The goal of financial planning is to build enough assets, by the time you retire, that the income earned from investments (including pensions etc.) will provide you with your desired lifestyle, without the need to get out of bed and go to work.

Simple, right? All other discussions relate to the strategies you can use to build your wealth to the point of Financial Independence or beyond. For true wealth, think about acquiring capital or assets beyond supporting your standard of living.

Amongst new investors just starting to build their investment assets, the focus is often on returns, ROI, fees and so on. But does this really matter?...

It’s all part of the process when you are arranging a mortgage for your new home. The bank employee inevitably asks if you would like to purchase mortgage insurance. No one likes to think about their own mortality; however, we all know deep down that stuff happens. People contract terminal illnesses or suffer debilitating or fatal accidents.

Knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of can provide some peace of mind - so you decide to accept the bank’s offer for mortgage insurance. But beware the policy may actually not provide the protection you are expecting.

A few years ago, CBC Marketplace did an in-depth report ( In Denial ) on how many...

Over the past year, economic stresses worldwide have resulted in many employees receiving severance packages and being advised that their services are no longer required. The longer you’ve been employed with an organization, the higher your severance package will be. With the national job market still experiencing varying levels of stress, it is more important than ever to hang on to as much money from an employment severance settlement as possible.

If you don’t plan ahead, the tax authorities have no problem relieving you of your extra money. A professional tax and investment advisor will run through the options with you and help you choose a strategy that best fits your circumstances.