Married or single? It makes a difference in retirement

A car or a condo costs the same whether there is one person buying or two. But financial planning is different for single and married people, especially in retirement. Here’s a look at the challenges and opportunities unique to couples, singles and the widowed. When you’re married In addition to companionship, retired couples can take advantage of a range of … Read More

Saving for your kids’ education? It may cost more than you think

For the 2016/2017 academic year, the average undergrad tuition in Canada was $6,373. But undergrads in dentistry paid $21,012; in medicine, $13,858; and in law, $11,385.1 Costs for residence also varied widely, from $8,000 at one university to more than $14,000 at another this past year.2 Then there are all the miscellaneous expenses associated with schooling, from books and lab … Read More

Selling your home? Be sure to abide by the new tax rules

For many Canadians, it’s the biggest tax break of all. When you sell your principal residence, capital gains are exempt from tax. But homeowners selling after October 2016 have to jump through a few hoops to get the exemption. Here’s what you need to know. How the exemption works Typically, people claim the principal residence exemption on a house or … Read More

A financial plan helps protect you from the unexpected

Life is full of surprises that can put your goals at risk. Here are some examples — and some key takeaways for all investors. Expecting an inheritance Richard and Sylvie are in their late 50s. Anticipating a sizable inheritance from Richard’s widowed father, they lead a luxurious lifestyle and save little. But then Richard’s father remarries and revises his will, … Read More

The Playbook – April 17, 2017

Weekly Commentary – April 17, 2017 Alfred Lam, MBA, CFA Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Richard J. Wylie, MA, CFA Vice President, Investment Strategy Please click here to listen to Richard Wylie’s audio version Economic Calendar Date Release Period Consensus Previous U.S. April 18 Manufacturing Production Y/Y March 17 0.8% 1.3% April 18 Building Permits March 17 1.223 … Read More

The Playbook – April 10, 2017

Weekly Commentary – April 10, 2017 Alfred Lam, MBA, CFA Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager Richard J. Wylie, MA, CFA Vice President, Investment Strategy Please click here to listen to Richard Wylie’s audio version. Economic Calendar Date Release Period Consensus Previous U.S. April 13 PPI Y/Y   March 17 2.38% 2.20% April 14 Retail Sales   March 17 0.35% … Read More

The Playbook – April 3, 2017

Weekly Commentary – April 3, 2017 Alfred Lam, MBA, CFA Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager Richard J. Wylie, MA, CFA Vice President, Investment Strategy Please click here to listen to Richard Wylie’s audio version. Economic Calendar Date Release Period Consensus Previous U.S. April 3 Total Vehicle Sales   March 17 18.50 M 17.58 M April 5 ADP Employment Change … Read More