Lately I’ve found myself disturbed by the pessimism I hear around me. It seems to be Christians and non-Christians alike in this regard. Yes – there’s lots of bad news, but let’s put it in perspective. Overall, the world is a much better place than it was. And it is getting better. I once heard a wise person say that optimism was the only long-term reality – and if we really … [Read more...] about The case for optimism, the world is becoming a better place
Arnold Machel, CFP®
Arnold Machel lives, works, and worships in the White Rock/South Surrey area. In 1995, he founded Visionvest Financial Planning & Services with the dual goals of “effecting positive financial change” and assisting clients to “Invest with Vision”. Since that time Visionvest has received numerous recognitions, including being voted in the top three in the Best Investment/Financial Advisor category by Peace Arch News readers for the past four years in a row.
Arnold has held the Certified Financial Planner® designation since 1998 and has served on many boards, currently sitting on the board of Abundance Canada (formerly the Mennonite Foundation of Canada), a national charity focused on helping Canadians give generously. He is currently a co-host with his son, Ben, on the popular monthly Retire In BC podcast.
Questions and comments can be directed to him at dr.rrsp@visionvest.ca. Please note that all comments are of a general nature and should not be relied upon as individual advice. While every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, facts and figures are not guaranteed.
Deduct, divide and defer, taking advantage of a little-known tax strategy
The three D’s of Tax Smart Investing are Deduct, Divide and Defer. Generally, Tax Deductions are best as they usually offer the highest tax savings. Dividing can offer substantial tax savings if you are able to shift income from a high bracket taxpayer to a low bracket taxpayer. And deferring can provide substantial tax savings but is best when the deferral is decades … [Read more...] about Deduct, divide and defer, taking advantage of a little-known tax strategy
To market, to market: How the stock market really works
I’ve had a few people express some incredulity at the resilience of the stock markets lately. At the time of writing, the Dow has increased by more than 45 percent off its bottom of 18,592 on March 23. The CEO of a major mutual fund company, one whom I respect greatly, recently said he felt that the “market is overbought”. With a contrary point of view, a fund … [Read more...] about To market, to market: How the stock market really works
The more things change…
At the time of writing, it’s been nine weeks since we started this physical distancing thing. So much has changed. I’m working from home. I don’t eat out. I hardly see my kids in person. I get together with my friends infrequently. And when I’m with either, I treat them like they’re a leper, not touching and maintaining a distance. I watch church on TV now, rather than … [Read more...] about The more things change…
Take your giving to the next level: Donor advised funds
Fred inherited one million dollars. He had read my previous article on tithing and wanted to tithe on this inheritance. He wasn’t sure where he wanted it all to go, but he really wanted the tax-break this year, so he needed to make the donation this year. Wilma had $10,000 in Telus shares that she had been given years ago as an employee. Because the shares were given to her, … [Read more...] about Take your giving to the next level: Donor advised funds