UPotential is a fee-for-service financial planner – meaning that our compensation is based on a transparent, pre-established rate agreed upon before our engagements begin. We do not receive any compensation from, and do not offer, the sale of any investment or insurance related products/services. As a UPotential customer you will be under no obligation to utilize any particular investment or insurance product/service to action any of the plans we create. If you wish to engage the services of ETF Capital Management – a registered portfolio manager – you should be aware (and will be made aware at the time) that UPotential is under common ownership. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your money – so we will act always in the best interests of our clients, with full transparency, and in a manner which aligns our interests accordingly.
The Value of Advice: Finding the Active-Passive Balance
For the most important aspects of your life, there is typically a half a dozen things that matter. Keeping healthy means daily exercise, eating well, a good night sleep, finding me time, positive personal relationships, and moderated drinking. Investing and accumulating wealth is no different, there are only a few things that really matter.
Ken Griffey Jr. and Randy Johnson: Two Baseball Stars Turned Pro Photographers
Who says that retiring from your career means that you are past your prime? Here is a fantastic article that shows how some famous athletes have reinvented themselves and found great success and satisfaction after hanging up their cleats.
Wealth Options
Still think that “money can’t buy happiness”? That’s certainly what we’ve always been taught. Yet, it’s worth noting that many of our parents may not have had the privilege of accessing the research that we now have and that we integrate into our financial strategies.
There’s a Case for Blowing Your Bonus This Year
Achieving a balance between your needs and wants involves creating an annual budget that includes savings and based on solely on predictable income. This frees up bonuses for lifestyle enhancements that neither threaten your normal standard of living, nor your financial stability; even in challenging economic conditions.
Can we finally expect interest rate cuts?
As 2024 unfolds, what does the economic landscape have in store for us? Will there be reductions in interest rates? In this week’s blog, we share our insights on the factors that could shape interest rates this year.
Involuntarily Retired Clients May Need a Second Act
Financial advisors strive to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals—including planning for retirement. But as we’ve all seen in our practices, clients’ dreams of retirement don’t always go as planned.
Philanthropy and the Upcoming Changes to Donations of Appreciated Securities
Philanthropy goes beyond big donations and includes various forms such as time, effort, money, or assets. Starting January 1, 2024, the tax treatment for donations of appreciated securities will become less favorable. If you plan to donate an investment by the end of this tax year, it’s advisable to do so before the change for better tax benefits.
Put In The Hard Work For An Easier Retirement
Retirement planning has long-been regarded as both a science and an art. The science is related to the financial modelling and stress-testing that can help you move confidently into this next phase of your life. The art comes from turning your new-found time and your accumulated wealth into joy and purpose.
Is this the turning point for interest rates?
Interest rate announcements significantly affect Canadian borrowers and lenders. Younger individuals with mortgages or business loans, and older individuals with substantial fixed-income portfolios, are directly impacted. Despite a spike in interest rates, the intended impact of reducing consumer spending and slowing the economy have not yet materialized – at least not yet…
Annuity vs. Life Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Since my financial planning career began over 20 years ago, life insurance has been a regular topic of conversation with clients. This article provides a very good primer on what life insurance and annuities are, how they work, when to best consider them and what objectives they can address.