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ethanol production plant in western manitoba
Columns

Picks and shovels for the alternative energy industry

The dominant players in the biofuels sector today are the traditional grain handlers and processors

By
It’s said that the big money, in gold rushes of yore, wasn’t in the gold miners but in those who supplied the picks and shovels. Vendors of sins, booze and brothels also did well. With this issue we’ll have a look at companies that, while not wholly reliant on alternative energy, stand to benefit from […] Read more
Why investment is one of the most overused words
Columns, News

Why investment is one of the most overused words

To be a true investment, the purchase must meet three criteria

By
Our city cousins almost unanimously believe a house is likely to be the biggest investment they will ever make. We have all heard this and many believe it to be true. Then, after purchasing a house, they often invest in renovations to increase its value, and, of course, they must invest in furniture to make […] Read more
Since machinery is a depreciating asset, the author recommends minimizing that investment and maximizing investment in appreciating assets.
Equipment, Features, Machinery

Depreciation and farm machinery, a rule of thumb

Hidden profit robbers, Part 1

By
In my farm financial talks, I usually ask, “What’s the biggest cost in owning any piece of machinery?” In this case, I’ve already given you the answer but surprisingly some people don’t seem to be aware of that. In my 16 years of consulting farmers, I’ve noticed the old expression “guys (and gals) love their […] Read more
Columns

Evaluating your investment performance

Are you getting your money’s worth when it comes to mutual fund fee structures?

By
There has been a lot of negativity directed towards the mutual fund and financial advisory industries around performance and fees, partly because of the emergence of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with lower fees. Advisors, however, rely on mutual fund fees. My bias is towards taking control with direct stock ownership. This virtually eliminates fees and, […] Read more
The folly of market predictions
Columns

The folly of market predictions

For the best long-term predictions, predict that most predictions will be wrong

By
In a previous column, I mentioned less than half of predictions are accurate. This phenomenon has been well documented, yet market predictions continue to abound. I began making market predictions in my January 2016 newsletter, mostly to poke fun at the whole prediction process, but also to test myself against the experts. How have I […] Read more
Aerial view of farm
Columns

Thoughts on investing in real estate

Most farmers have invested in a home and in farmland. These investments are not risk free

By
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
Finding value in the stock market
Columns, Guarding Wealth

Finding value in the stock market

Guarding Wealth: With soaring pot and cryptocurrency stocks, it can be hard to find value in the market

By
It has seldom been tougher to make off-farm investments. Markets for stocks have been combed for good values and apparent bargains snapped up. The best index of just how picked over is the S&P 500 CAPE ratio, short for the Cyclically Adjusted Price Earnings ratio. It is at 32 as I write this column, up […] Read more
Index investing versus buying mutual funds
Columns, Guarding Wealth

Index investing versus buying mutual funds

Guarding Wealth: To get diversification in your portfolio you have to pay for it, but not every mix works

By
There is an old saying that you can’t beat the market. Famed investor Warren Buffett has said, “Mr. Market always wins.” One school of investing agrees that, given you can’t beat the market, you might as well join it. That is the birth of index investing: the concept of buying index funds packed in exchange […] Read more
Farm Financial Planner: Grandchild will inherit widow’s farm
Columns

Farm Financial Planner: Grandchild will inherit widow’s farm

Managing taxes across the generations takes extra effort and a careful approach

By
Celeste, as we’ll call her, is 75. She lives in south central Manitoba and owns a 320-acre farm. Her husband, who we’ll call Edward, passed away earlier this year. The farm, a mixed grain and grazing operation, was profitable for many years. The couple put about $382,300 into off-farm investments over the years. Celeste’s problem […] Read more

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