Tax Season: Bucking the Trend

March 3, 2023 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Tax Strategy

Even Albert Einstein, a man with a brain capable of solving the most complex physics equations, stumbled when it came to taxes. “The hardest thing in the world to understand,” he said, “is the income tax.” These days, tax advice is everywhere. TV ‘experts’, newspaper columnists and social media influencers will dispense tips on how to keep more of your money, but these brush strokes, at best, aren’t suitable for everyone and, at worst, perpetrate damaging misconceptions about certain benefits and how to use them.

Financial Planning

Look Forward, Not Back

January 31, 2023 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Financial Planning

One of the weaknesses of human nature is our tendency to focus on what is most recent in our memories. Our minds are naturally influenced by things that have just happened, and this can impact the way we make decisions.

General Economy

Insurance & Women: The Gender Gap

December 1, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in General Economy

According to recent statistics, there continues to be a gender gap when it comes to life insurance: men are better protected than women. In the U.S., 58 percent of men have coverage, whereas only 47 percent of women do, and that gap further increases for minorities and younger women. Over the past five years, the life insurance rate for women has dropped by 10 percentage points.1 Insurers in Canada suggest that this gap exists here at home.2

Tax Strategy

Thinking of Escaping the Canadian Winter?

November 16, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Tax Strategy

For the past two winters, many snowbirds have been forced to hibernate at home. With travel now accessible, some are looking to resume their migration south to escape the cold. If this is within your plan, consider the potential implications.

General Economy

With Uncertainty

October 19, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in General Economy

As the central banks continue to raise rates in their fight to curb inflation, many observers have pointed to the current outlook for the economy and financial markets as uncertain: Did the central banks wait too long to control inflation? Is a full-blown recession imminent?

Personal Finance

Keep Calm and Plan for Volatility

October 4, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Personal Finance

Keeping your nerve when you see minus signs on your portfolio statement is not easy. Throw in a global pandemic, the rising cost of living, interest rate hikes, and a news cycle of war and political division, and it’s little wonder many investors want to exit the market and hunker down until the good times return.

Investment Types

During Volatile Times: The Continuing Case for Dividends

September 7, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Investment Types

The long-term case for dividend-paying equities continues to be compelling. During volatile markets, such as we are experiencing today, dividends can play a role in reducing overall portfolio risk and volatility. Over the longer-term, increasing dividend payouts and the potential for compounded growth can make dividends an integral part of an investment portfolio.

Financial Planning

The Importance of Holding On

August 16, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Financial Planning

It has been difficult to find much market commentary that suggests positive developments in the financial and economic markets over recent times. The reasons are many: high and persistent inflation, more aggressive tightening policies by central banks and the prospect of recession. This has created significant uncertainty over the path forward.

Estate Planning

You Asked: Transferring Family Property to the Next Generation

August 4, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Estate Planning

With the arrival of summer comes cottage and cabin season once again! Many family properties have been owned over generations and there is often a desire to keep them in the family for decades to come. Yet, many children do not have the funds needed to buy the property.

Financial Planning

Six investment myths busted

July 7, 2022 by Carly Broetz, BBA in Financial Planning

Gordon Gekko hasn’t done the investment industry’s reputation any favours. Michael Douglas’ unscrupulous movie character quickly became shorthand for all that is wrong with Wall Street and financial markets with his infamous ‘greed is good’ speech. But you don’t have to look too far away from the big screen to see real-life examples of people whose actions have perpetuated the link between the wealth industry, untrustworthy characters and get-rich-quick trades.

Author Archives: Carly Broetz, BBA

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