Michael Brascia Financial Advisor
1200-1111 West Georgia V6E 4M3 Vancouver, BC, Canada

For the average middle-aged Canadian the probability of premature death (death prior to mortality) is roughly one in 25. The likelihood of a significant long-term disability is about one in eight. One in two Canadians will suffer from coronary heart disease during their lifetime, one in three from a life-threatening cancer and one in four from a stroke or stroke-related illness. Furthermore, if you die you cease to become an on-going financial liability to those you love. If you become disabled that is likely not the case. The most important financial asset you bring to your family is the ability to earn an income, and yet is often the least insured. John H. Askin

Many of people are unfamiliar with life insurance and the advantages it has in overall financial planning for the future. I believe this is a great article demonstrating the various uses of life insurance and how it could apply to your individual situation. This article highlights many of the great benefits life insurance has to offer, many of which you may not have known of. http://www.theglobeandmail.com//eight-ways/article4648881/

REAL RATE OF RETURN = the inflation rate your nominal rate of return. Example: If your investment produced a return of 7% in one year and inflation is running at 3% your real rate of return is 4%. If you still keep a majority of your money in low interest saving and checking accounts at the bank, this is something to take into great consideration. You should be beating if not at least keeping up to inflation rates. You are losing money every year you keep a surplus in the...se low interest accounts that cannot keep up with inflation. Using TFSA’s (Tax Free Savings Accounts), RRSP’s (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), and Non Registered accounts are all efficient ways of investing and keeping up with inflation.

With the markets inching down now day after day, some people may be starting to get little worried of where their portfolios may end up. Here is a great article on why you shouldn't be. http://business.financialpost.com//worried-about-equity-e/

At SFU athletic banquet this morning with some colleagues. Brian Williams of CBC, Darian Durrant, and Russel Wilson( via Skype ) discussing athletics in university and how it impacted their careers.

http://business.financialpost.com//borrowing-to-invest-th/ Good Article on the benefits of borrowing to invest. With such low interest rates right now, this may be a good strategy to add to your portfolio.