Blog Hubspot Tags: Financial planning

Market Minutes, May 2026

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

Despite a still-shuttered Strait of Hormuz causing a snare in global commodity trade, equity markets staged an impressive rebound in April.  The nations at war are technically bound by a ceasefire at the time of writing. But that agreement is fragile at best; progressing toward peace and backsliding into open conflict seem to trade headlines […]

Market Minutes, June 2026

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

While geopolitical uncertainty continues in the Middle East and high energy prices have dampened the economic outlook, near-record earnings growth was May’s defining feature. Led by the technology sector, equities drew applause while bonds did the more honest accounting. In our view, bond markets are being more forthright about latent and emerging risks. Equities, by […]

Market Minutes, March 2026

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

The past few weeks have been particularly eventful, with many headlines seemingly at odds with one another. As investors are buffeted by crosswinds, some market segments have fared better than others. Global equities trended higher overall, yet the S&P 500 declined in February. The Canadian economy contracted by 0.6% in the most recent quarter, while […]

Market Minutes, February 2026

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

Markets have started the year on a high note, with both equities and credit securities delivering positive returns. Impressive fourth-quarter earnings, potentially lower interest rates in the United States, abundant liquidity, capital parked in money market funds—investors have focused their attention here, overlooking geopolitical flashpoints for the time being. The notably absent response highlights an […]

The Psychology of Money: From Biases to Better Decisions

A hedge maze with a dollar sign statue at the center, set against an orange background, symbolizes the twists and turns of financial decisions and the Psychology of Money.

Bellwether Investment Management recently featured Dr. Preet Banerjee, a neuroscientist-turned-financial expert, for an eye-opening client webinar on the psychology of money hosted by Bob Sewell, the firm’s founder and chairman.  His central message? We’re fighting against millions of years of evolution when it comes to making smart financial decisions. The evolutionary trap Dr. Banerjee opened […]

Canada Federal Budget 2025 Economic & Market Analysis

Canadian flag in the foreground with the black and white Parliament buildings in Ottawa against an orange background, highlighting the significance of Budget 2025.

“The global uncertainty we are facing demands bold action to secure Canada’s future. Budget 2025 is an investment budget.” — François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue Quick Summary The Carney government has passed its first official budget under subpar conditions. Finding itself in the middle of a trade dispute hampering economic growth, the […]

Market Minutes, November 2025

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

Fuelled by interest rate reductions, a strong start to the third quarter earnings season, and sustained enthusiasm for AI-related investments, global markets trended positively throughout October. Naturally, these positive forces have been well-received. What was less expected was the muted reaction toward the longest U.S. government shutdown in history. Although the circumstances have made official […]

Market Minutes, December 2025

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

Compared to where they began the month, many global stock markets showed little change as November drew to a close. This perceived indifference has papered over pronounced day-to-day volatility, as equities fell in the first half only to regain lost ground in the second. The circumstances unveil investor priorities and serve as a sound lesson […]

Market Minutes, September 2025

Bellwether Market Minutes, August 2026—July market recap

September rewarded investors with another exceptional month of equity returns. Many of the world’s leading stock indices climbed by roughly 5% despite what is historically a weak month of the year—a sound reminder that seasonal patterns shouldn’t be the basis for investment decisions. North America’s two largest economies found relief through interest rate reductions, which […]

Estate Bond Strategy: Tax-Efficient Wealth Transfer in Canada

A black and white tree model, symbolizing tax-efficient wealth transfer, is enclosed in a glass dome, set against a solid bright green background.

Originally posted on June 18, 2025. Updated on March 5, 2026. There’s a common misconception that estate planning is purely a future-focused exercise. In practice, the right approach can improve tax-efficiency today. The estate bond strategy can do exactly that—surplus capital moves into an exempt permanent life insurance policy, where it grows with less tax […]

Third Chapter: Estate Planning with Confidence & Clarity

Two adult hands gently hold two childrens hands, which grasp a paper cutout of a family of four—symbolizing clarity and confidence in estate planning—set against a solid blue background.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Family Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

Third Chapter: 5 Ways to Proof Your Investment Recipe

Two hands kneading dough on a bright orange background, illustrating the perfect investment recipe for success.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Family Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

Third Chapter: Capital Conversations

Three women smiling and looking at a laptop together, with one woman pointing at the screen; the solid orange background highlights their collaborative life planning.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Family Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

Why Fixed Income Matters

Four smooth gray stones arranged in a curved line on a plain green background, each casting a white shadow—a serene composition reminiscent of stability and balance, much like the appeal of fixed income investments.

“Bond selection is primarily a negative art. It is a process of exclusion and rejection, rather than of search and acceptance.” — Benjamin Graham

Third Chapter: An Update on Settling My Mom’s Estate

Row of traditional brick terraced houses with chimneys along a residential street, hedges in front, and clear blue sky above—an inviting setting often pictured during an estate settlement or an estate update.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Family Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

10 Things to Know About Dividend Tax Efficiency

A young plant sprouting from soil against a plain blue background, with roots and seed visible below the surface—symbolizing the growth potential of tax-efficient investing from the ground up.

“A stock dividend is something tangible—it’s not an earnings projection; it’s something solid, in hand. A stock dividend is a true return on the investment. Everything else is hope and speculation.” —Richard Russell — Richard Russell

Third Chapter: Actionable Investment Goals

An adult and a child sit together on a couch, reading a book about actionable investment goals. The background is orange and the image is outlined in white.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Family Wealth Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

reBalanced Portfolio

A person walking barefoot on a tightrope against a bright green background, shown from a low angle, symbolizes the careful balance of a reBalanced Portfolio.

“Diversifying sufficiently among uncorrelated risks can reduce portfolio risk toward zero. But financial engineers should know that’s not true of a portfolio of correlated risks.” — Harry Markowitz, Father of Modern Portfolio Theory

Third Chapter: Structuring a Resilient Portfolio

A group of modern and historic skyscrapers in black and white with a solid green sky background, symbolizing resilient portfolio structuring and solid investment strategies.

Today’s article is a guest submission from Janine Guenther CFA, CMT, a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor with over 30 years of industry experience. The views here do not necessarily represent those of Bellwether Investment Management.

Advisor Highlight: An Interview with Chris Jardine

A man in a suit and tie stands smiling against a green background with the text Advisor Highlight overlayed, featuring Chris Jardine from our recent Advisor Interview series.

“A good financial planner knows your goals, but a great one understands the motivations behind them.”  — Chris Jardine CFP®, CIM Making the move from one financial services firm to the next can be daunting, but when you make the right choice, it can make all the difference for you and your business. As a […]

Interest Rates Outlook: Housing Holdups?

A silver key attached to a house-shaped keychain, set against an orange background, symbolizes the current housing outlook.

“Housing affordability is a significant problem in Canada—but not one that can be fixed by raising or lowering interest rates.”  — Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada

Family Day: How Do You Define Legacy?

Four people sit side by side, facing away from the camera, on a blue background—capturing a quiet Family Day moment that helps define legacy across generations.

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” —Robert Kiyosaki

From Good to Great: Alternative Investment Opportunities in Renewable Energy

Seven white wind turbines stand in a row against a bright green background, each with three blades, highlighting renewable energy and attractive investment opportunities in clean power.

“Energy is essential for development, and sustainable energy is essential for sustainable development.” — Tim Wirth For a former member of the Senate born in 1939, Wirth was considered a trailblazer in the world of low-carbon energy alternatives, natural gas, and environmental issues. Once an unimportant subject often minimized by more pressing contemporary issues of […]

Pass the Torch Without Getting Burned: Adult Children, Risks, and Advisors

Two hands are shown against a blue background, with one hand passing a baton to the other, symbolizing advisors guiding adult children in transferring responsibility and managing potential risks.

“Letting go is hard. But harder still is not letting them reach their full potential.” — Anonymous When it comes to threats facing client-advisor relationships and your long-term financial plan, it’s unlikely that “adult children” come to mind. But in reality, failing to warm your adult children to your advisor can cause significant issues down […]

Is $2 Million the New 1$ Million for Retirement?

Two people seated in wooden lounge chairs hold hands under a large patio umbrella, set against a plain blue background—enjoying the comfort of retirement and the rewards of their $2 million retirement savings.

“A million dollars isn’t what it used to be” — Howard Hughes Born in Texas in 1905, the (in)famous business magnate’s words still hold weight. Suddenly, the romanticized goal of $1 million is under scrutiny as a realistic, sustainable nest egg for retirement. Inflation may eat away at your savings, but if you understand how […]

Dividend Growth Potential

“History provides a crucial insight regarding market crises: they are inevitable, painful and ultimately surmountable.” — Shelby M.C. Davis

Budgeting Tips for 2023

“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we shall be broke indeed.” – Edmund Burke

Ukraine-Russia War: Strategies to protect your portfolio

Four fighter jets flying in formation against a light blue sky, symbolizing strong investment strategies to protect your portfolio during uncertain times.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened volatility in stocks, bonds, commodities and currencies. While it’s important for investors to assess the economic impact and potential for future disruptions, it’s also critical to assess the situation from a rational and long-term perspective, no matter how hard it may seem today. In this blog, we’ll walk you […]

What are the Tax Implications of Charitable Giving?

One person holds a wooden bowl with coins while another hand drops a coin into it, symbolizing charitable giving against a green background.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadians contribute billions of dollars to charity every year, more recently $10.3 billion in 2019. Most people don’t seem to be motivated by tax incentives to donate to a good cause. There is, however, no disadvantage to claiming charity tax credits when filing your income tax return: it is simple and […]

Making a Difference: How to Optimize Your Charitable Giving Strategy?

Three people in uniform shirts organize canned goods and write on a clipboard, demonstrating an effective charitable giving strategy. An orange background and several cans stacked nearby complete the scene.

While a charitable contributions plan should never be pursued primarily for the goal of claiming a tax credit, there are methods you can contribute to help charities in need today while simultaneously claiming the maximum benefit available to you. The ideal charitable giving strategy for you will be determined by your age, the quantity and […]

How to structure your investments for retirement

A white molecular model with seven spheres connected by rods is displayed on a solid light green background, symbolizing the importance of structure investments for effective retirement planning.

Structuring your investments is a critical consideration as you approach retirement. But how do you structure them? How do you fund your retirement in the right way, achieving reliable growth of wealth as well as cash flow? Let’s take a look.

Never too early or too late: When to start planning for retirement?

A runner in starting position at the blocks, hands on the ground and feet secured, embodies the drive needed for retirement planning, set against an orange background.

It’s difficult to say exactly how much money you will need once you retire — lifestyles, circumstances and needs vary — but it is estimated that Canadians require around $1M to retire comfortably. This is a little worrying when we consider that 32% of Canadians between 45 and 64 years old have no retirement savings, and 43% […]

How to Grow Your Income After Retirement

A lightbulb containing a small plant sits in soil next to stacks of coins, all set against a solid green background, symbolizing how to grow income after retirement.

Achieving a reliable retirement income is a major concern for many people these days. Canadians are living longer, with life expectancy increasing by more than 11 years in the last half a century, and expect to maintain a high standard of living throughout retirement. But how can this be funded? With the right approach, retirees […]

Can I Retire Early? Living the Dream with Retirement Planning

A gray tabby cat is curled up and sleeping against a solid lime green background, living the dream just like someone enjoying early retirement.

Early retirement — this might seem like an impossible dream. But is it really so impossible? Not with the right approach to retirement planning. Take a look at some top tips to making your money work for you so you can plan for early retirement in the right way.

How to Approach Investing in the New Normal

A stack of five disposable gray face masks with white ear loops, arranged against a plain light blue background, highlights an essential part of the new normal.

Things have changed. A lot. The pandemic has shifted wealth, pushed some industries down while propping others up, disrupted global supply chains, uprooted workforces, and reminded us all that the only constant is change. Making investment decisions in this chaotic environment can be tricky, especially if you are nearing retirement and may need to access […]

Retirement Planning Tips for the New Normal

A person wearing a hat, mask, and jacket holds and looks at a tablet device against a solid green background, perhaps searching for retirement tips in the new normal.

Did your retirement plans change during the pandemic? Whether your earnings were impacted or you have different priorities, if you are like many Canadians, your retirement goals are different today than they were in 2019. In a 2021 financial industry survey, more than half of the respondents claimed they are now rethinking where they want to live […]

How Bellwether Is Different Than Traditional Financial Planning Firms and Banks

Three people in business attire have a discussion; one is seated, while the other two stand, holding documents, against a bright green background—perfect for financial planning firms like Bellwether or modern banks.

Your nest egg is more than just money. It may represent years of hard work and financial diligence, as well as the promise of a prosperous future for you and your family. Naturally, you want to be discerning when deciding whom to seek financial guidance from. Someone who doesn’t have your best interests in mind […]

5 Habits of High-Net-Worth Individuals

A person holding and reading an open book, with an orange background on the left side—reflecting the habits of High-Net-Worth Individuals who value continuous learning.

High-net-worth individuals (HNWI) enjoy plenty of financial freedom. If you want to have the flexibility to do more with your money too, consider picking up some of the most common habits of the comfortablywealthy. The following are prudent habits anyone can use to build and maintain wealth.

3 Ways a Financial Advisor Can Help You Build Wealth

A person in a shirt and tie places a brick onto a wall of stacked bricks against a blue background, symbolizing how financial planning helps build wealth step by step.

With the internet, you have access to endless information online, enabling you to research different investments and wealth-building strategies yourself. So, the question is, if you have useful info at your fingertips, what will you gain from consulting with a professional advisor? Is a financial advisor worth it?   You can make smart financial decisions […]

How COVID-19 Is Impacting Retirement Planning

Five light bulbs are suspended in a row against a green background, with one bulb on the right pulled back as if in motion, symbolizing the impact of retirement planning much like a Newton's cradle.

The COVID pandemic has upended everyday life and changed our view of the future. Many Canadians have also experienced some degree of financial upheaval, either through a job loss, thwarted business plans, or even time off work due to illness. For those nearing retirement, pandemic-related financial disruption can pose a lot of challenges. Let’s look […]

Should You Take Your CPP Early or Wait?

A clear hourglass with silver caps, half-filled with white sand, stands upright against a solid light green background—symbolizing the choice to wait to take CPP or take CPP early.

Whether you start early or wait, the age that you begin withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) will impact how much income you have at your disposal during retirement. Take CPP early and receive less each month but for a longer period of time. Wait until 65 or 70 and count on more income […]

How to Plan For Retirement at Every Stage of Life

Five potted flowers at different growth stages, from wilted on the left to fully bloomed on the right, against an orange background—symbolizing the various retirement stages as you plan for retirement.

Retirement planning isn’t a linear process. Your plan should be dynamic, evolving with you as you reach each life stage and as your financial circumstances change. Here’s a helpful guide to retirement planning by age. Use it to identify what you can focus on at different periods of your life.

What Can I Expect from CPP?

Five elderly men sit together on a bench, wearing light-colored shirts and hats, perhaps discussing their expectations for retirement and the Canada Pension Plan, against a plain blue background.

When planning for retirement, you’ll want to factor in how much you should receive from Canada’s public pensions. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) pays out a monthly, taxable benefit to all eligible Canadians and acts as a source of income during retirement. However, it’s important to view CPP as only one part of your overall […]

When Should You Start Planning for Retirement?

When it comes to personal financial goals, saving enough money to live comfortably during retirement is one of the most critical, yet many Canadians don’t believe they’re saving enough. According to a 2020 Scotiabank Retirement Survey, 68 percent are saving for retirement, but 70 percent are worried that they’re not on track. The earlier you start […]

What Is Holistic Financial Planning?

Holistic financial planning takes every piece of your unique financial puzzle into account. It looks beyond the numbers and financial modelling. Personal goals—how the decisions you make today impact long-term objectives—, investment preferences, lifestyle priorities; any variables that may change along the way. A holistic plan considers all of these, and more, to identify actions […]