When most Canadians think of financial advantages, we think of high net worth, high employment income and large investment portfolios. To my mind, there is no greater differentiator between the “haves” and the “have nots” than a defined-benefit pension.

This week’s article selection is inspired by a conversation I had with a client. Although the Canadian medical system provides seniors with drug coverage, clients are increasingly haunted by stories of drug exclusions and the costs of personal support workers and other age-related medical costs.

Our House, the gentle Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young classic – written, incidentally, by Graham Nash – strikes an emotional beat familiar to many homeowners or wannabe homeowners. The song describes an everyday scene yet it’s beloved by millions because, as the cliché goes, home is where the heart is.

This article offers a different take on investing for yield; i.e. dividend income. In turbulent markets, high yield implies that the underlying investment may be struggling since yield is inversely related to the price of the stock.

My early meetings with clients revolve around determining what they want to accomplish with their money. Most have come to terms with the fact that “a comfortable retirement” doesn’t provide enough information for their planner.

This week’s article highlights the attraction of Gen Z investors to these platforms and how newer investors are opting for the “real-time” feedback that these technologies provide.

This white paper, produced by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, demonstrates that the majority of Canadians would benefit from deferring their CPP pension onset to age 70 and drawing from RRSPs/RRIFs in the interim.

The world’s most successful investors take a long-term view. They buy and sell like collectors, not gamblers. When faced with the bombardment of news on inflation, employment, recession speculation and interest rate movements, these investors are able to contextualize these factors and tune them out.

This article contextualizes how inflation, interest rates, portfolios and job security are all intertwined.

According to employment figures, unemployment is back down to pre-pandemic levels. Employers are reporting difficulty filling positions and labourers (you and me) are becoming more selective when looking for a job.