Archive for August 2015
Weekend Reading: Where’s My Mansion Edition
It’s no secret that ordinary investors have been getting screwed over by the investment industry for decades. If you want proof, look no further than Fred Schwed’s nearly 75-year-old classic book, Where Are The Customers’ Yachts?. This week I stumbled upon another gem, this one published in The Globe and Mail 10 years ago by…
Read MoreWhat You Can Do About The Upcoming Stock Market Crash
So you have some money you want to invest but you’re worried because you keep hearing that there’s going to be a stock market crash. Isn’t it better to wait until after that happens so you can buy in when it’s safer? It’s true that the stock market will crash. In fact I guarantee it.…
Read More3 Financial Mistakes To Avoid
Everyone makes a few financial mistakes in their life. Maybe you took investment advice from your favourite barista and lost a bundle on a “hot” new stock. Or you said, “No thank you” to your employer’s pension plan, which matched your own contributions 100%, and now you’re retiring pensionless. Perhaps you have your potential wealth…
Read MoreWelcome To Our HUGE Five-Year Anniversary Contest
I can’t believe it’s been five years! What started out as a mom-and-son blogging duo back in 2010 has turned into more than just our personal finance diary. Boomer & Echo has changed our lives, and we’re thrilled to know that the stories and advice we’ve shared over the years has made a positive impact on many of…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Birthday Edition
I celebrated my 36th birthday on Friday (my 3-year-old asked if I was turning 76, but that’s beside the point). A birthday is a good time to reflect on the past year and I’ve realized how much my life has changed each and every year since we started this blog. Boomer & Echo has been a…
Read MoreRecent Widow Finds It Difficult To Move On: A Boomer & Echo Financial Makeover
Sandra Kaplan is at a crossroads. After a lengthy illness and disability, her husband Ted has passed away, leaving Sandra unsure of what to do now. Sandra, 59, had previously worked in sales at a national media company. While she received an above average salary, bonuses, and generous benefits, the job was demanding and required…
Read MoreAre Guaranteed Investment Products Worth The Premium?
The stock markets have shown some volatility this summer and this has concerned some investors who have been riding the latest “full steam ahead” bull market and think a market correction is imminent. These concerns have increased interest in investment products that have a principal guarantee. But are they worth it? These guarantees come with…
Read MoreThe Power of Asking: Why You Should Negotiate Everything
Most of us are creatures of habit – we crave routine. We bank at the same place where we first opened an account. We renew our mortgage and insurance policies automatically without shopping around for better rates. Then when we see a promotional offer from a rival cable or internet provider, we complain how loyal…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Do What You Love Edition
I’ve long been a proponent that people should pursue their dreams and not settle for a less-than-inspiring career. However, in many cases, doing what you love doesn’t necessarily put food on the table or pay the bills. Take this woman, recently featured in the Financial Post, who wanted to quit her public sector career at…
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