Advisor Insights

Why investors should pay for all investment fees out of non-registered accounts

There are various reasons why this approach makes sense, including the ability to generate more tax-sheltered growth in a portfolio with no added risk

How irrelevant numbers can impact investors’ decisions

Research shows that people’s decisions can be swayed by a number they might observe immediately prior to deciding, even if that number is generated randomly

Technology tools to make estate planning easier

Software that can help people create wills, find those wills and assist trustees in executing their role are available to Canadians

New association aims to raise professionalism among financial planners

The inaugural members of the Financial Planning Association of Canada have pledged to meet high standards of competency

Income preservation should be top priority for retirees

Creating a steady income throughout retirement that keeps pace with inflation should be the primary focus for investors and their advisors, experts say

Will diluted ‘best interest’ rules doom us to unaffordable old age?

Imposing robust fiduciary standards on advisors has boosted wealth creation elsewhere, but Canada’s policy-makers are hesitant to follow suit

Preferred shares are priced attractively, but proceed with caution

Some believe today’s low valuations could be a great entry point for investors who seek the yield preferred shares offer

Five vital year-end tax strategies for sophisticated investors

There are various considerations to keep in mind before the calendar turns to 2020, especially relating to TFSAs

A safer way to generate growth in a TFSA

Dividend stocks’ capital gains and income are sheltered from taxes within a TFSA and can also provide some safety for risk-averse investors during times of volatility

Investors will need more than robo-advisors when bull market retreats

An advisor’s experience and well-honed judgment will make all the difference during a market downturn

Canadians should be making better use of TFSAs

The misleading word ‘savings’ in the tax-free savings account is a big reason why more than four in 10 Canadians hold cash in the investment vehicle

Making the most of an RESP

When and how much to contribute to a child’s RESP, and strategies for withdrawing the assets, are key components to maximize savings and reduce taxes, respectively

A new registered investment advisor category could have significant upside for Canada

The RIA model is growing rapidly south of the border as financial advisors take advantage of the independence, fiduciary standard and cost savings it offers

Financial professionals just as susceptible to behavioural biases as investors

Various research papers suggest that many advisors exhibit signs of behavioural biases when managing their clients’ portfolios and in overseeing their own investments

Boost your business with an improved client experience

Client service is undoubtedly important, but a strong client experience that’s personalized, keeps things simple and drives emotion resonates because it instills confidence and trust

Will Ontario’s new law protect financial planning in name only or in substance, too?

The initiative will prevent non-credentialed people from holding themselves out as financial planners, but it may lead to discord over who can provide ‘financial plans’

Importance of estate and incapacity planning can never be underestimated

Financial advisors need to remind clients of the consequences and complications that may arise if they don't have a will or power of attorney documents in place

Why integrating ESG principles into investors’ portfolios makes sense

Financial advisors who wish to embrace ESG investing need to take certain considerations into account

New deferred annuities to provide greater income security for retirees

Some financial professionals expect the introduction of the advanced life deferred annuity to revive interest in annuities in general as a retirement income planning tool

Eight essential ‘post’ tax season strategies

Wealth-building efforts can erode quickly when late tax-filing fees are applied to taxes owed on April 30

Is direct indexing the next big thing?

This approach to portfolio customization enables investors to take advantage of tax-loss harvesting in a way they can't with mutual funds or ETFs

Why advisors should leave portfolio management to the experts

Advisors should focus on the areas in which they can have a real impact on clients' lives and leave investment management to those who are in the best position to handle it

Millennial investors need ‘hybrid’ financial advice

Advisors need to leverage technology and provide personalized interaction to give clients with smaller accounts the attention they deserve

When mutual funds make more sense than ETFs

Although sales and popularity of ETFs have been on a tear, there are times when mutual funds may be preferable for some investors

Strong mentorship a key factor in getting more women involved in finance

Research reveals that women who are mentored well report higher job satisfaction, are promoted faster and earn more money

How investors can save more for retirement by getting to know their future selves

Various strategies could encourage a greater number of Canadians to become more invested in their path toward a comfortable retirement

Investors should be prepared on how to weather a recession

Advisors need to ensure their clients are 'emotionally ready' for the repercussions that an economic downturn and volatility could have on their portfolios

Is your language repelling clients?

When you communicate with people in their own style, you'll build greater rapport, as well as enhance your likeability and trust factor

Elon Musk and the conundrum of regulatory conformity

Genius confers no exemption from securities laws, but regulators must understand that a renegade nature is indispensable for sparking breakthrough change

Court’s ruling brings back clarity to multiple wills strategy

A recent appeal decision from the Ontario Divisional Court highlights key considerations advisors should keep in mind when assisting clients in estate-related matters

Five ways to attract clients

Julie Littlechild, founder of Absolute Engagement, coaches financial advisors across Canada in the art of building their client bases by providing extraordinary service

Five tips for advisors: How to seamlessly sell a book of business

Set a timeline, create a transition plan and then stick to it, experienced wealth advisors say.

How women manage wealth and thrive at male-dominated advisory firms

Determination – that’s the key to success in an industry has made little room for women in the past or their style of money management

Advisors with a human touch make themselves stand out

Financial planners can go the ‘double-double route' without asking many questions, or they can develop a trusted relationship with their clients

As tech changes the insurance industry, what should investors look for?

Investing experts examine the insurance sector and recommend companies that are leading the way with new technologies.

Five financial tips for millennials in line for a large inheritance

Consider working with an advisor beforehand to manage your own finances, and then create a plan to incorporate larger sums of money or assets .

Summertime portfolio checkup: Stick with a pro, or go DIY?

Evaluate whether you should go it alone, seek professional portfolio advice, or choose a combination of the two.

How to grow your TFSA: Tips from financial bloggers to fatten your account

Some investors deploy risky strategies to try to hit home runs within their TFSAs. But most are content to build wealth systematically.

There’s a smart way to shut down the bank of mom and dad

Why retirees should set limits on financial largess with family.

Black gold: Six stocks to play higher oil prices

With the recent pullback among oil names, we asked three energy fund managers to pick stocks that offer opportunity.

Still want to ride the cannabis boom? Six bets to play the green gold rush

As the budding pot industry takes shape, three fund experts pick cannabis stocks that could prove rewarding

Six stocks that capitalize on the growing influence of millennials

These companies cater to the food, travel and entertainment preferences of this cohort, portfolio managers say.

Will interest rates keep rising? How to successfully ladder GICs and bonds

Investors should build a ladder that extends five years or less, not longer, advisors say.

Don’t slam on the brakes – keep active and ease into retirement

After Ken Ogilvie left his job, he became a consultant and just published his first mystery novel. He sees retirement as a gradual transition toward new interests as he keeps fit and grows.

Four reasons to work past retirement age

There are advantages to working past the traditional retirement age – it needn’t be an all or nothing affair.

How to help financial planning clients avoid ‘lifestyle creep'

You just got a big raise and would like to move into a nicer place or buy a better car. An advisor can explain the deeper connection to building wealth beyond the immediate rewards of spending.

Six actively managed ETFs with upside potential

Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) once meant a passive index-tracking strategy, but now there is a new generation of kids on the block..

No stomach for see-saw trading? Focus instead on a financial plan

Recent ups and downs of the market may have many investors frozen in fear.

Six steady stocks with upside potential

While exciting investments – tech and marijuana companies, for example – have provided dramatic returns, research demonstrates that stocks with low volatility and modest but steady growth generally outperform growth stocks in the long run.