Our Views

In my insurance practice, I am meeting more and more baby boomers with the same predicament: they have a life insurance policy they no longer need, that has no cash value and annual premiums that are getting more and more expensive.  It becomes a source of irritation to see cash going out the ... Keep Reading "Found money: How to unlock value from an old insurance policy" >

A recent article in the Financial Post concludes that spending by those who are retired declines with age and correspondingly wealth increases for those over 70 years of age. Our experience is quite the opposite among the higher net worth clients we have helped through retirement. In fact, I ... Keep Reading "Increased wealth after age 70? Don’t bet on it." >

Many of my clients have adult children graduating from university and starting a new career. For many it’s the first time they have had to manage finances and plan for the longer term. Now is the time to establish good habits and attitudes that will last a lifetime. Here is my list of the top... Keep Reading "The top 10 things our children should know about money" >

A guest blog by Dr. Julie A. Morton. Provocative new research at the University of California, Berkley, suggests that those of means ARE different from their more humble brethren, and NOT in ways that would make one proud. According to studies conducted by social psychologist Paul Piff and his ... Keep Reading "Does wealth breed selfishness?" >

As an independent professional woman, I’ve always bristled at the suggestion that there is somehow a difference in how I approach the management of my assets simply because of my gender. But having just come back from a Women Advisors’ Forum in the U.S. this week, I have to say there is a lot of... Keep Reading "What women want from their financial advisors" >

“Am I wealthy?” It’s a question we are often asked by clients. Given that many of them live modest lifestyles, a lot of them don’t feel wealthy. A study by Fidelity Investments found that 42% of American millionaires do not feel wealthy. The investable asset level at which ... Keep Reading "Do you feel wealthy?" >

I recently had the experience of counselling a long-time client who, despite a very secure financial position, was overcome with anxiety about money. What became clear to both of us after a lengthy and at times emotional discussion was that her anxiety was not about money at all. Rather it was ... Keep Reading "Surviving spouse, it’s okay to spend the money" >

I was given a lottery ticket as birthday gift at a dinner with friends on the weekend. The condition was that we would all share the pot. It was great value to dream for even a few hours of how life could change with $41 million. Sudden wealth via the lottery, inheritance or selling a... Keep Reading "Winning the lottery – a dream for all; a nightmare for some" >