Best of

This weekend we celebrate the harvest in Canada, with our version of Thanksgiving. At this time, we need to remember the turkey, and the contribution it makes to our festive tables. Traditionally for Canadians this weekend is a time for families and friends to get together (nothing compared to our raucous neighbours Thanksgiving in November, however) and remember that charity at this time of plenty is important as well.

The ugly side of sports showed itself as a Blue Jay fan chucked a beer can (and almost hit) an unsuspecting Orioles player. As a lifetime Expos fan, I am unimpressed, and if I saw anyone do that at a ball game, I’d point them out to the authorities. Come on Torontonians figure out who the culprit is and do the right thing. The only Knucklehead at the Jays game should be R.A. Dickey!

It is also Oktoberfest in my old stomping grounds of Kitchener/Waterloo (and Germany) (a good use of beer, as well). This wonderful fall tradition starts (officially) on Thanksgiving weekend. Allegedly, the PM himself will be tapping the first keg.

The big financial news for the week was Minister Morneau Announces Preventative Measures for a Healthy, Competitive and Stable Housing Market, which we shall see how it impacts the bubbling house markets in some cities in Canada.

Stuff I wrote this week

I had grandiose plans of writing a bunch of stuff this week, but life does sometimes get in the way of my best laid plans. It’s not quite what I had in mind (Financially) outlines how some folks settle for bad service, with their money, and they should not. You worked hard to make that money, fight to make it do the most for you.

I keep asking the same question on Social Media, but I never get an answer, RDSP: Question for Canadian Big Banks, asks why is the RDSP such a piss poor program at most banks? I have yet to have anyone from a bank respond to it.

Deep Financial Tweets

The Buddha mentions the following happiness:

Ananasukha – the happiness derived from not being in debt.

#DeepThoughtsOnMoney pic.twitter.com/GMmN4vnnEh

— Big Cajun Man (aw) (@bigcajunman) October 4, 2016

Read More »Thanksgiving, Knuckleheads, Debt & the Buddha & #Moneytalk

Autumn has arrived in Ottawa, which of course means that Winter is Coming, but unfortunately the financial pundits down south are also warning of Financial Winter, in the face of possible Fed Rate increases by December. If the US starts ratcheting up interest rates, Canada might follow suit, or might not, to make the dollar weaker? I can’t remember what is in vogue these days, a Weak Dollar helping trade or a Strong Dollar, helping trade?

If Financial Winter is coming, maybe it is time to think about whether you are ready or not?

The CRTC is trying to make sure our Internet Access (at home) is not only available from specific companies, however, the Monopolies (Bell, Telus, Rogers) are not playing very nice, as outlined in ‘We need to fix this’: Big telcos hoard fibre optic networks despite CRTC order. Companies like Teksavvy have been trying to compete, but continue to run into the Monopolies lack of co-operation.

Preet and Money

We see him here, we see him there, that Preet B. is everywhere!.

Financial expert, @preetbanerjee gave @jmacspeaks tips on how parents can make their children more money savvy
https://t.co/T1SnCiGtqF

— The Morning Show (@morningshowca) August 29, 2016

Read More »Rate Rises, Winter is Coming, Access Neutrality and #MoneyTalk

Canadian unemployment rose to 7% in 2016 while household debt climbed what this means for your finances.

In this 2016 financial snapshot, we explore Canada’s tuition cost increases, the economic implications of loose money policies by the Bank of Canada, and how distractions like iPhone 7 launches pull focus from bigger financial issues. Featuring thoughts on CCB impacts, textbook expenses, and provincial cost disparities. Keyword: tuition costs in Canada

Last week, we said goodbye to the Olympics and as well, to the Tragically Hip. I was never a rabid Hip fan, but I enjoy a great deal of their music (and if you listen closely to the lyrics, you might just learn something about Canada). Some might say, life goes on , but that doesn”’t mean we can”’t feel sadness about the passing of time. Also, the summer is also almost over.

How much are you willing to pay to save your life? The entire price of EpiPen silliness in the U.S. really does make me wonder if big drug companies assume they are like banks and can charge whatever they want, and there will be no repercussions. As a stockholder in Pfizer (still) I suppose I am a hypocrite for making that comment. However, Pfizer’s big money-maker is still Viagra, and if you want to gouge men who want to have a drug which has a possible side effect of “… an erection lasting more than 4 hours…”, then so be it.

I was disturbed to read the Ontario Ombudsman’s report “Nowhere to Turn”, where the Ombudsman called for systemic overhaul to help adults with developmental disabilities in crisis. The quote in the report that concerns me is:

There is still marked inconsistency in how limited funds are prioritized and distribute and families struggle with interminable waitlist delays, leaving some so desperate that they have abandoned their loved ones.

Ontario Ombudsman

My Writings for Week Ending August 26th

I started the week writing about inflation, and the arithmetic cogitations that make the numbers appear good, but the calculations that tell a different story, with Electricity Prices Continue to Sizzle in July. Electricity prices continue to go up (especially here in Ontario), while gas prices appear to be dropping which are nullifying the effects of the electricity price jump. Fun with Numbers.

I also had a lovely conversation with one of my favorite folks, Kerry from Squawkfox, and she was doing research for some work she is doing for the Globe and Mail. The topic of RESPs came up, and I remembered that I had started an article RESP Proof of Enrolment and its importance to the cashing out of the RESP funds, so I finished that one off. I typically get inspired when I chat with smart money folks, so thanks Kerry.

An Excellent Question

An interesting question from a follower:

@bigcajunman RDSP for special needs kids – why haven't you opened an account? $11,000 is up for grabs in the 1st yr. pic.twitter.com/PUU7Ivdnyg

— Punch McKully ?? (@kayaking_canada) August 24, 2016

Read More »Farewell, EpiPens, Ombudsman Report and #MoneyTalk