The US has had tariffs since the Tariff Act of 1789. They are not new. Free Trade in North America is relatively new. We first crafted a Canada US Free Trade Agreement (CUSFTA) in 1988. It was then followed up by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 and finally that was replaced by the United State-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA). Prior to that we had … [Read more...] about Understanding tariffs and how they may affect you
Life
Navigating the facets of everyday life including managing finances, growing old, being single, staying healthy and more.
Scary Times: Three strategies to reduce your anxiety
Lately, clients have been coming into my office and expressing shock and awe at how well their portfolios have done. I’d love to take the credit, but for the most part it’s been due to a mismatch between reality and a perception caused by media coverage. Things just aren’t as bad out there as you might believe if you based everything on what you heard in the media. Never in … [Read more...] about Scary Times: Three strategies to reduce your anxiety
It’s a taxing time
Six strategies to lower your tax bill for 2025 Yuck – it’s tax time... again! Maybe you’ve already completed, filed and paid for the year. If so, then way to go! You are in a very proactive minority. There aren’t a lot of stats about when people file, but a survey in 2019 indicated that on April 2, 51percent of British Columbians had yet to file their tax returns. If you … [Read more...] about It’s a taxing time
Decluttering outwardly and inwardly
“You’re not moving, are you?” asked one of my neighbours with a concerned look on her face. “No, I’m just trying to get more organized at home,” I reassured her. But I could see why she thought I might be getting ready to move. Several of our neighbours had left recently, and I had been stacking a number of boxes beside the garage for the next thrift store pickup. That’s when … [Read more...] about Decluttering outwardly and inwardly
Where there’s a will: 5 estate planning pitfalls to avoid
Let’s just start off with a huge caveat. I am not a lawyer. I don’t prepare or give advice on the preparation of wills, powers of attorney or representation agreements. I do, however, help people to understand the financial implications of their decisions and so I often help guide people with those items. In short, I work with families and lawyers to assist in good decision … [Read more...] about Where there’s a will: 5 estate planning pitfalls to avoid