Posts by Boomer
The Many Forms Of Employee Theft
Everyone is shocked when corporate executives are led off to jail in handcuffs for employee theft and we shake our heads at the magnitude and greed when hearing of these scandals in the news. A decade ago Enron collapsed under the weight of a massive fraud that included faulty accounting and business practices. Small companies…
Read MoreWhy You Should Protect Your Earnings With Disability Insurance
Bill had barely passed his 28th birthday when he was severely injured in a debilitating accident. After recuperating from operations on his back and eyes he was still left with spinal damage, partial paralysis in one leg and partial blindness in one eye. He found it difficult to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods…
Read MoreTime For A Fall Financial Review
The kids are back at school, fees have been paid, and the weather is getting crisp enough to pull out your sweaters. For many, fall represents a new start, and it’s the perfect season to take stock of your finances. You still have time to meet this year’s financial goals, and it’s a good time…
Read MoreWill Changing Demographics Affect Financial Markets?
Many investors are concerned that the aging baby boomers will adversely affect equity markets and home prices by dumping their stocks and selling their homes, leading to a sharp decline in prices for both. Changing Demographics: Economic Implications The aging population will definitely have economic and financial consequences. As older workers retire, the limited availability…
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 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 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 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 MoreAre You Counting On An Inheritance?
A recent Globe and Mail article suggested that receiving an inheritance may be a thing of the past and estate planning will be only used by high net worth people. Early reports stated that Canada’s baby boomers are on the threshold of an enormous wealth transfer from their parents – supposedly the wealthiest generation that…
Read MoreThe Art Of Tipping
A tip (or gratuity) is defined as a sum of money tendered to certain service workers for a service performed. A tip is seldom required and its amount is usually at the discretion of the patron being served. It may not be required, but tipping is certainly expected. I recently got a haircut and added…
Read More