When you spend money or make investment decisions, you might actually be repeating the actions of your parents and family members without considering if those actions work for you. In fact, you might be imitating behaviours that you don’t even agree with. The following quiz will ask you to recall your childhood experiences, dreams, fantasies and memories. You’ll examine the lessons you were taught about money in childhood, and recognize how this has influenced your adult spending habits. You’ll discover how your values were formed and perhaps even a few things you’ll want to change about yourself. Tip: Why not ask your significant other, close friend, or family member to take this quiz as we

THREE GENERATIONS, ONE HOUSEHOLD. When Boomers, Gen X-ers and Millennials come together under one roof, differing experiences and opinions about money can lead to family friction. Each generation has a different perception of risk, which typically comes from their early money experiences. Many Boomers grew up at a time when money was scarce, which makes them resistant to spending even if they can afford it. Their emotional response to a five percent loss in their portfolio is far greater than the emotional high from a five percent gain. Gen X-ers want freedom from that kind of denial but worry about making ends meet, paying down debt, and taking care of aging parents. Millennials meanwhile a

Global markets continue to march higher After a near bear market in the final three months of 2018, we have experienced a sharp reversal during the first half of 2019, with two recent material market-shaping events. First, the U.S. Federal Reserve met to discuss interest rate policy–specifically the potential for interest rate cuts, which proved positive for equity and bond performance. Second, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the G20 to discuss the trade dispute between the two countries. Afterward, both sides agreed to delay any further tariffs. Market sentiment often moves like a pendulum and after swinging toward very negative sentiment near the end of 2018, mark

IS IT TIME FOR ‘THE TALK’ ABOUT MONEY? Money is the last taboo – or so seems. It’s a sticky subject we just don’t like to talk about. But there comes a time when there’s simply no option left but to jump in and hash it out. It may be asking for a raise, reining in an overspending partner, estate planning with aging parents, or teaching children about debt. No matter the situation, leaving ‘the talk’ for too long brings consequences: unrealized goals creditors at the door delayed retirement marital friction When a couple has different spending and saving habits, it can jeopardize financial security, leave dreams unfulfilled, and cause marital tension. Failing to discuss estate plans with pare

Identity theft is a major concern across North America―and it’s not limited to adults. Increasingly, identity thieves are targeting children. Surprised? What’s even more disturbing is that the theft of a child’s identity is often carried out by a person known to the family―someone who has easy access to personal information that might be left in plain sight. Unfortunately, the theft of a child’s identity may not become apparent for years or even decades. Why? Because children do not typically have a credit file. Until they apply for a student loan, credit card or rental apartment, the damage goes undiscovered. To repair the file after such a compromise can be extremely difficult and take wee