions to ask a financial advisor, using the FIRE criteria: Fees, Incentives, Returns, Experience.

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March 13, 2023

By Tom Bradley

A crisis of confidence in the banking sector

We find ourselves in another banking crisis. The word ‘crisis’ may seem like an overstatement at this stage, but when it comes to banking, confidence and trust are crucial. Right now, there’s a crisis of confidence.

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February 13, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Video: The 3 main types of investments (Investing 101)

Lisa breaks down the three fundamental types of investments — stocks, bonds, and cash.

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January 26, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

Video: 10 ways to meet and keep your new year money goals

Associate Investor Specialist Lisa Guo shares some tips to help you stay on track with your financial goals.

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January 16, 2023

By Scott Ronalds

The benefits of diversification — 2022

A colourful look at the benefits of diversification.

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December 22, 2022

By Scott Ronalds

Saga of the Cariboo Camels

What the story of 23 camels brought to the Cariboo in the 1860's can teach us about culling an investment.

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December 15, 2022

By Salman Ahmed

Top holiday financial tips from the experts

Some timely personal finance tips from four of Canada's leading financial planners.

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October 26, 2022

By Scott Ronalds

Stocks are down a lot, is it time to 'start the car'?

Is it time to back up the truck on stocks? I’d say no. But it’s a decent sale, nonetheless.

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September 13, 2022

By Scott Ronalds


August 15, 2022

By Salman Ahmed

Should you still own bonds in 2022? (Video)

Salman Ahmed walks through 3 reasons why bonds still warrant a place in investors' portfolios.

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June 29, 2022

By Salman Ahmed

The Volatility Meter: A great investment tool for volatile markets (Video)

Our Volatility Meter is a useful gauge for investors to get a sense of how stocks and bonds (and various combinations thereof) have performed in previous years. We walk you through it.

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March 29, 2022

By Scott Ronalds

Higher rates are here

Interest rates are on the rise and bond investors are feeling the impact firsthand. But bonds still serve a purpose in many portfolios and higher rates don’t mean you should head for the gates.

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March 14, 2022

By Scott Ronalds

Life after work: Planning for and living in retirement — Part II (Video)

In the second webinar in our two-part series on retirement, we spoke with two leading financial planners about some of the common questions they face and some costly mistakes that can be avoided. Here's a recording of the event.

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February 24, 2022

By Scott Ronalds

War and its impact on your portfolio

Russian President Putin's aggression towards Ukraine has escalated to armed conflict and investors are understandably nervous. Looking back at how stocks have reacted to previous conflicts may provide some ease.

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