If you often read news articles or blogs about investments or personal finance topics, you’ll notice they love to offer to consumers tips, advices, and how-to’s. They’re meant to be informative pieces. But have you ever wondered what the industry players may write and read amongst themselves?
Take for example, this article on Advisor.ca talking up the merits of life-cycle funds and how they may benefit the various distribution channels. That’s right, not investors but distribution channels! You shouldn’t be surprised that the mutual fund industry is all about sales. How …

Timmins may not be a city you have heard of. If this northern ontario town sounds familiar, you just might be a Shania Twain fan. Not only is the city with the heart of gold Shania’s hometown, it’s also a commonality between Frank Mahovlich (NHL hockey player, Canadian senator), Stompin’ Tom Connors (musician, songwriter), Steve Sullivan (NHL hockey player) and myself. I proudly called Timmins my hometown ever since my family immigrated to Canada when I was age 11. On my recent trip, I was suprised by a few changes …

Dr. Dolf De Roos (as he likes to be called) became famous for being a writer on Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad advisor series. His specialty is real estate and he is the author behind the best seller Real Estate Riches.
But that book came out in 2001. Even though a newer edition was published in 2004. We have not heard much from Dolf since 2001. In fact, on John T. Reed’s revealing analysis of Dolf De Roos, John informed that Dolf was no longer associated with Rich Dad since February …

No amount of dis-pleasure or protest will stop the goliath from rumbling over the average joes and there’s no David in sight to free us from its shackles. But if you are an Ameritrade Canada account holder with old habits, chances are you will be surprised for a second. You probably forgot that today is your first trading day where you have to start using TD Waterhouse’s platform instead.
I’m anxious to hear from users what their experience logging into their new account was like. Especially users who have never had …

Investment and Personal Finance bloggers enjoy their craft because they don’t want to hear the sound of one hand clapping. I am no exception! Though I may be strong with my opinions at times, I am not afraid to learn from the opinions of others!
I was recently contacted by a CFA portfolio manager/analyst regarding my article on Einstein’s rule of 72. His name will be withheld until I can probably thank him for his comment, and obtain his permission to publish full details. Instead, I will paraphrase his analysis of …

In today’s part 2 of the Canadian Election Watch, I will be examining the Liberal Party’s tax goodies. You can check out yesterday’s first part focusing on the Conservative’s tax cut promises.
Increasing The Personal Tax Exemption
The basic personal amount of income exempted from taxation is $8,648 in 2005. Paul Martin and The Liberals promise to increase this amount to $10,000 over the next four years. Henry Choo Chong (CGA) states that this translates into approximately $500 of savings in an individual’s pocket, but does not elaborate on whether this …

I recently saw in a company’s (un-named to protect anonymity) newsletter, this announcement about their group plan insurance. Take a look at this censored excerpt:
Each year our insurer reviews the cost of our LTD coverage and makes adjustments to the premium based on the claims incurred during the year. Our incidence of disability claims has increased this past year, and as a result of the insurer’s review the premium for your coverage will increase by 10% beginning with the first pay in January.
For example, if you earn $xx,xxxx annually, your …

One of the more interesting Blogs regarding financial matter I’ve encountered was “Hello Dollar”. However, the articles I saw while I was there were a lot of recycled materials from other books and publication medias that I’ve already seen. I did not subscribe to a feed because I have too many feeds to read a day as it is. Nevertheless, I’ve occasionally check back to see if there will be more interesting posts.
On my last visit, to my surprise “Hello Dollar” has dissappeared. In its place remains a parking page …