My January 8, 2019, column titled, “Re-think what you thought, Part 2” contained a statement that a common misperception is that a house is one’s most important investment. For farmers, a house often comes with the farm, which is clearly an investment. Does this apply to those who don’t farm? I wish to clarify that […] Read more
Thoughts on investing in real estate
Most farmers have invested in a home and in farmland. These investments are not risk free
The much-maligned RRSP
RRSP’s have a bad reputation lately, but for many investors, they’re a good option
By the time you read this the 2018 Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) deadline will have come and gone. However, I suspect most readers will have contribution room available, which can be found on your annual income tax “Notice of Assessment.” Many Canadians have tossed the RRSP into the trash bin, favouring the TFSA. I […] Read more
Investment success factors
Some personal and investment-focused factors that drive investing success
In September of last year I was interviewed by the Globe and Mail, Canada’s premier business newspaper. A question that really made me think was, “What accounts for your outperformance since the 1990s?” I would like to delve into this question, dividing the answer into personal and investment factors. Personal factors for success The personal […] Read more
A dynamic investment trio: TFSA, Stocks, the ‘Rule of 72’
Use the three parts of this trio to build your own self-sustaining retirement program
The TFSA program is beneficial to all, but is especially beneficial to the younger generation who have an unprecedented ability to use its tax-free compounding potential for many years. Let’s look at how the TFSA can be combined with stock investments, compounding through the “Rule of 72,” to build a self-sustaining retirement program. Stocks are […] Read more
Down markets aren’t bad markets
A review of 2018’s market performance shows a slight gain from the sample portfolio
Down markets are great if you’re in the stock buying mood. Markets ended 2018 with a thud. In the fourth quarter there were declines of about 16 per cent in Canada and 20 per cent in the U.S., closing the year slightly off these lows. Financial headlines were dire, with many suggesting the worst December […] Read more
2019 SMART Investing Goals
Setting personal financial goals for the upcoming year is a good way to make sure you grow your portfolio
2018 has been a challenging year for stock and bond investors around the world. Virtually every asset class, in every country is down year-to-date. Following is a sampling of stock market declines (not including dividends) around the world as at mid-December, 2018: China is down 22 per cent, Germany 16 per cent, Canada 10 per […] Read more
Re-think what you thought, Part 2
Four more common financial investing myths, de-bunked by Herman VanGenderen
This article is a continuation of my previous column, and a summary of the themes of my 30- to 45-minute presentation. Most stock investing perceptions are actually misperceptions. I outlined five common misperceptions in the previous article. Here are another four. 1. You have to sell to make a profit The three companies I have […] Read more
Fear is easier to market than facts
Despite the potential stability of a well-structured portfolio, stock-phobia abounds
A phobia is defined as an extreme or irrational fear. I Googled phobias. There is a fear of money officially called chrematophobia, but no official fear of stocks so I will just refer to it as stock-phobia. Why are so many individuals afraid to invest in stocks when they represent one of the best wealth […] Read more
Investing in speculations: an oxymoron
Is that investment you’re considering an actual investment? Or are you speculating?
Are cryptocurrencies and marijuana stocks investments? How about a technology company like Tesla? I can’t seem to have a conversation without being asked about these types of companies, although the cryptocurrency discussion has declined with their prices. Let’s look at the financials of Tilray, a marijuana stock, and Tesla. At the time of writing Tilray […] Read more
Is market level relevant? If you’re an investor, not a speculator, market predictions are futile
Investing for Fun and Profit with Herman VanGenderen
I am about to question one of the sacred beliefs of market pundits. It is my belief that market level isn’t very important to our investing success. What? Does that make sense? First, let’s look at how accurate market predictions tend to be. Reading about the topic leads me to believe the prediction success rate […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
