Posts by shelby@shelbyart.com

The exchange traded fund (ETF) has emerged in recent years to compete with the mutual fund as the most popular investment vehicles. ETFs are based upon the performance of an underlying index and they attempt to mimic the movement of stock markets or derivatives thereof.  They provide a level of diversification within a general or…

T’was a time when you needed to go looking to build a credit rating. Today, they’ve likely found, reviewed and approved you without you ever asking. Your friendly financier is a cunning fox with the aim of a long-term relationship with you. Show a little promise early on (like making payments on time) and they…

2017 will see a new class of wide-eyed students embarking on a post-secondary education.  For the savvy parent this was years in the planning saving money in RESPs and discussing and evaluating alternatives with counsellors long in advance. Some will opt for the increasing options for trades and apprenticeships and partnerships with industry. For others,…

When I first entered the business diversification was primarily the tool an advisor used to ensure that all of a client’s invested monies didn’t move in the same direction at the same time.  In the simplest sense it was described as, “not keeping all your eggs in the same basket.” Being diversified with your investments…

What is a fair rate of return?  It seems such a simple question but is not so easily answered. We often refer to the “risk-free” rate of return which could mean a GIC or term deposit where there is little risk to capital.  The caveat being that purchasing power is lost over the long-term given…

I received mine today in the mail. Term is still the best and most affordable option to gain the highest coverage where a loss of income would have significant impact on dependants. Term refers to the length of time that premiums remain constant.  Standard terms are 10, 20 and more recently, 30 years.  The longer…

For some, the financial obligations of a credit-fueled December can bring forth a very sober reality of the year ahead.  For a few, it is unfortunately the continuation of a downward spiral. Credit comes in many forms but was introduced primarily as a way to purchase something today and pay for it later.  It still…

CRM 2 is the client relationship model initiated by the Canadian Securities Administrators that comes into effect January 1, 2017.  It’s been a long time coming and a true win for investors, advocacy groups and investment professionals who have fought for increased transparency. In essence, all investors will now receive mandated annual reports on the…

Despondent they sat across my office desk.  Eyes focused down.  They had just returned from a company-sponsored retirement planning workshop. The “expert” had informed the group that they each needed 1.5 million dollars to replace their income in retirement.  It’s a little bit like a MD starting the conversation with “YOU HAVE CANCER.”   Whatever information…

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau largely gathered national support for a plan to expand current CPP beginning in 2019. Manitoba hasn’t signed on yet, business organizations are screaming about the additional burden on employers and the investment industry no doubt will claim that there were enough avenues already available. This won’t affect today’s recipients and…