tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828Wed, 06 Nov 2024 02:47:37 +0000financialkelownavideocredit cardbudgetdebtretirementLife insurancecash flowmortgagegame planinvestingRRSPimprove your lifemutual fundBaby boomerPensionpicturessimplifyvolunteerCanada Revenue AgencyInvestmentPersonal financecareer changefinancial housejob lossreal estatetaxesConsumer debtCreditFinancial ServicesRegistered Retirement Savings PlanTax-Free Savings AccountcratriathlonFinancial AdvisorInterest rateOld Age SecuritySavingbuilding savingsdeathfacebookfamilyinfographicinsurancemortgage insurancespend lessvacationworkingBehaviorBusinessCanada Pension PlanDebit cardHealthLayoffOkanagan ValleyRiskStatistics CanadaWork–life balancechinadownsizingfred sarkarigolfguaranteeincomemackenzie financialmoneyokanaganscamtfsatwitterApollo 11AstronautBritish ColumbiaCanadaChristmasCollection agencyCredit scoreCreditorEconomyEdmonton JournalEmploymentFinance ministerFinancial Consumer Agency of CanadaGICGoogleGovernmentGuaranteed Investment CertificateIndiaInflationJim FlahertyKamloopsMark CarneyMarketingMarketplace (TV series)Middle classMinister of FinanceMinister of Finance (Canada)Money ManagementMoney supplyMotivationNPRNew York TimesNewsletterOkanagan LakeOverdraftParentsPaymentPentictonRSPRegistered Education Savings PlanRich Dad Poor DadRio de JaneiroSavingsShoppingSkaha BluffsSmartphoneSocial mediaSpaceTerm Life InsuranceVancouverWarren BuffettWashington TimesWest Kelownaagingbar tabbubblecashflowchmccourage to be nakedcppdebitdebt freedomdietdollar cost averagingdowtown kelowna associationearly retirementexpensesfree bookgisglobe and mailgoalsgreenguaranteed incomehockeyi contactincome lossincrease incomekelly wolfemenoasobrg kelownapdfpet ownershipponzipublic speakingrecessionretirement incomesaveseminar kelownasign upsitemapspendingstock marketstressstudent debtted tvtony robbinsvolatilityweddingwillThe latest financial information and ideas from mikehassard.blogspot.com. Enjoy!http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)Blogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-2590994910906416682Sat, 13 Apr 2013 02:10:00 +00002013-04-20T17:09:38.205-07:00Baby boomerdebtretirementSaving I watched this great documentary the other day that explains what I have been seeing over the last 10 years. Baby Boomer's are caring high personal debt, saving less, and yet are more wealthy than they were a decade ago. How is this possible? (And make sure to check out the video link on the bottom of this post "Boomer Revolution" from CBC Doc Zone) Debt is higher that it has ever been http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2013/04/baby-boomers-high-debt-low-saving-very.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y6, Canada49.8802914 -119.4657842000000349.8802514 -119.46586320000003 49.880331399999996 -119.46570520000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-2210459806020871709Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:06:00 +00002012-10-03T17:39:02.828-07:00bubbledebtreal estate The real estate market bubble has burst all around the world since 2008, and now the question is the real estate bubble coming to Canada? Maybe Kelowna? Home owners that purchased homes only 5 years ago are finding their property prices are lower than their original purchase price, as they go to renew their mortgages. This is not a problem for those that intend on staying put, but for those http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/10/real-estate-bubble-canadian-style.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-4358185583267961Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:06:00 +00002012-10-06T20:27:06.672-07:00Apollo 11AstronautkelownaLife insuranceNPRSpace The other day I watched Apollo 13 for the 20th time. I really like the movie. The story is amazing one, building a CO2 scubber from spare parts and just making back alive. Then it got me thinking ... what would have happened to the families of the astronauts if they did not make it back. I doubt any life insurance company at the time would be willing to cover the risk. Then I found this http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/10/life-insurance-for-astronauts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-2400943929754551106Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:22:00 +00002012-10-03T18:00:15.242-07:00financialguaranteeincomeretirementretirement incomeRSPSavings When planning for retirement, not all income is created equal. Some income is guaranteed some is not. Some income is flexible some is less flexible.  The key to creating a balanced income in retirement is to diversify your financial assets and income streams.  This is the focus of the second part of my series on Retirement Income - Not All Income is Created Equal. (If you http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/10/retirement-income-not-all-income-is.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y6, Canada49.8803005 -119.465794649.8777425 -119.4707301 49.8828585 -119.4608591tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-359021320871909360Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:09:00 +00002012-10-03T10:33:18.067-07:00cppGICgisguaranteeguaranteed incomeincomeoasPensionretirement The image of retirement is one of luxury vacations, golfing with your friends 3 days a week and spending time with/and spoiling the grand children. The reality for many is pinching pennies, limited travel and maybe dinner out once a month. Many baby boomer's are finding the costs of their lifestyle are too much to manage in retirement. As credit card bills start to mount, downsizing has http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/06/retirement-income-how-much-is-enough.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-4534747405025771295Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:47:00 +00002012-04-12T10:09:22.493-07:00Consumer debtcredit carddebt Are you drowning in debt? If this is you are not alone. Debt has grown like a virus over the last 10 years in Kelowna. Incomes in the Okanagan are stagnant for many, others are out of work and now paying off personal debt seem almost impossible. Before you give up here are three ways to deal with your debt that can work ... Stack Your Debt  Debt Stacking is nothing new, and it canhttp://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/04/debt-free-faster-kelowna.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-480418078070024927Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:18:00 +00002012-04-06T12:20:52.960-07:00agingcash flowretirementvideo The reality for many of us in North America ... we will be dealing with the care issues of a parent/family member for 10-15 years. These issues did not exsist a generation ago. Life expectancy was  only the late 60's for men and early 70's for women. Today more people are living beyond 90-100 and care in one shape or another can last 20 to 25 years. This can be both emotionally draining http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/04/caring-for-aging-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-6123688782335347054Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:06:00 +00002012-02-11T19:01:27.139-08:00ponziscam The impact of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme is still being felt as the liquidator continues to search for assets. The latest victim has been found to be the New York Mets Baseball team. As many former "investors" with Bernie Madoff are finding out is they may never recover the money they gave to the fictitious investment, they may also owe the liquidator any of the fictitious profits receivedhttp://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/02/scam-impacts-mets.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-5574489066545525182Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:15:00 +00002012-01-24T21:20:55.724-08:00Behaviorvideo Have you every wondered why so many of us  behave the way we do when it comes to money? Why do we spend too much, even when we know it doesn't make sense. Why do we expect to pay a low price to buy something, yet once we own it we believe its value is higher. People and money seem to explode every so often, and governments and economist seem powerless to explain these financial events. http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2012/01/financial-irrationality.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Mena, AR 71953, USA34.5871427 -94.248947434.5855087 -94.2514149 34.588776700000004 -94.246479900000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-1215411828376729011Fri, 30 Dec 2011 02:05:00 +00002012-01-19T19:33:38.428-08:00credit carddebitkelownaLife insurancemortgage How much Insurance do you really need? If you buy too much, you will overpay for years, if you have too little, your beneficiaries will be left with liabilities. So getting the right amount is important. Over the years I have found many people avoid adding in all needs because they are fearful of the cost. My suggestion, add everything you need, and they you can remove things later. http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/12/life-insurance-needs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-4603761526683249617Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:31:00 +00002011-12-29T11:34:08.410-08:00Consumer debtdebtstudent debt World economies are stalling, unemployment is growing and companies are laying off of staff to cut costs. People world wide are looking for opportunities for employment and job security, and many are going back to school to better their chances. In response many post secondary schools are gearing up to meet the demand. The dark side of this expanding need for higher education is the cost http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/12/student-debt-increasing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-5637012839001130763Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:34:00 +00002011-12-27T19:46:05.536-08:00cash flowCreditdebtmortgage It comes in the mail to thousands of Canadains everyday ... a mortgage renewal from their bank. According to CMHC more than 60 % of renewals are signed and sent in.  Many home owners pay 1,000 of dollars too much for their mortgages because they don't review their current needs before they renew. Here are three things you should consider before you sign the paperwork to renew your http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/12/mortgage-renewal-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-8702428760707403437Sun, 11 Dec 2011 03:33:00 +00002011-12-14T13:57:37.439-08:00financialinvestingstock marketHave you every thought of getting rich by buying gold, investing in a technology IPO, or hitting the jackpot with a stock tip. To be honest I have. I seems we all have a desire to hit the jackpot in our lives. With all the money that can be made in stock market ... many choose to treat it more like a lottery than a market for investment. You could be next George Soro's and make 1 billion http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/12/stock-trading-reality.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-3768567548888898402Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:17:00 +00002011-11-30T11:44:50.094-08:00taxes Over the last couple of weeks I attended a  seminar focused on paying less tax. Nothing angers the average Canadian more than the idea of paying too much income tax. (Of course the room was full!) Tax Shelters are legal in Canada and they aren't new. These programs use loop holes in the tax code to put money in your pocket. The strategy of choice for many is the donation scheme. I am http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/11/pay-less-tax-maybe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-343129088632142500Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:28:00 +00002011-10-10T22:32:21.741-07:00financialscam Every year scamers take millions of North American's for billions of dollars. With easy access to  the internet the ability to reach an endless supply of potential new marks, almost anyone can become a professional con artist. According to the Better Business Bureau in 2010 Roofers had the most inquiries at 2,409,190 the most complaints were levied at the Television industry http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/10/top-financial-scams.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)11511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-8817329790248429760Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:34:00 +00002011-10-07T18:45:02.592-07:00budgetdebtfinancialspending Lets face it. It is so much easier to spend than save. We live in a spending culture. We work, we spend, we work, we spend ... such is the way we live our lives in North America.  Spending is like a disease ... if left untreated the credit card bills start to grow. Does this remind you of anyone you know? Go for a walk and stopping by a coffee shop for some hot chocolate x3 times a http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/10/budgeting-part-1.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.46578449.8777333 -119.4707195 49.882849300000004 -119.4608485tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-4981149149703910822Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:32:00 +00002011-09-17T10:34:50.010-07:00credit carddebtfinancialinfographicstress Stress is becoming a way of life for many of us.  Regardless of income many are starting to feel the pinch ... and keeping up each month is harder than has ever been. I have noticed after a number of meetings with my clients in the last 6 months, incomes are under pressure, personal debt is climbing and everyday costs are starting to rise. Add to this the prospects of potential job loss http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/09/stressed-financial-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-3022148986271998980Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:11:00 +00002011-08-14T12:40:14.657-07:00budgetfinancialinfographicpet ownershipAre you a pet owner? If you are you among a large group in Canada. From what I have been able to find there are some where in the neighbourhood of 8 million domesticated dogs and cats in Canada. Lets be honest, when you decided to get an animal did you consider the financial costs of pet ownership. The pet industry is huge and very profitable, but the effect on the personal budget can range http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/08/costly-pet-ownership.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)01511 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5Y7, Canada49.8802913 -119.4657839999999949.8802863 -119.46578949999999 49.880296300000005 -119.46577849999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-5709378274712760562Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:16:00 +00002011-07-23T13:48:31.740-07:00deathkelownaLife insurancemenLife insurance is the foundation of total needs planning. Premature death can ruin a families chance for financial success.  We have all heard the statistic men die earlier than women, but have you ever wondered why?  Yes some men are bigger risk takers, more men enlist in fighting roles in military, and some take dangerous jobs like deep sea diving, or below ground mining.  http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-men-die.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-8638001229472426697Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:46:00 +00002011-07-16T12:53:21.093-07:00chmcgreenkelly wolfekelownareal estateThe real estate market has slowed in the Okanagan and many are asking what can be done to find more buyers.   Government has come up with a program that encourages home sellers  to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with rebates and at the same time give a rebate on CMHC fees to the purchaser of the home. For more details on how this program works here is details from http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/07/save-by-going-green.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-4833588393677127571Sat, 02 Jul 2011 19:50:00 +00002011-07-02T13:15:16.104-07:00expensesfinancialweddingGetting married for many is a time in your life when your life priorities start to change. Creating a new partnership helps us to focus on what really matters, and this includes our financial lives. Unfortunately for many the road to marriage bliss comes with a huge bill attached. Based on 2010 results on the smartmoney.com the average wedding today costs more that 26,000 dollars! (The http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/07/wedding-bliss-wedding-bills.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-2256080097086191795Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:27:00 +00002011-10-07T14:14:23.842-07:00bar tabcashflowhockey The Stanley Cup finals are over ... and life is finally getting back to normal. If you are like me you have come  to terms with being number 2. I was hesitant to write about anything that relates to hockey, but I couldn't pass this up. Have you every wondered what it would be like to earn the income of a hockey player. What would it be like to spend an income of a hockey player like http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/06/spending-like-bruin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-5687991851459281340Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:15:00 +00002011-06-13T21:24:48.463-07:00early retirementretirementCanadians are for the most part hard working,  living longer and enjoy a better standard of living than many retirees in other countries. But have you wondered how we compare? Check out this infographic from Cheezburger.com comparing the average retirement ages from around the world. http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/06/retiring-around-world.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-5107168566321366582Sat, 28 May 2011 18:47:00 +00002011-05-30T10:11:06.562-07:00BehaviorfinancialFinancial AdvisorChange is never easy. Just ask my legs last Monday morning.  I am training for my first sprint triathlon and to be honest I am starting to doubt my decision. I have always been reasonably athletic. I was a good runner in high school, enjoyed lifting weights in the gym and have been able to adapt to changing athletic pursuits through out my life. Or at least until now. Last weekend I jumpedhttp://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/05/pain-of-change.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6593076171931541828.post-2409225705649422032Sun, 15 May 2011 22:46:00 +00002011-05-25T12:19:09.745-07:00investingRiskvolatilityHave you heard of an investment with out risk? I have. At least once a month I get a offer in the mail, email in my in-box or see an ad in the newspaper for a new investment that promises an amazing return with no risk.  Nothing scares an investor more than risk, and nothing contributes more to risk in investing than volatility. Just ask investors in 2008 going from the highs in spring http://mikehassard.blogspot.com/2011/05/riskless-investing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Anonymous)0