With 2009 slated to go down as a tumultuous time for your money, 2010 could prove to be the year when Canadians put their financial house in order – provided they can get their balance sheets under control.
Heading into the new year, debt is the biggest financial hurdle for many families, says certified financial planner Bradley Roulston, a manager of the Nelson & District Credit Union in British Columbia.
“Household debt – mostly mortgages and consumer debt – has increased to record levels. And with interest rates bound to go up, people need to make sure they have enough cash flow to sustain a few percentage [point] increases on their payments.”
The debt-to-income ratio among households hit a record this year. The latest Statscan report showed that for every $100 of personal disposable income, Canadians are carrying $145 in debt, up sharply from $88.60 in 1990. The ballooning debt comes at a time when the Bank of Canada is warning of higher interest rates.
Citing potential interest rate increases, Manulife Securities senior financial adviser Kurt Rosentreter is advising clients shopping for real estate in 2010 to take defensive measures. “Resist overpaying for a home, delay the purchase of secondary or recreational real estate, save for larger initial deposits and focus on debt repayment more than new, optional portfolio savings.”
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Market Outlook 2010:
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Given the massive Canadian stock market decline and ensuing rebound, investors also had a rocky 2009.
Patricia Lovett-Reid, a certified financial planner and senior vice-president at TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., says that while investors “climbed a huge wall of worry” in 2009, Canadians are still stashing money in “safe” places, like cash and savings accounts.
“Even though the stock market turned in March, people are still terrified to move up the yield curve,” she said.
Patricia Lovett-Reid
Ms. Lovett-Reid expects that will start to change in 2010, when people re-evaluate not only their investment portfolios but also increase their savings rates, tackle debt loads and develop a financial plan – some for the first time.
“This will be the year when people feel they really need to take back control of their money,” she said. “It is empowering to be in the driver's seat and I think 2010 will let us do that.”
1) Take control of your finances
Take the time to get a professionally developed financial plan that meets your personal goals. Take a course or a seminar to brush up on your financial know-how. It does not matter how much money you do or don't have, this is the time to get in the driver's seat. “Your financial plan is going to be the GPS to control your emotions and make rational decisions this year,” says Ms. Lovett-Reid.
2) Pay down debt
As a rule of thumb, pay off your high-interest and non-tax deductible debt first. Consider consolidating your debt, cutting up secondary credit cards and, if possible, make more than your minimum monthly payments. “When the holiday spending hangover comes, tackle those January and February balances hard. Try avoiding any new credit card debt for the first few months,” Mr. Roulston says.
3) Spend less
With only so much money coming in, decide what really matters to you. Set a family threshold with specific goals, one that curbs the urge to impulse buy. “Frugality is our reality now and living within your means has taken a new meaning. A budget allows you to take corrective action, it gives you a road-map,” says Ms. Lovett-Reid, adding that she and her husband review their family budget each week.
