Steve Lowrie, Author at Lowrie Financial

Time to Go on a Financial Media Diet

Post published:July 21, 2022

Stock and bond markets plummeting in tandem, the war in the Ukraine, rises in interest rates, threats of a looming recession … You’re probably already well aware of the volume of news wearing us down. As I wrote to my clients, “the financial press has gone on a feeding frenzy in response, serving up heaping helpings of negativity upon negativity.” On many fronts, times are indeed disheartening, and we’re as worn out as you are by the weight of the world. That said, there are already way too many outlets cramming worst-case scenarios down our throats and crushing investment resolve. To offset a bitter pill overdose, following are a few more nutritious news sources to reinforce why we remain confident that capital markets will continue to prevail over time, and that long-term investors should just stick to their plan.

Six Ways a Recession Resembles a Bad Mood

Post published:June 20, 2022

There’s been a lot of talk about recessions lately: Whether one is near, far, or perhaps already here. Whether we can or should try to avoid it. What it even means to be in a recession, and how it’s related to current market turmoil. To put market and recessionary concerns in perspective, it might help to describe six ways a recession resembles a bad mood. There are some intriguing similarities!

What Should I Do with My Tax Refund?

Post published:June 6, 2022

This time of year, I find that one of the most common questions my clients pose is what they should do with their tax refunds. With so many tempting options like finally taking that long-awaited vacation or taking on some home renovations that are long overdue, it may be difficult to stick to focusing on your long-term financial goals. So, given the push/pull of the economy and your well-deserved desire to enjoy the tax refund windfall today, how can you achieve some balance? And what’s the best way to use your tax refund to keep you on-track for the future? A few tips from the Globe and Mail’s article echo some of the advice you may have read here at Lowrie Financial’s blog in “What to Do with Excess Cash?”. These tax refund tips might be helpful to assist you in achieving that balance:

Financial Planning for Business Owners: Tax Planning Strategies for Personal and Small Business Investments

Post published:May 12, 2022

Tax-efficient investing for corporate and taxable assets - how to keep more of the investment income you earn. There are plenty of perks to being your own boss, including the ability to build up tangible assets to invest in your personal portfolio, your corporate accounts, or both. But if you are a small- to mid-sized Canada-controlled private corporation (CCPC) owner, how do you know if you’re managing your personal and corporation investments as tax-efficiently as possible? Let’s take a look at that today.

Investment Fads and Other Destructive Behaviours

Post published:April 14, 2022

Chasing Investment Performance Results in Far More Losers than Winners Would you like to improve your investment game? Counterintuitively, you don’t necessarily need to master more fancy moves; it may be a more powerful play to simply reduce your biggest investment mistakes. It’s those false moves that usually cost you the most gained ground.

Investing During Wartime: How Does the Geopolitical Climate Impact Your Financial Planning?

Post published:March 30, 2022

Most of us are asking important questions about this geopolitical crisis. By no means do our financial concerns detract from the greater, human toll. That said, if I can help you remain resolute as the world justifiably severs Russia’s access to capital markets and the global economy, perhaps we can both do our part to restore justice in Ukraine. So, let’s talk about geopolitics and investing during wartime. Here are my key takeaways:

Understanding Inflation, Interest Rates, and Market Reaction

Post published:March 7, 2022

Most investors understand or perhaps accept the fact that they are not able to time stock markets (sell out before they go down or buy in before they advance). The simple rationale is that stock markets are forward looking by anticipating or “pricing in” future expectations. While the screaming negative headlines may capture attention, stock markets are looking out to what may happen well into the future. It is easy to understand why we might be scared about the recent headline inflation numbers and concerned about rising interest. It is very important to keep this in context, which is what we will address today.

Read more about the article Q&A: What should I do – or NOT do – during the next Bear Market? Maintain long-term investing mindset while waiting patiently for market recovery

Q&A: What should I do – or NOT do – during the next Bear Market? Maintain long-term investing mindset while waiting patiently for market recovery

Post published:February 7, 2022

As we are revisiting and updating this piece in early February 2022, we are starting to see some volatility in bond and stock markets. Not surprising given the strong equity returns over the past 18 months and the fact that most central banks have stated publicly that they will be raising interest rates to tackle inflation. Before we get into any specifics about what one should or shouldn’t’ do during a bear market, I think it is very important to define exactly what sort of investor you are. Remember, our investment advice is aimed at helping you successfully complete your long-term, multi-generational financial journey. So, if you are a long-term, patient, multi-generational investor then read on so you can get some tips on how you can weather any market storm while you persevere and wait for the inevitable recovery. If you are a short-term trader, then you probably won’t find these pointers helpful. So, let's look back at my thoughts from April 2018…

Accelerating Your Legacy Planning by Gifting In Advance

Post published:January 25, 2022

Instead of your excess wealth being distributed after you die, you may find even greater value in giving some of it away while you’re still around. Properly managed, making gifts and charitable donations while you’re alive can offer solid tax-saving benefits to you and your estate financial planning. In particular, targeted charitable giving can be a powerful tool for business owners and similar professionals who are approaching retirement and facing high-tax events, such as selling their business, or exercising highly appreciated stock options. As importantly, it can be incredibly rewarding to witness the results of your generosity. Don’t underestimate the value this intangible benefit can add to your life and legacy planning.

2021 Year-End Insights from An Independent Financial Advisor

Post published:January 11, 2022

Yet another year of your careful financial planning process has been disrupted by the pandemic – or has it?
These uncertain times have impacted our work, life, mental health, and financial security. However, if you have been reading my blog posts this year (and even further back), you will likely know the key to weather market storms: setting goals, making plans, and maintaining a focus on ongoing financial planning, without jumping off course as a result of ever-volatile markets (and world events).
Let’s look back at some of the most popular blogs of 2021 featuring this independent financial advisor’s musings…