Read more about the article Real Life Investment Strategies #7: A Better Alternative to Blindly Following “Investment Tips” including Focusing on Current Income or Yield

Real Life Investment Strategies #7: A Better Alternative to Blindly Following “Investment Tips” including Focusing on Current Income or Yield

Why Investment Tips Fall Short … and What to Do Instead Much of what passes for financial wisdom is built on speculation, short-term thinking, and hype. Stock-picking, market timing, and economic forecasts might make for engaging headlines, but they don’t hold up under scrutiny. The reality? An evidence-based, disciplined approach to investing is far more effective. Let’s have a look at some mainstream investment advice you might be hearing people talk about or maybe some investment rules-of-thumb that are not likely to pan out for you, if you follow them…

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Read more about the article Real Life Investment Strategies #6: Beware the Risk of the Cult Stock Roller Coaster

Real Life Investment Strategies #6: Beware the Risk of the Cult Stock Roller Coaster

The Pitfalls of Fanatically Following the Stock Hype It seems to me that the central tenant of the financial media (group-think central) is to glorify stocks or sectors that have experienced recent outsized returns. The hype of cult stocks extends and is amplified by social media channels and its various influencers. Ask any reputable financial economist about these past monumental gains and they will indicate that “past performance is not indicative of future returns”. Despite the restrained advice of these financial experts, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype surrounding these popular stocks and investment trends. Some choose to surrender to FOMO (fear-of-missing-out) and follow these financial fads. for the chance of scoring a big financial win with a little excitement on the side. While these stocks may seemingly promise rapid growth, there are some obvious (and not-so-obvious) risks of chasing high-flying stocks. It’s important to consider the other option: a more thoughtful, measured investment plan. Maybe not as thrilling, but certainly a better path to reaching your long-term financial goals. Let’s explore some examples of how some stocks can achieve a cult-like following and a take realistic look at how they could play out for some real-life investors.

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Read more about the article Investing During Wartime: How Does the Geopolitical Climate Impact Your Financial Planning?

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

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:

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Read more about the article Understanding Inflation, Interest Rates, and Market Reaction

Understanding Inflation, Interest Rates, and Market Reaction

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.

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Read more about the article Behavioural Finance Focus: Cost Savings Tips to Attain Financial Freedom

Behavioural Finance Focus: Cost Savings Tips to Attain Financial Freedom

As a personal financial advisor, I am often asked about “the secret” to attaining financial freedom. You are among the few drivers you have much control over. One great way to sharpen your financial acumen is by combining behavioural finance with an evidence-based perspective. By recognizing and understanding the basics of behavioural finance, you can fight those financial urges and focus on an evidence-based approach to wealth management. Are you ready to change your financial behaviour, uncover cost savings, and significantly improve your chance of reaching those long-term financial goals?

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Read more about the article Retirement Planning for Gen Xers: Build Wealth and Retire Happy

Retirement Planning for Gen Xers: Build Wealth and Retire Happy

Family financial planning: focusing on your short-term and long-term financial goals. Are you a Gen Xer? Not quite a baby boomer, but too, ahem, mature to be a millennial? If you are in your 40s to mid-50s, your family financial planning has probably been on a wild ride lately. You may be wondering if you’ll ever get to retire with any wealth left to spend.

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