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In spite of what seems like eternal negativity, upon search there are green shoots of positivity. Tough headlines about bank earnings this week, but...

May is here. I see tons of buybacks, dividend increases and insiders buying. There are too many to report.

It’s my 24th wedding anniversary and 2 days after my kid’s 21st birthday. Am I really this old? Despite the endless negativity, there are many signs of brightness and a little humour.

My lawwwwd what a morning. I spent 1.5 hours on the phone with the BC Government about the Spec Tax Declaration. I had already spent that much time trying to declare online but the software would not accept my input.

There’s lots of positive stuff to mention. If you have a spousal loan, interest must be paid before January 30th.

It’s been another excellent period for dividend increases. Canadian Western Bank up 3.7%, Royal Bank up 3%, CIBC up 2.4%, TD up 8%, BMO up 3%, National Bank up 5%, Alimentation Couche Tard +27.3%, This is the second increase for most Banks in 2022.

Below is a 1-year chart of the Canadian market. We may have seen it bottom on October 13th. The recovery is already +12.5% and apparently this was the best October since 1978. Time will tell but the worst may already be behind us.

Fortis increased its dividend on September 29th. 6% as promised a year ago. Emera raised as well from $2.65 to $2.76 per share, an increase of 4.2%. Our portfolio values are down, but the income they generate is up. Let’s keep our eyes on the income. Share prices will recover.

In Alberta, a petroleum analyst we’ll call Rick, age 56, wants to retire at 60 to a warm country — most likely Mexico. He earns $144,000 per year and takes home $7,260 per month. Rick moved to Canada in 2004 but his companion, Jane, 43, is not a resident of Canada and does not work, invest or receive any public benefits here — she does not even have a Social Insurance Number.

In Ontario, a man we’ll call Ken, 64, is a civil servant. His 22-year-old daughter, Rachel, lives with him while studying at grad school. Divorced not long ago, he has wound up paying Rachel’s educational expenses that run to $72,000 per year.

It’s a bit like owning a million-dollar home and seeing your neighbor across the street with a similar one, sell for half a million. What do you do except scratch your head? Another neighbor could sell for $400,000. Brace for the irrational. Prices rarely reflect true value.

In Ontario, far from the canyons of Bay Street, a couple we’ll call Peter and Lucy, both 55, live a comfortable life in a $1.1-million house with combined after-tax income of $12,524 per month.

Expert says they could have a comfortable retirement with a five-figure monthly after-tax income

Summer is coming to a close and markets are temporarily dipping.

Expert says the core of their retirement strategy will depend on their work pensions

With inflation at 7.6 per cent, many Canadians are turning to short-term loans to pay for necessities. Experts point out several options.

Allen from Alberta was the only person that correctly answered our question in the last edition, that the downturn in 2015/16 was largely due to collapsing energy prices.

Expert says part-time work, or a loan that could be repaid out of excess income later in retirement could bridge the gap

Expert says they could have a comfortable retirement with a five-figure monthly after-tax income

I am seeing lots of insiders buying, mostly in the energy, mining and REIT sectors. Have a look at this chart.

With debt management and enhanced returns on their assets, they can make it, expert says

Expert says the challenge for Larry and Sally is to avoid taking on too many costs.

There are many good things to report. Empire (owner of Sobeys and Canada Safeway) raised their dividend 10%. Jim Pattison is buying more shares of Westshore Terminals.

Herb and Mary have ample cash flow but will face rising taxes in their 70s and 80s

There are many positive things happening to mention. I bumped into a friend, Tyler Mordy, one of these early forties, exceptionally bright people who makes asset allocation decisions for Forstrong, a company managing a few billion dollars of other people’s money.

The news is ugly, but our dividends roll in. Don’t sell your good quality holdings. If you have cash, buy more, but my limited sense says be patient because it will go down more before going on to new highs.

Here is a super article by Tim Cestnick in today’s Globe and Mail about large and emotionally complicated inheritances like cottages. See attached.

I am just looking at a situation where a client is trapped in a Manulife Segregated fund for two more years.

In spite of all of the negativity in the news, there is much good happening to mention.

Peter and Charlotte's goal is to achieve a $3,000 monthly retirement income for a retirement spent back home, and they would like to go sooner rather than later

There is a good article this morning’s Globe and Mail about our Canadian banks being undervalued and likely to increase dividends again during this calendar year. See attached.

Leo and Rose have spent many years studying capital markets and have achieved an astonishing 12.4 per cent average growth rate with investments, almost entirely in North American stocks they have researched and follow closely.

Markets are down a bit in the last few days but it’s rebounding nicely this morning. We have had an exceptional run and it will go on to new highs again soon enough.

Ella is worried about the impact of interest rate increases on her mortgage payments

Lucille wants to retire next year, at age 49, and she is considering taking the commuted value of her pension.

It’s been a challenging few weeks. I am tempted to grab the generous gains of the past two years and put the money under the mattress for a rainy day.

The first step for Amy is to improve her tax efficiency, expert says

There are many of good things to report amidst the horror of Ukraine and Russia. Our thoughts go out to anyone with friends or family in war-stricken areas.

TC Energy raised its dividend this week by 3.4%. We received a pay raise without even working. Tesla’s price has fallen considerably, from about 1230 in early November to 876 as I type. It now trades for 188 years worth of current earnings.

Her goal is $60,000 after tax, which in Ontario would require $75,000 in pre-tax income. This plan will help her get there

They will take in nearly four times the property’s current income a year if they sell and invest the proceeds in dividend stocks

I continue to see reasons to be happy and optimistic about the future. There were recent dividend increases in these Canadian companies which are always a good sign for investors and for our economy.

Far from retirement at what they think might be age 60, they need to include a lot of wiggle room in their financial plan

The rental situation caused all kinds of interesting feedback and more questions.

A couple we’ll call Tom and Charlene, both 40, live in B.C. with their seven-year-old son Sam. They bring home $13,179 per month from their jobs in high tech plus additional income from a rental property.

Hopefully the media is correct and this pandemic thing is nearly over. I continue to see many dividend increases and insiders buying shares of their own company shares. Its always a good sign. There are too many to mention this week.

Happy New year! As you probably know, we (non US Citizens) are permitted to add $6,000 to your TFSA account for 2022. I am happy to discuss at your request.

They will far exceed their goals and expectations,' expert says

The move would be practical as some costs of living are low in Greece, but complex given differences in tax systems

Happy December. We have much to be grateful for. Each and every one of you will get a pay raise starting in January 2022.

Larry and Jessica have no choice but to accept the process of reduced global dependence on oil, but they have the resources to retire with financial security

This might be the most interesting, or maybe relevant article I have shared.

Their frugal ways will protect their financial future,' expert says

Quarterly statements are out soon and I am sure you will be pleased. It has been a wonderful 18 month run and company’s prices may have gotten a bit ahead of their earnings, so it’s a good time to be talking with your Portfolio Manager about rebalancing to your target asset mix.

Rather than commute pensions, they could close the gap by spending some of their $256,000 in RRSPs

Two-defined benefit pensions, no debt and savings add to their security

They have four rentals, with a present value of $2.29 million, yielding a 3 per cent return. Sell the rentals, expert advises

On August 30th, Brian Belski, Chief Economist at BMO has for a second year in a row, hiked his year end 2021 price target for Canada’s stock market.

Couple would have to draw on savings for the move up, but their retirement would be amply supported by pensions

Here in the Okanagan, it’s starting rain, smoke is clearing and life is getting back to normal. My favourite month, September, is almost here.

If Ravenna continues to reject equity returns and keeps her savings in low-yield bank deposits, her future will be bleak. But, adding to her equity investments would provide liquidity and asset growth

Their portfolio of many investment funds and real estate adds complexity and management risk to their expectations

Their problem is not adequacy of retirement resources. Rather, it is bridging the time to when their pension benefits begin.

I took the wording below from an investment newsletter called The Investment Reporter. The author is referring to dividend paying / growing stocks and says:

A woman we’ll call Lucy, 68, lives in B.C. Retired, she had $90,680 gross income in 2020 and $5,735,700 in total assets...

A family history of longevity has Sylvia fearing she will spend her assets too quickly and run out of money in late life

As the market gets closer to fairly valued, there is little to chat about. A flurry of dividends landed in our accounts at the end of May and beginning of June. Being paid without working is fun.

Stock prices continue to climb on more good news. My Canada bias is shining, as are your dividends and overall returns.

Buying a home is better than renting for this Saskatchewan woman and her dog, Fred

Judy’s portfolio is heavy on real estate and light on financial assets

There are many positive & interesting things recently happening worth noting. Those over age 75 receiving OAS pension will get a one-time bonus payment of $500 plus a boost of 10% overall, bringing the maximum from $7,384 per year to $8,122 or $677 per month.

Couple will exceed retirement target of $100,000 a year, but first they have to untangle all their pensions

Financial planning is a puzzle. Some of the of pieces fell out of the box and are missing. Others are blank. We have to colour them in ourselves.

Because they have no debts, they can accumulate more savings, which can bloom as productive investments

Dividend increases are mainly slow but steady these days. Companies are cautiously making increases, but wary of future risks as well as consumer optics of doing ‘too well’ in Covid times.

They're flush with savings, but will need to boost income to cover the $95,000 they want to spend on a reno, wedding gifts and a new car.

Chris and Adele will be able to stretch their income to buy a $300,000 condo in Portugal, too

They've built up $422,000 in savings and cash, but they can still boost savings and open TFSAs

he Canadian market is flat today, but our portfolios are up. It’s been like this quite a few days in the past month. The culprit… Shopify.

Tax and investment strategies could raise their retirement security even further

It means more investment risk, but it also means flexibility and the potential for greater income

It’s your birthday. I know, not really, but when you see your most recent statements, you will know what I mean.

There is much to be optimistic about these days. Cardinal Capital’s CIO Evan Mancer expects value-oriented portfolios to go 15% higher this year. (that’s us)

Finally. The days start to get longer again. Or … the biggest night of the year! Good either way. Its nice to see more recent dividend increases:

I was thinking it would be a good idea for us to write ourselves a letter. With special instructions to open when the next market correction happens.

Not much need to be optimistic as the rebound in share prices is doing it for us. I believe there is much more upside in banks, pipeline and telco shares among others.

What a day. You are being rewarded for your patience. The Canadian broad market (TSX) is up 1.19%. My dividend stocks are up 4.42%

Which month is statistically the best in the stock market? If you said December, you are correct.

Super article in the Globe today about Sherry Cooper, the former BMO Economist. Her attitude towards investing mirrors ours. Here is the link...

I chopped the text below from a Norman Rothery column in the Globe and Mail last week called Making the Case for the sleepy approach to Dividend Investing.

Markets look really ugly today, but upon closer examination the pain is focussed on energy, marijuana and Shopify stocks. Damage is generally minimal in our not so boring dividend payers and others such as CN Rail and Canadian Tire are up nicely.

Another great week. Many dark clouds in the media, but more positive stuff happening. 1. September 1st. CFO Larry Froom bought $100,000 of H&R REIT.

Derek Moran RFP of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., discusses home renovations incorporated into retirement plans.

Derek Moran RFP, Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., discusses managing retirement despite large debt.

Derek Moran RFP of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., discusses a divorced man plans for self funded retirement.

Derek Moran discusses Jack's remaining in a dangerous job to obtain early retirement.

Derek Moran RFP of Smerter Financial Planning discusses when this couple with ample assets can begin retirement

The Globe and Mail discusses with Derek Moran RFP options to get secondary opinions on investment portfolio management

Derek Moran RFP Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., discusses cost cutting.

Derek Moran discusses incorporating rental cash into retirement planning.

Derek Moran RFP discusses careful planning for staying on track for retirement.

Derek Moran RFP Smarter Financial Planning discusses challenges for retirement despite a six figure income

Derek discusses the merit of an interesting tool that makes people think, before they spend...

Considerations for new graduates.

Rob Carrick discusses the importance and value of a proper financial plan, and outlines some typical costs.

Derek Moran discusses a plan to avoid being penalized by hidden fees.

Derek Moran discusses a financial plan for a single woman with debts that consume half of her income.

Gail Johnson discusses Canadian retirees in debt, in this Yahoo Finance article.

Gail Johnson discusses how teens can define themselves, their goals, and use these definitions to plan their own finances.

Margaret MacGillivray explains her husbands passing lead her to seek a new money manager three time zones away.

Derek Moran, R.F.P. discusses the viability of a condominium purchase while keeping a main residence, and planning for the future

Derek Moran, R.F.P. and president of Smarter Financial Planning discusses a coules' decision whether to buy a luxury car or not, in this Financial Post article by Andrew Allentuck.

Derek Moran, R.F.P. discusses whether this couple can afford the luxurious kitchen renovation they would love to have, based on their financial planning for retirement.

Financial Planner Derek Moran R.F.P. of Smarter financial Planning Ltd. discusses an increase in advisor fees with this client's situation in Investor Clinic: The Globe and Mail.

Derek Moran, R.F.P. of Smarter Financial Planning discusses choices between RESP and RRSP for a Canadian family in this Yahoo Finance article

An intersting article republished (c) 2010 The Globe and Mail on investing an inheritance.

Derek Moran, Financial Planner from Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., Kelowna BC Canada discusses investing an inheritance wisely.

Preet Banerjee of the Globe and Mail discusses the inadequate regulation on commission based financial planners.

(c) 2010 Tara Perkins - An excellent article about teaching money sense to children by Tara Perkins, Globe and Mail

Derek Moran discusses a very safe environment - private investment counsels: specialize in the discretionary management of portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, estates, foundations, pensions and endowments.

Derek Moran advises family to boost education savings, enhance retirement funds, cut portfolio risk:to have less for themselves and to give more to others.

An interesting article - video link to a discussion on opportunity for U.S. housing investments with a strong Canadian dollar.

Derek Moran discusses how debt imperils a family with a six figure income and modest financial assets in Facelift by Anrew Allentuck, The Globe and Mail

Derek Moran discusses maximizing savings income in this Facelift article - Andrew Allentuck - The Globe and Mail.

Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning discusses a couples plan to buy a larger house and put more into RESPS to achieve their financial planning goals - The Globe and Mail

Derek Moran discusses balancing a high cost of living due to living in seperate parts of the world - with retirement in Facelift, The Globe and Mail

Smarter Financial Planning reprint of article found in and copyright (c) 2009 Investment Executive

Derek Moran discusses with Facelift editor Andrew Allentuck a couples struggle between balancing their finances between their children and retirement, Globe and Mail

Derek Moran discusses balancing further education with financial planning for the future in Andrew Allentuck's Facelift, Globe and Mail

Investment strategy article discusses 7 key mistakes common to financial planning strategies.

Derek Moran discusses how often by paying off a mortgage, you are making a wise investment based on reducing risk and capitalizing on current low interest rates.

Real Estate Debt forces couple to realize their debt load is too high for their income: Derek Moran, R.F.P discusses a solution.

Saving for future spending should be less of a goal than reducing their total debts, says Derek Moran, R.F.P.

Derek Moran, Financial Advisor to The Globe and Mail discusses a financial plan for a growing family.

Frugality and Security - Derek Moran R.F.P. and financial advisor to The Globe and Mail discusses a woman's plan to save for retirement.

Derek Moran, R.F.P. and advisor to The Globe and Mail discusses a financial plan for a doctor and his wife.

Derek Moran, Advisor to the Globe and Mail discusses how sometime renting actually can make more sense than buying when laying out a financial plan.

Renting sometimes is a wise financial plan, as discussed by Derek Moran, financial advisor to The Globe and Mail

Financial Planner Derek Moran advisor to The Globe and Mail newspaper discusses rebuilding a financial plan after remarraige.

An interesting article from the Globe and Mail discussing home office tax deductions.

Divorce and financial planning - Derek Moran, R.F.P. of Smarter Financial Planning discusses options for a divorcee.

Derek Moran RFP discusses affording a home and considering a purchase using RRSPs for a down payment, savings for lowering the principle.

Derek Moran, Financial Planner and Advisor to the Globe and Mail discusses taxation on non-registered assets.

Late start retirement is still possible.. Derek Moran, Financial Planner and Advisor to The Globe and Mail discusses this couples options.

A big home purchase can also mean big debt... Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning discusses this paradigm.

Living green does not mean you cannot own a home or have a poor retirement, according to Derek Moran, Financial Planner and Advisor to The Globe and Mail

Son Didn't See This Coming: Second Opinion - The Daily Courier Newspaper - Derek Moran, B.A., RFP discusses a family financial plan.

Financial Planning advice by Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., regarding getting rid of exotic mutual funds.

Financial Planning expert Derek Moran discusses transforming an investment portfolio in order to facilitate retirement travel.

Derek Moran advises couple to minimize excessive risk in their portfolio due to lack of diversification.

A couple living from one pay cheque to another gets advice on how to manage their money. Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning LTD answers their questions.

Andrew Allentuck and Derek Moran discuss after work life financial planning in this Cosco publication

Couple worries expenses which exceed monthly income will cripple them - Derek Moran CFP advises them on their situation.

Middle managers in corporate world prepared to cash in gross incomes - Derek Moran CFP discusses financial planning.

Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning LTD gives advice on smart retirement.

Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning LTD gives couple advice on cutting debt before expanding way of life.

Couple is advised by Derek Moran to sell their house and buy something more affordable to improve their financial situation.

David Christianson discusses capital gains and exemptions.

A couple's anxieties appear to be based on the complexity of their income.

Reducing debt by paying off student loans is the best financial plan.

Derek Moran, Financial Advisor to The Globe and Mail discusses a financial plan for a couple challenged by age difference and debt management.

Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd. advises young couple on RRSP home buyer's plan.

Derek Moran from Smarter Financial Planning Ltd. discusses a middle income family's options to trim expenses, and save for retirement.

Sensible couple laying right path to golden years. Managing a financial plan in downtown Toronto. Derek Moran, CFP, Advisor to the Globe and Mail.

Derek Moran, Financial Planner discusses balancing the cost of children and mortgages while planning for retirement and the future.

Stocks and Bonds and their current validity - a financial planning article with contributions by Derek Moran as seen in the Globe and Mail.

Financial Planning Article: Derek Moran's professional advice as seen in the Globe and Mail

Financial Planner Derek Moran of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd., Kelowna, British Columbia, as featured in the Globe and Mail 23-09-06

Derek Moran, financial advisor for the Globe and Mail discusses reaching goals for retirement.

Mortgages - Fixed vs Floating by Moshi A. Milevsky - used by permission, Derek Moran, Smarter Financial Planning