Great post from one of our favourite follows @_ryandetrick. Even through positive years in the market, you are bound to see corrections throughout the year. The road is not always flat and smooth, but that doesn't mean you won't reach your goal. Stick to your long-term plan.

Happy New Year! Let's start off the year with a few tips on setting and achieving your financial goals in 2024. How many of the 5 tips have you taken care of already?

Chart on! Time in the market beats timing the market. Negative periods are inevitable but a long-term focus has historically rewarded investors. There is always negative news headlines and reasons to not invest but this shows over the past 94 years, the longer-term time horizon you have the better odds at positive returns. Past performance doesn't predict future results!

Tough to avoid hearing about INFLATION recently but have you heard of STAGFLATION? It is the last "....flation" we want to face: high inflation, high unemployment and low growth all at once. 🔥📉💼 Swipe through to uncover the 5 warning signs of stagflation and our tips to prepare. Knowledge is power—equip yourself now. 🛠️📊

Average asking rent prices are going up! Interest rate increases have pushed a lot of mortgage payments up and this along with a shortage of rental units has pushed rent costs up over 11% in the last 12 months. Check out the slides for more details.

5 Tips to Make Stronger Passwords. Everyday our lives become more and more online and there is a password for everyone. Check out these tips to make sure your passwords are top notch!

The Taylor Swift content you didn't know you needed. Time to "shake it off" and stay focused on your plan and the long term! Year 2 of a new US President has historically been weak, which we saw in 2022. The good news? Seasonally, Year 3 and Year 4 under a new US President has been positive for stocks. As always, please remember past performance does not predict future results.

Having trouble setting goals? Having trouble tracking goals? Get SMART! 🔹 S - Specific: Clearly define your goals. 🔹 M - Measurable: Track your progress. 🔹 A - Achievable: Be realistic. 🔹 R - Relevant: Align your goals with your life stage. 🔹 T - Time-bound: Set deadlines. Why SMART Goals? They're actionable and keep you accountable. No more vague plans; it's time for precision and execution. Ready to get SMART with your finances? DM us to set up a consultation. Let's make your money work for you!

In the world of finance the term "negative amortization" is coming up more and more. What does this mean? Negative Amortization = Mortgage Payment < Mortgage Interest. Your monthly payment is not even covering the interest cost, so the balance remaining on your mortgage goes UP each month. As more mortgages come up for renewal, this will become more and more of a problem for Canadian homeowners and the Bank of Canada when deciding on what do with interest rates.

When is your mortgage up for renewal? Are you prepared? Rates have been moving up at a historic pace - You may have locked in at a great low rate in the last few years, but upon renewal, you have to re-negotiate your rate. Reach out to us to discuss how you can plan ahead and ensure you and your family are prepared for the likely increase in your monthly mortgage payment.

Reported inflation numbers have been coming down in recent months, however, food, energy and shelter costs still remain high. Check out these tips to ensure you put yourself in the best position to successfully navigate the environment we are in.

5 Tips to help understand RISK. Risk is unavoidable when investing. If you can understand it and manage it appropriately you can reach your financial goals faster with more confidence!

Chart ON! This week's chart shows real home price growth vs. population growth for countries around the world. Canada's population has been growing fast, just like home prices! With seemingly no plans to slow down population growth, will Canada's real home price growth continue to outpace?

Are you good with your money? Here are 5 signs that you are!

What is driving the market this year? There has been a lot of positives despite more negative noise (depending on your sources). There has been a lot of talk about how these 7 companies are driving the market while the other 493 are lagging. However, if we take a closer look 90 S&P 500 stocks hit 52-week highs in May, from various sectors as shown in the bar chart. This has been a good sign historically for the overall market.

5TT: Moving Tips! Check out a few things to consider when you're making the big move!

We are back! This week's Chart On asks if Central Banks are FINALLY done hiking? Inflation has been falling from it's peak in July 2022, Central Bank Rates have been increasing at a historic rate... these lines have finally met. What does this mean for you?

Chart ON! More households are choosing short-term fixed-rate mortgages. The outlook for rates over the next 2 years is lower. Canadian homeowners are betting they will be able to renew at lower rates. You can see the dramatic rise in Variable Rate Mortgages in 2021 as rates hit all-time lows. These are the homeowners that most have experienced increased payments and/or increase amortizations. These likely will be coming up for renewal in 2024/2025 along with the short-term fixed-rate mortgages. Will rates move down accordingly by then so amortizations can be brought back in line?

Are you buying your first home? You need to reach out to us now to open a First Home Savings Account! You do not start accumulating room until you open an account. Check out the article and get in touch with us to discuss if it is right for you!

Here are a few highlights from the 2023 Canadian Federal Budget from KPMG.

Chart On: Buying compared to renting a two-bedroom condo in Toronto. Monthly mortgage payments are now nearly 70% higher than average monthly rents. Significantly larger spread than the historical average. When will these lines converge again? What will be the cause?

Chart On! This weeks chart is brought to us by one of our favourite finance follows Ben Carlson (@bencarlson007). The longer your time horizon, the better chance you have of positive returns. Make a plan today!

Estate Planning is not the most exciting conversation to have. That is no excuse to put it off though. No matter your age make sure you seek professional help and have a will and beneficiaries in place.

Taxes on the brain? Here are the 2022 Combined Federal and Ontario tax rates with an explanation the gradual tax system we have here in Canada. It is good to understand the tax system to appropriately plan and stay in control of your finances. 2023 will bring updated rates and changes. Stay tuned.

GREAT READ: 5TT this week focuses on simple things you can do to reach your goals faster and live a more fulfilled life mentally, physically and financially. One that stands out is "taking time to think", action is important, but taking time to think and plan things out can help make the road to reaching your goals that much smoother.

US Fed Fund Rate Hike Probabilities: What a difference a few days can make.

Tax Season is underway! Check out tips to maximize your tax savings. Get started sooner rather than later!

Swipe right to see how many Canadians are living south of that red line... we think you will be surprised! What affect does such a high percentage of the population living in a smaller area have on the housing market in that area? With the rise in work from home and remote work will we see more people leaving Ontario for Atlantic Canada and Alberta?

5TT: Avoiding financial scams. Around tax time especially, all the scammers come out. Be cautious, if you have any doubts, ask for a second opinion from a professional or friend and do not send any information!

Compound interest is the 9th Wonder of the World! Do not delay, get started today. The difference is so powerful as you can see in the chart.‍

Similar to the seasons changing, some months are historically hotter for the stock market. We have seen this seasonality ring true over the last 3 months. We are heading into a historically "cold" month for the markets with S&P500 returns averaging -0.03%. The good news is March and April have been solid rebound months in the past.

As we move into February and the deadline for RRSP contributions approaches with personal income taxes due soon after that in April, do you have a financial plan in place? Here are a few benefits. For those that have a plan, the beginning of the year is a good time to review.

One of our favourite charts showing the importance of a diversified portfolio. Sector returns are quite random when looking back. Do you know what sectors you are invested in?

The finance industry loves it's jargon! "Soft landing" is the latest buzzword filling the news. Will central banks in North America be able to balance on the line of avoiding a deep recession and achieve a "soft landing". Click to read what a "soft landing" is and how it might be possible.

We are excited to share our new educational segment for 2023, #charton! We plan to share up to date, timely, popular financial charts with an explanation and takeaway for each. This weeks chart shows how tough 2022 was for investors in stocks and/or bonds, from a historical perspective.

The deadline to contribute to your RRSPs to include them on your 2022 tax return is March 1, 2023. Don't leave it until the last minute. Let's put a plan together to see if an RRSP contribution would be beneficial for you.

5 Global Economic Themes to watch out for in 2023 compliments of the Vanguard Outlook for 2023 Summary (link in article).

Your year end investment tips are here!

That time of year! Think, plan and do it right!

5 Tips for Good Mental Health this week brought to you by a recommendation from @UN on Twitter. As we head into the winter months where the days are shorter and the sun goes down earlier focus on a these few tips to maintain good mental health!

Recession incoming? Check out our favourite tips for Investing During a Recession from Coryann Hicks recent article at Forbes Advisor. Not an easy time to invest, having a plan is the best way to prepare for economic cycle downturns.

TFSAs are a great vehicle to save and invest your hard earned money. A great alternative or supplement to an Retirement Savings Plan. Reach out to us for more details!

Budgeting doesn't have to be a scary thing! Check out our 5 tips, with a special bonus tip at the end on how to make it easy. Get started today!

With all these rate increases, what is a central bank and what is their purpose?

This weeks 5 Tip Tuesday is all about Wellness. Brad Stulberg NYT writer and author shared his thoughts from an important paper recently written by the American Psychological Association. Follow Brad on Twitter @bstulberg

Back with another 5 Tip Tuesday. This time we are providing 5 Finance Tips for Young Adults. The key is to not delay, don't be intimidated, don't hesitate, get started today! Your future self will thank you.

Check out the first 5 Tip Tuesday, starting with our tips on Registered Education Savings Plans.

Coming in 2022, our educational video series will start to grow.