New Year, New Statements

 

With a new year, comes new and improved statements. You will notice progressively better reporting on your HollisWealth quarterly statements this year, and years to come. This includes data about your investments (initial amounts invested, performance and benchmark information), which would normally be communicated to you by us at regular reviews. Haldenby Financial Group and HollisWealth are committed to ensuring you have the most clear and transparent information at your fingertips. Communication is the most important part of any positive advisory relationship—Should you have any questions, or wish to review your statements with us, please let us know.

 

The Markets: Year in Review

 

Another challenging year for Canadian investors has wrapped up. Our Canadian economy experienced a “technical” recession in Q1 and Q2. The Toronto Stock Exchange dropped more than ten percent in 2015. Oil prices continued their downward push to 10-year lows. The US Federal Reserve raised its interest rates, and the Bank of Canada lowered its own. The best defense is diversification and ensuring you have the right asset mix. Haldenby Financial Group diversifies your portfolio to ensure you are not invested solely in Canada, but also in the US and Globally—one of the reasons why our clients and portfolios have outperformed (most positively) the Canadian market. Further, for more balanced and conservative investors, we ensure you have the protection of bonds in your portfolio.

 

Global & European markets experienced the same volatility as the Americas. Although, some of the advanced European market indexes experienced desirable positive growth. The bullish countries include France at an annual 10% increase, Germany at approximately a 9.5% increase and Italy at about 15.4%. Growth through different sectors and geographic areas shows that the best portfolio is a diversified portfolio. Dean, Cathy and Taylor are continually striving to research the best investments for clients. Seminars, webinars and meeting with our investment managers and partners are only a few ways we stay updated & knowledgeable on current market conditions.

 

 

Just the Bullet Points

  • 2016 Changes to RRIFs – Canada has lowered the mandatory minimum amount you must take from your RRIF annually. This resets the minimum approximately 2% lower. If you wish the increase your RRIF payment please contact our office.
  • The RRIF reduction change actually took affect in 2015. If you wish to re-contribute to your RRIF, please contact us any time before February 29th.
  • Hedge against the Canadian dollar fluctuation. If you are a snowbird or travel frequently to the U.S., we can price some investments in USD. Our view is that the currency depreciation could continue over the short-run and we are here to help.
  • Interest rates: there is talk that the Bank of Canada could potentially cut interest rates again in 2016. This means lower rates for mortgage holders and savers. We are here to offer conservative alternatives to GICs, and cash. Some of which have principal guarantees with higher than GIC and high-interest saving potential for growth.
  • RRSP deadline February 29th, 2016 – contact us to make your contribution.
  • TFSA limit confirmed: Trudeau rolled back the TFSA limit to $5,500 – you can invest your TFSA in any type of account, including mutual growth, balanced and conservative funds, GICs, and high-interest savings accounts (HISA).
  • Speaking of HISA: ManuBank has a high-interest savings account on TFSAs and RRSPs. We can set you up with an account offering 3% savings rate on new money until May 2016.
  • Importance of Estate Planning: Ontario has implemented and begun to enforce a lot of new estate & administration rules. It is never too early to choose who decides your final wishes: you and your family, or the Ontario and Canadian governments. Take control of your plan & save on tax, probate and headaches for loved ones. Lots of changes and ways we can help – contact us today so we can give you an update!
  • Online statements: Just a phone call away- Call our offices to setup your Wealthtracker account. 519-542-1191 (Sarnia) 519-882-3540 (Petrolia)

 

New Website

 

We are very pleased to present our newly polished website! We are committed to having a strong social media presence, which includes a well articulated website.

 

Our new website includes many new updates from our previous site. Upgrades include more in depth biographies of all of our team members, including their role in the office. We also have more detailed descriptions of our entire suite of services offered to clients. We even have a section for our business owners.

 

Looking to browse some financial articles? You can use our live twitter feed on our homepage to read recent articles by the Financial Post. Want to see Dean’s credentials? Check out his Linkedin profile by clicking on the link at the top of our homepage. We’ve even added a link to Wealthtracker so you can easily access your portfolio from our site!

 

Go to www.haldenbygroup.ca to check it out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine Haldenby, CFP®                                 Dean Haldenby, H.B.Comm

Senior Advisor, Insurance Advisor                        Senior Advisor, Insurance Advisor

HollisWealth Advisory Services Inc.                     HollisWealth Advisory Services Inc.

HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd.                    HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

HollisWealth and the Scotiabank companies do not provide income tax preparation services nor do they supervise or review other persons who may provide such services.

 

HollisWealth is a trade name of Scotia Capital Inc. and HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd.  HollisWealth is a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.  Brokerage services provided by HollisWealth are provided through Scotia Capital Inc. Insurance products provided by HollisWealth are provided through HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd. ® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence.

Haldenby Financial Group is a personal trade name of Catherine and Dean Haldenby.