Posts by Robb Engen
5 Things To Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance
As Canadians, we have a health care system that allows us to get the treatment we need, almost anywhere. However, in some cases our health coverage doesn’t apply across the border. If you are heading south, whether it’s for the winter in a milder climate, or a quick shopping trip, it’s important to consider travel…
Read MoreHow A Career Change Improved My Life
Whether we leave our job for more money, new opportunities, or to achieve better work-life balance, a career change can have a drastic effect on our lives. I thought I’d spend my entire career in the hospitality industry, but after series of events I ended up on a completely different path. Here’s why I made…
Read MorePros And Cons Of Going Short With Your Mortgage
Fixed or variable? Long or short? Whether you’re a buying your first home or renewing your mortgage, finding the right mortgage term can be a difficult decision. The majority of homeowners opt for a five-year fixed term as protection against future interest rate hikes. However, you’ll pay a premium for that peace of mind, both…
Read MoreBest No-Fee Cash Back Credit Cards In Canada
It’s nice to get cash back rewards on your credit card spending, but the top cash back credit cards come with an annual fee that can take a bite out of your earnings. If you’re not a big spender, the best option is a no-fee cash back credit card. Best No-Fee Cash Back Credit Cards…
Read MoreInvestors Getting Short Changed From Our Banks And Advisors
Last week I asked, can you trust advice from your bank? The bottom line is you should be wary of any advice you receive from someone who can profit from your actions. That doesn’t just hold true for banks and financial advisors, but the same goes for real estate agents, mortgage brokers, insurance brokers and car salesmen. I received…
Read MoreCan You Trust Advice From Your Bank?
Banks are getting savvier about finding ways to sell their products. More and more Canadians are turning to online sources for financial advice, and banks are getting in on the act by engaging customers on their websites and social media channels. One approach the banks have used for years is to conduct a survey about…
Read MoreLiving In The City Vs. The Suburbs: Pros And Cons
There’s a lot to like about buying a home in the suburbs instead of the city. Houses are bigger and more affordable on the outskirts. Arguably, the quality of life is better too. Small communities have quality schools, low crime rates and plenty of amenities nearby, which is desirable when you’re raising a family. Related:…
Read MoreHow To Avoid These 4 Investing Mistakes
Investing isn’t rocket science, but our irrational behaviour often leads to poor returns. For the 20 years ending December 2010, the S&P 500 Index averaged 9.14% a year, but the average equity fund investor earned only 3.83% a year. This happens because we tend to buy after the stock market goes up, and bail when…
Read MoreJoint Or Separate Accounts: How Should Couples Handle Finances
Regardless if you have joint or separate accounts, couples will disagree about money from time-to-time. But would you go so far as to hide purchases from your partner? Financial infidelity can be as damaging to a relationship as sexual infidelity, and is one of the leading causes of divorce today. A recent survey found that…
Read MoreHow To Use A Stock Screener To Find The Best Stocks
When I started looking for some dividend stocks to add to my TFSA, one of the first places I went was the TD Waterhouse markets and research section. I was looking for a stock screener to help me narrow down my selections. I’ve held my RRSP, TFSA and RESP accounts with TD Waterhouse since I…
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