A power of attorney (POA) can be a difficult topic on several levels, especially for those who don't or won't understand it because they don't think anyone should act on their behalf. Or in the case of an offspring, have their eyes on a financial prize when the elder departs.
The top 10 excuses we make about bad money decisions
Human beings have an astounding facility for self-deception when it comes to their own money. People who make bad money decisions can often rationalise them. Here are 10 common excuses.
Q and A: Canadian pension expert Barry LaValley
Canadian retirement expert, author and founder of the Retirement Lifestyle Center Barry LaValley was in Hawke's Bay this week, talking to clients of the Hastings-based Stewart Group, and addressing about 60 people at a public meeting on retirement issues in Hastings.
The vacationer's guide to investing
Two colleagues went on holiday separately. One had a great time. The other had a miserable experience. Their respective stories provide valuable lessons, not just about taking a vacation, but about investment.
The Value of Portfolio Modelling Simulations in Financial Planning
As part of our financial planning process, when clients have to make important decisions, we like to “stress test” their plan. One of the tools that we may use is a Monte Carlo simulation.
Financial plan is like a voyage - so have navigator onboard
Embarking on a financial plan is like sailing around the world. The voyage won't always go to plan and there will be rough seas, but those who are prepared, flexible, patient and well advised greatly increase the odds of reaching their destinations.
The Devil wears nada
The global fashion industry is fickle by nature, pushing and then pulling trends to keep hapless consumers forever turning over their wardrobes. Some people in the financial services industry work the same way.
Busy investing is not smart investing
A big part of the financial services industry has a vested interest in convincing you that the key to a successful investment experience is staying busy. Where you stand in the debate about staying "busy" by thinking like a trader often depends on whether you see investment as the means to an end or as an end in itself!
Going green with your investments
According to a global sustainable investment group that covers Australia, New Zealand and other developed nations, assets managed under "responsible investment" strategies increased by 25 per cent between 2014-16 to US$22.89 trillion.
Money talks with your kids
Providing our kids with a strong financial foundation starts early and at home. To become a positive financial mentor for children means understanding how to approach the conversations.
The espresso portfolio
When you haven't got much capital of your own, the road to financial security can seem long, hard and complex. But the truth is that wealth building is relatively simple. All it takes is time and the price of a cup of coffee.
Which hat are you wearing?
Most of us have multiple roles — as business owners, professionals, workers, consumers, citizens, students, parents, and investors. So, our views of the world can differ according to whatever hat we're wearing at any one time.
Rainy-day Investing
Like farmers planning a harvest, investors pinning their expectations on statements about arithmetical "average" investment returns can be disappointed. As with rainfall, market returns are rarely evenly distributed either across time or place.
A retirement confab with the folks
It's easy to avoid discussing money with your parents, and in some families, the subject is almost taboo.The topic doesn't become easier to broach as parents and children age, but it does become more important.
The future of data in financial advice
The ongoing revelations about how Cambridge Analytica exploited Facebook to harvest millions of profiles have laid bare the seeming lack of control we have over our own data.
Fine-wine investment too good to be true
Wine investment has barely been on the scene for two decades, and If you have a taste for investing in wine, it could be a hobby worth the money one can spare.
Protect your business against the unexpected
A business is only as good as its people.Although you may have implemented plans to protect your buildings and equipment, it's important you don't forget about protecting one of your most important assets - your people.
Why We Do What We Do: Stories that motivates us.
Life insurance is one of those things—you don't want to learn how important it is once it's too late. But that doesn't mean we know all the right things to do when it comes to getting a policy
Should I consider dollar cost averaging?
We are sometimes asked about dollar cost averaging when investing client funds and whether this is a good idea. It is certainly something which should be considered, particularly for first time investors, and those whom are introducing a substantial lump sum deposit into their investment portfolio.
Will I run out of money in retirement?
Bill Gates wisely pointed out that "most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years".
