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.

This article explains how the Canadian banking system would deal with the banking turmoil that is currently affecting European and American banks. It’s timing is perfect; since I had two such discussions with clients just this week.

It’s easy to get caught up in jargon when you work in finance. There is no shortage of acronyms (RRSP, CPI, HISA…) and there are a lot of terms thrown around (bullish, bearish, doveish, hawkish). This article introduced a new one to me: “the five year, five year forward”. No wonder people stop listening. The terms that are most important are the ones that affect you and your household.

Saving taxes is very often the best return on investment you can get. Investment returns are unpredictable but sound tax planning can be a methodical way to improve your overall financial situation.

I selected this week’s article based on two amazing conversations I had this week. The common thread between these two conversations, and the article that follows, is that a financial plan helps you pause, reassess your current state of affairs and might even enable you to imagine a better path forward.

The 60-40 portfolio strategy is a touchstone for the industry, and shorthand for the tried and trusted method of protecting capital from wild market swings. There are endless variations on this theme, largely dependant on client risk tolerance and time horizon, but the navigational starting point of a “balanced” 60% stocks and 40% bonds mix has endured.

Everyone is talking about inflation and its effect on every-day life but few are changing their every-day behaviour. This article makes an interesting connection between the recent long-term bull market coupled with low interest rates and the “wealthy-ness” effect – the comfort that Canadians have felt in increasing their personal spending.

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 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.