Canada Needs a Financial Plan

According to a July 23 publication by the Fraser Institute, we are getting poorer here in Canada and the prospects for economic growth are looking grim.  This should be of concern to every Canadian concerned about their “real income” – that’s their purchasing power – and by extension - their ability to fund consumption now and for important family milestones in the future:  retirements, education and homeownership.  It’s grim, but there are practical suggestions for a turn around plan. Here’s a synopsis of the report.   

The way we work in Canada is changing: statistics show that 20 to 30 percent of the current workforce consists of “gig workers”: freelancers and other self-employed classifications. But that number will rise by 2020. Is it a good choice? Nearly 60 percent of last month’s poll respondents said “yes.”

Volatility is cited as the largest threat to the financial markets and 73 percent of advisors involved in the Natixis Investment Managers 2018 Global Financial Professionals Survey believe this will affect performance. Close to 90 percent believe their primary role is to help clients get through the emotional roller coaster – and their success increasingly hinges on this skillset as economic uncertainty rises.

Having trouble relaxing on your summer vacation? You’re not alone. Two-thirds of Canadians work more than 45 hours a week. Of these individuals, only 23 percent are satisfied with their quality of life, which hinges on work-life balance. It’s also widely accepted that entrepreneurs and business owners work significantly more than the average worker – and that can negatively impact effective leadership and corporate culture when self-care isn’t a priority.

On June 21st the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) released a harmonized set of proposals that requires investment industry representatives (registrants) to promote the best interests of their clients and put them first, to improve client outcomes. It’s something most clients would expect of their professional advisors; yet there are several investor protection concerns to address.

Are Millennials really that unmotivated, and underperforming? Not according to an important new study. In fact, it turns out that Millennials may be ahead of their parents when it comes to retirement planning, an important trend for young tax and financial advisors looking to build their practices with peer group clients.

It could be a “Buy-Canadian” summer as trade tensions escalating between Canada and U.S. are starting a movement towards economic nationalism throughout Canada. But that comes at a cost - can you afford to spend more? Canadians currently have over $2 Trillion in debt, according to the Bank of Canada, and increased spending could dig a deeper hole.