Rising U.S. bond yields have pundits sounding alarm bells, but history tells a calmer story. This week’s newsletter unpacks what 5 % yields really mean, shows why the bond market isn’t in meltdown, debunks “doom” forecasts, and explains why low-cost, diversified portfolios still outshine pricey active managers—with a bonus video on FIRE, renting vs. buying, and more.
One of the most common questions I receive as a financial planner is: “How much do I need to retire?” In this video, I break down a simple—but often misunderstood—approach using the famous 4% Rule. We’ll walk through a realistic example of a Canadian couple retiring at 65, factoring in CPP, OAS, taxes, and how to translate monthly spending into a retirement savings target. While the 4% rule isn’t perfect, it can give you a helpful starting point as you begin planning your retirement.
Why did you owe taxes after your first year of retirement? If you retired recently and were shocked by a CRA tax bill — you’re not alone. In this video, I walk you through a real-life example of two retirees who earned the same income but had very different experiences at tax time. You'll learn why many Canadian retirees face unexpected tax bills, how your decisions about withholding taxes affect your final tax return, and simple steps to avoid CRA surprises and sleep better at night.
Inheriting stock can feel like a gift—but it also comes with big decisions.In this video, I walk through a real-life situation where a retiree inherited a large single stock position and wasn’t sure whether to keep it or sell it.
In this episode, Mark Walhout addresses a viewer's question about distributing their home between their sons to avoid probate. He outlines the potential risks and tax implications of adding children to the title of a property, including loss of control and legal exposure. Mark also discusses alternative strategies like using an alter ego trust to meet estate planning goals while minimizing risks. Learn what steps to take and who to consult for devising an effective estate plan.