More investing opportunities in alternative energy

More investing opportunities in alternative energy

A look at wind and solar energies and electric vehicles

My last column looked at potential investments in nuclear and geothermal, two viable alternative energy sources. Let’s now look at possibilities in what’s considered the alternative energy holy trinity of wind, solar and electric vehicles. These three areas have taken most alternative energy investments over the past decade. Estimates of what has already been spent […] Read more

The Svartsengi geothermal power plant in Iceland. An overlooked alternative energy source is geothermal. With its volcanic environment, Iceland produces 20 per cent of its electricity with geothermal.

Investing opportunities in alternative energy

Why can’t we have a rational debate in search of pragmatic goals?

Some of my past writings may have left you with the impression I exhibit Luddite-like attitudes toward new sources of cleaner energy. That wouldn’t be an accurate impression as I have been investing in alternative energy for a long time. I simply wish there was a more fact-based, rational discussion on the pros and cons. […] Read more


A few things I don’t like about corporate behaviour

A few things I don’t like about corporate behaviour

Pet peeves about stock option awards, share buybacks and more

Generally, I write very supportively of our capitalist system as in last September’s column, “Profit is not a four-letter word.” This time I will outline several items that often reduce shareholder returns and provide fodder for socialist attacks on the capitalist system that is responsible for our high standard of living. Excessive stock option rewards […] Read more

Asking for higher compensation can be difficult, and arguments arise when what you think you need is perceived by your employer, the farm parents, as a want.

How to ask for better compensation on the farm

Talking about money can be less stressful when you start with a “reality check” of what you need

Young farm families have many expectations to manage as they work on farms as employees, raise small children and juggle time to generate off-farm revenue. Asking for higher compensation can be difficult, and arguments arise when what you think you need is perceived by your employer, the farm parents, as a want. Talking about money […] Read more


Tips to achieve financial harmony with family and lenders

Tips to achieve financial harmony with family and lenders

Consider the five C’s of small business lending as an evaluation tool for a loan

This past winter, I attended two conferences in Alberta related to farm business management. One was the annual conference of Farm Management Canada (FMC) held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains at Canmore, and the other was the annual Alberta Farm Advisor Update presented by the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA), which was held in […] Read more

Authorities didn’t think this money supply expansion would cause inflation because it didn’t cause inflation during the 2008-09 financial crisis.

Interest rate herky-jerky

What led to the demise of Silicon Valley Bank?

Here’s my definition of herky-jerky: an overreaction of equal magnitude but opposite direction to previous overreaction. Disclosure: I am in no way an expert on the nuances of money supply and the inner workings of bank policy. What follows is my layman’s perspective of what caused the March bank panic. To say I am puzzled […] Read more


Ron and Cindy know if they were to stop farming today, they would not have enough personal assets to maintain their current lifestyle spending of $6,000 per month.

What to do when capital is short and needs are long

Farm Financial Planner: Tough decisions ahead for this Manitoba couple

A farming couple from Manitoba we’ll call Ron, 67, and Cindy, 65, have run a successful farming operation for the last 40 years. They want to retire; however, none of their three kids have any interest in farming. The farm is comprised of five quarters of land and some machinery held personally by Ron and […] Read more

How do market participants decide what to buy? 

How do market participants decide what to buy? 

Steps in the selection process

There is no shortage of jargon and theories on how to select the best stocks. This column will attempt to describe the main processes people use, and what my 40 years of experience has taught me about them. Hearsay or hot tips During the speculative buildup to The Great Depression, shoeshine boys provided hot tips […] Read more


It may sound simple, but it’s estimated that 70 per cent of day traders quit after a year and 95 per cent after three, and not because they become wealthy.

Investing styles and definitions

Investing For Fun and Profit: Which category do you fall into?

After completing the last column, I thought perhaps a better definition of growth and value would be in order as well as defining other common investment styles and strategies. There are three kinds of market participants often referred to under one umbrella as “investors,” however, I like to distinguish between the three: 1. Speculators orient […] Read more

Having personal wealth spreads your wealth across the farm assets as well as on the personal side.

Froese: Build your personal wealth bubble

Smart investing can reduce your dependence on farm business assets

Why is it important to have personal investments? I found a good answer to this question online: “Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. Smart investing may allow your money to outpace inflation and increase in value. The greater growth potential of investing is primarily due to […] Read more