There is a lot of woe out on the land. Folks with Canadian equity mutual funds lost 34.6 per cent in 2008. Canadian small to mid cap stock funds dropped 40.6 per cent. Natural resources funds lost 44.8 per cent. And financial services funds loaded up with banks and insurance companies lost 45.9 per cent. […] Read more
Tips To Repair Your Portfolio
Ponzi schemes and other scams are all too common. Be on your guard, and stay away from deals that are too good to be true
We have not heard the last of this (Madoff) tragedy, but the lesson — beware tales of the fabulous — needs to be told, even shouted. The investing world is mesmerized by the story of Bernard Madoff, the New York financial whiz who, as his name suggests, made off with what is reported to be […] Read more
If you want a set sum at retirement, you have ways to guarantee the money will be there. You pay a premium for this security, but you might sleep better at night
In the midst of the ongoing financial crisis, what was once good advice for investors seems outdated. That advice has usually been to diversify. Have stocks and bonds, some life insurance and maybe some real estate and commodities. Farmers and ranchers are in the commodity business and tend to own their land. That’s pretty good […] Read more
In a time of crisis, investing in “dull” bonds is good if it lets you sleep at night
Because the word “mortgage” is considered risky these days, Canada Mortgage Bonds (CMBs) are paying premium rates — even though they are issued by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. and have a Government of Canada guarantee. The financial meltdown now underway has devastated every sector of the stock market from fertilizer stocks like Potash Corp., […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
