The tax man cometh…
Hi everyone! Well, it is that time of the year again as millions of Canadians prepare to file their personal tax returns in advance of the April 30th deadline. If you haven’t yet done so, don’t forget to submit your return to avoid any potential late penalties. There are many tax resources on the internet as well as traditional channels such as tax preparation firms and accountants. I just read an article on CBC a few days ago which offered a few interesting points; click here to read more.
For those of you who follow the dance between the Loonie and the Greenback, among other currencies, check out the Big Mac Index. It’s an interesting way to compare global currencies, using the Big Mac as a common medium of exchange!
Have a great weekend,
Ben
The Most Inevitable Headline…
Good day, everyone!
The last few months we’ve seen markets move in a nice upward trend. People who’ve stuck out the volatility of the 2008/2009 global economic meltdown have been rewarded as many investment portfolios have rebounded and continue to do so. The Wall Street Journal offered an excellent article on this theme and Motley Fool added some commentary; click here to read more. I continue to keep things simple in my recommendations, building conservative, income generating portfolios comprised mainly of blue-chip dividend paying stocks and a few income trusts coupled with cash and fixed income.
For those of you who haven’t heard, YANA just held its annual dinner-auction and we raised nearly $60,000 to help keep our programs running. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped, bid and donated. I’m on the board of YANA and I can say with certainty to ‘stay tuned’ as some great new developments are coming down the road.
Yesterday, the Federal Budget was released. It was a pretty ‘quiet’ budget, with nothing overly negative or optimistic in it. To read some of the details, please click here. Finally, remember that we’re rapidly approaching tax time. Most tax receipts and slips must be sent to you by 31 March 2013 so remember if you file early, you may miss a receipt. The deadline for filing your personal taxes is 30 April 2013.
Have a great weekend!
Ben
Update
Good morning! Many of you have had the chance to peruse the photographs which hang in the office. They’re provided courtesy of Steve Williamson – Pauline’s other half! He has an exceptional talent for capturing wildlife in its finest and most natural positions. To learn more about Steve and his adventures, please click here.
On another note, please stay tuned in a week or so for our 2013 important dates and events calendar. Upcoming, remember that RRSP contributions need to be made, if applicable, by March 1st. TFSA contributions can be made at any time, by cheque or online, and the limit for 2013 is $5500 per person.
Have a great week!
Ben
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Another year in the books and 2013 is fresh and new! I think 2013 is shaping up to be a great year, full of promise. Personally, I feel better about the global economic situation than I did a year ago; I’m cautiously optimistic about the balance of the year.
If you are into prognostication, click here for a report from Craig Alexander, Chief Economist at TD Economics. He has a nice way of writing, is generally reasonably accurate with his ‘guesses’ and actually admits when he is wrong! I hope to have some additional updates in the next few weeks.
I look forward to another year working with you and wish you a safe and prosperous 2013.
Cheers,
Ben
The most wonderful time….of the year!
Merry Christmas! Another year has flown by; I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner. I guess the ‘time accelerates as you get older’ theory is true. I hope you will join us for a little Christmas cheer at our annual open house: Thursday, December 13th 3:00 – 6:00pm at the office. In addition, I’ve attached my annual Christmas letter which has become a little bit of a tradition over the last decade or so. Please click here to read more. Pauline and I want to thank you for your continued trust as we navigate together through these uncertain financial times. We very much appreciate you and look forward to another year together in 2013. Merry Christmas, Ben
