Nick Macri

For those who don't have plans this weekend, here is a summary of the 2018 Federal Budget and how it affects business owners and individuals. Happy weekend! https://www.investorsgroup.com//20/02/federal-budget-2018

If you can insure your phone, house, car, appliances, dog and cat you can at least look into insuring your life and your income. Don't leave out insurance planning in pursuit of your financial goals. You never know what tomorrow brings. Happy Friday!

Kevin O'leary had pizza and beer at his wedding because he didn't have money. Do you really need an expensive wedding? How far would you go to save a buck?

Should you buy or should you rent your first home? Watch/read here for great advice by O'leary. Happy weekend!

Things to keep in mind during a market correction or downturn: 1. Be diversified: In terms of asset allocation and geographic allocation. 2. Stick with the plan: Stay cool and stay invested. What comes down, must go up. 3. Review your plan: Make sure your plan is aligned with your goals' time horizon and your risk tolerance... 4. Focus on your long-term objective(s) Remember, market corrections/downturns are normal in investment planning. Don't panic and sell at an inopportune moment. Statistically, 7/10 years are positive market years, therefore if you're able to ride out 3 bad years you'll be okay. It's not about timing the market it's about time in the market!

For those interested in learning more about RRSPs. It's a great tax-mitigating tool, especially for high income-earning individuals or families. Remember March 1st is the deadline to contribute for the 2017 taxation year!

Another great passage from Robin Sharma's "Who Will Cry When You Die?": "I recently read in a newspaper that fully 10% of the population is betting they will win the lottery to finance their retirement. Too many people are leaving the quality of their futures to chance rather than to choice. It reminds me of the habit my brother had as a kid. When he saw that a glass was about to fall off a counter rather than rushing to save it from falling, he would cover his ears with his ...hands so he could not hear it smash" Don't leave your financial future to chance! There's tremendous value in having a proper, holistic plan in place. Contact me for more information and it would be my pleasure to help! "If it's going to be, it's up to me"

A few things to keep in mind if you're offered to partake in your company pension plan: 1. Don't refuse FREE money - Your employer usually will match 3-6% of your contribution which will fund your retirement savings! Why not maximize your employer's contributions and take full advantage? 2. Understand the plan - read about the investment options, and about what happens during retirement... 3. Your employer CAN terminate the plan 4. Review your investments periodically - earlier in your career you may be able to take on a risky/aggressive portfolio but as your career advances, and as you get closer to retirement, you will need to take on less risk 5. You may be able to contribute more (up to 9%) and your employer will either match it dollar-for-dollar or at a reduced rate (50% of your contribution) Canadians are generally not ready for retirement and only 1/3 of Canadians who are offered to partake in such plans accept the plan. Taking part in your company pension as early as possible will definitely help you get one step closer to a better retirement.

Are you aware of cryptocurrency risks? Interesting video and a must-watch for those interested in crypto markets.

Today is the saddest day of the year: Blue Monday is deemed to be the most depressing day of the year due to holiday debt, unpaid bills, unsuccessful new year resolutions, and the fact that we're in the midst of a cold Winter. Here are a few tips to get out of nasty credit card debt and to prepare for next holiday season: 1. Have a plan, start early, and budget: If possible, start shopping in November, specifically on Black Friday.... 2. Save more, automatically: Save at least 5-10% of your income and establish a reserve via automatic contributions. Having an emergency reserve will result in less debt. 3. Use cash: Statistically, using cash will result in less spending 4. Pay off your highest interest debt first: 20-25% interest can be nasty if not paid in-time. 5. Pay off bills with highest late fees first: If you have any unpaid bills you missed that were due during the last few weeks of December, prioritize by paying those bills with the highest late fees first. 6. Get advice and reach out to someone: This will result in less stress and proper planning. 1/5 Canadians have more debt than savings. Unpaid credit card debt can also result in spending 3x more on items purchased due to nasty interest rates. Prepare for a better 2018 Holiday Season by planning today!

A will is an important element in your overall financial plan and it is never set in stone. It must be updated as your life changes. Prepare for a better tomorrow by acting today!

Quelques changements pour 2018:

Reduce your income taxes via RRSP contributions. Deadline for the 2017 taxation year is March 1st 2018!