Articles

When you attempt to evaluate the quality of an investment advisor, are you influenced by special awards they have achieved? If so, be careful, writes Peter Watson. Some of these awards are not based on investment or financial planning proficiency. They are based on sales production or how much money an advisor manages. The Ontario … Investment Advisor Awards May Mislead Clients

Today, let’s talk about financial procrastination, writes Peter Watson. It is not a matter of scolding yourself when human characteristics interfere with the way you operate. Accept the fact that people do things a certain way. If you choose, try and develop personal strategies that can lead to better results. As you read this article, … Financial procrastination affects how we manage our personal finances

Your plan during retirement could be to get a job, writes Peter Watson. The conventional retirement age has been 65 for many decades. However, things have changed. Life expectancy has increased, therefore the number of years spent in retirement could be much longer than in the past. Continuing to work has many advantages. If you’re … Does Working During Retirement Interest You?

It is no surprise that Canadians plan to spend less money travelling this summer, writes Peter Watson. One of results of the Bank of Canada aggressively increasing interest rates over the last two years is to force people to spend less money. Plus, because of inflation, most things cost more so there is less money … Summer Travel Spending is Down

Inflation is not bad for investing, writes Peter Watson. There is a relationship between investment returns and inflation. Stock market returns in the United States, as measured by the S&P 500 index, posted an annual return of 10 per cent over the last 30 years. Inflation during that same period, as measured by the US … Inflation Does Not Harm Investors

Investment fees are important. Fees and costs that are fair and pay for services that benefit an investor is acceptable. Fees that are too high or are charged for services not provided result in a lower investment return to you the investor and unfairly compensates your financial advisor. That is unacceptable. An upgrade to disclosing … Investment Fee Disclosure Will Improve