by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Sep 1, 2017 | Cash Flow Concerns, Musings
This blog features a very special guest – my university-bound daughter, Rachel! Not too long ago my daughter and I had the following conversation about budgeting. If your child is anywhere from newborn to uni-bound, I hope you’ll find it useful. Mom: How prepared are...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Aug 25, 2017 | All About Investing, Risk Management
The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) is responsible for managing conflicts and complaints between Canadian banks and their customers and banks. Following a recent rash of customer complaints, the OBSI has commenced a formal review of banking sales...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Aug 15, 2017 | All About Investing, Retirement, Risk Management
Is your magic number one million dollars, two million dollars, or five hundred thousand dollars? It really depends on six primary factors. These six factors, depending on how they relate to you, will either mean you have to save more or less to be comfortable in...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Aug 8, 2017 | All About Investing, Retirement, Risk Management
Clients will occasionally ask: Why isn’t my investment doing well? Then I ask which one they’re concerned about, and what they’re basing that determination on. They say: Well, that’s what the statement says. That’s what I’m looking at! But statements can be...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Jul 25, 2017 | All About Investing, Cash Flow Concerns, For Business Owners
The investigation began in 2014. It concluded, with remarkable speed and efficiency, in 2016. As a result, major Canadian banks and investment institutions repaid hundreds of millions to customers across the country. Based on years of overcharging. The OSC (Ontario...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Jul 13, 2017 | In the News
Financial planner Rona Birenbaum says the most compelling reason to buy a critical illness policy would be if someone isn’t eligible for disability insurance — for instance, a stay-at-home parent who doesn’t have an income to replace. Full Article on...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | Jun 16, 2017 | For Business Owners, Musings, Retirement, We Think You Might Enjoy...
“If you can get your hands on a directory of doctors, you’ll be made.” Believe it or not, this was part of my training as a rookie financial adviser over 20 years ago when cold-calling, door-knocking and investment seminars were the primary methods...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | May 30, 2017 | Cash Flow Concerns, Musings
Maybe some of you remember my blog post of 2010, on whether or not to give a child an allowance? In case you didn’t catch it, or don’t boast a photographic memory, I’m reproducing it below. My daughter was 11 at the time. She turns 18 next month and will be heading to...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | May 24, 2017 | Risk Management
By now, most of you working with a financial advisor or robo-advisor have completed a standard risk tolerance questionnaire. You know the questions: How much of a percentage decline in your portfolio can you tolerate over the short term? How soon will you been needing...
by Rona Birenbaum BAS CFP®, CHFS | May 17, 2017 | Cash Flow Concerns, Musings
A “job for life” is a thing of the past. Most Canadians will receive a termination notice at least once in their career. Don’t leave getting the best possible treatment in your severance to chance. If you are hesitating getting legal advice before signing on the...
