Geographic diversification is key to protecting your investment portfolio. Any country’s stock market can experience long periods of underperformance. Japan’s experience If you had invested $10,000 US dollars in Japan’s stock market on March 12, 1996, how much would that be worth on March 19, 2020? $9,600... But that couldn’t happen in Canada Fortunately, Canadians … Continue reading Your Investments Should be Global

One of the most important decisions you will make about investing is the percentage of your portfolio that will be in stocks, bonds and cash. Assuming you invest in low-cost index funds (see Investing Basics), your portfolio’s risk and rate of return will primarily be determined by this decision. Cash If you are saving for … Continue reading Choosing an Appropriate Asset Allocation for Your Investment Portfolio

I often get asked what I think about funds that invest with an environmental and socially responsible mandate. I understand the desire to effect change through the choices we make. Environmental considerations drive many of my decisions, such as living within walking distance to work, buying just enough home, choosing leisure activities that do not … Continue reading Ethical Investing

Do you know the interest rate paid on your bank account? It’s probably between 0% and 2%, depending on the account balance, the type of account and the financial institution you use. For example, the RBC No Limit Banking account has an interest of 0.000%. That is the type of banking account that most people … Continue reading Achieva Financial Review

Investing can be intimidating, partly because there is an entire industry working to make it seem that way. But it doesn’t have to be. First, you need to think about your goals. Are you putting money aside for an emergency fund? A down payment for a house? Then you need a product that is safe … Continue reading Investing Basics