Bellwether Investment Management

Much like other costs, Canadian tuition fees have steadily risen over the years and will likely continue to do so. There is a clear hurdle for students to overcome, and with 𝟳𝟱% receiving help from their parents, it likely burdens the entire family. If they don't plan ahead or utilize a registered education savings plan (RESP), parents might find themselves drawing on their own long-term savings. Canada's tax-advantaged account for education is a tool to be used, not avoided. A Statistics Canada 2020 report noted that the average student debt carried past graduation is roughly around $𝟯𝟬,𝟲𝟬𝟬, but given that the lifetime contribution limit of the RESP is $𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 (featuring tax-free growth and additional government contributions), debilitating debt is absolutely avoidable. Higher education, whether in trade school or university, has a clear tie to long-term success. A strong plan and well-managed RESP can not only help your children get ahead early on, but also avoid whittling down your own savings and setting yourself back. https://lnkd.in/ekBnbdcE #RESP #educationsavings #financialplanning

Financial literacy often translates to financial security; by gaining a deeper understanding of wealth-related concepts, you can make more informed decisions with confidence. Given the subject's importance and the compounding benefits it can offer virtually anyone, this is our first installation of a larger educational series to help you not only 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘱 these ideas but, more importantly, 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺 them. Information may lead to knowledge, but outcomes are derived from taking action. Learn more in our latest blog https://lnkd.in/e_UjNpt8

Equity markets stumbled into August with a flash correction, but the S&P500 quickly reversed course to historic highs. A volatile month overall, but one that rewarded both fixed income and equity investors: ● The U.S. Federal Reserve ("Fed") has seemingly signalled interest rate cuts in the near future. ⤷ With sufficient progress achieved in battling inflation, priorities appear to have shifted towards supporting the American labour market. ● Equity markets have begun to broaden out and share profits beyond the Magnificent Seven. ⤷ Consumer staples, real estate, and healthcare led the pack this month. Despite being year-to-date top performers, August did not favour the technology sector. ● Bond investors were likely pleased with falling yields as central banks eyed interest rate reductions. ⤷ Shorter-term securities were the greatest beneficiaries, but still, Bellwether's fixed income strategy has outperformed the benchmark, as it has for several years now.   86% of the time, the S&P 500 has posted positive returns 12 months after initial Fed interest rate cuts. First impressions are promising, but no two cycles are the same, and past trends cannot guarantee future results. Equity markets have already been extremely rewarding for quite some time, but should a market correction occur, we've positioned ourselves to capture emerging opportunities. Our decisions are based on three factors: help clients reach their goals, deliver superior risk-adjusted returns, and, most critical to our mission, protect their capital—an approach that continues to demonstrate its merit.

In Janine Guenther, CFA, CMT's latest installation of her blog, The Third Chapter, she shares her own personal experience with opening an estate account after her mother's passing. While it's only the first step in a much longer process, it can be surprisingly straightforward in some ways and frustratingly complex in others. To learn how you can better prepare yourself, read more below. https://lnkd.in/d4tR-vus

Despite the fact that RRSPs and TFSAs frequently dominate discussions about registered accounts, the RESP shouldn't be overlooked as an investment vehicle. Ultimately, investing is about creating a brighter future—research indicates a strong correlation between higher education and an individual's long-term success and wealth. Ready to learn more about how RESPs can fit into your financial plan? Dive into our blog for more insights on this topic. https://lnkd.in/ekBnbdcE

When it comes to fundamentals and evaluating a company's underlying viability, there's perhaps nothing more crucial than earnings and its interrelated measurements. #economicindicators #investments #wealthmanagement

The Vanier Institute of the Family has released a new report indicating a steady decline in divorce rates in Canada since the early 1990s. That doesn't mean they've gone away, so couples going through separation must plan accordingly to help avoid undue stress and financial pressures. Learn more about financial planning for divorced Canadians in our latest guide https://lnkd.in/eyQBa2P2

A strong financial plan can be the single greatest contributor to reaching your long- and short-term objectives, but it's also a tool to help you make responsible decisions in your day-to-day life. Setting goals is one thing, but to reach them, you'll need clear direction and ways to measure your progress. "I'd like to retire early and travel Europe" isn't exactly easy if you're falling behind on bills, borrowing excessively, or spending more than you earn. #financialplanning #moneymanagement #wealthbuilding

Yesterday, we were honoured to support Home Suite Hope Shared Living Corp.'s initiative to help prepare underprivileged children for the back-to-school season—we believe that everyone should have equal access to education, regardless of their living situation. The charity takes a holistic approach to helping those in need and is best known for their Homeward Bound Halton program. To help break the cycle of poverty, they provide a housing rental subsidy, life skills training, counselling, a 2-year college scholarship to Sheridan College, tuition, books, parking, tutoring, professional development, mentorship, and employment support.

We're pleased to announce that Raj Mehta has joined the Bellwether team. With three years of industry experience, a keen eye for precision, and a passion for crafting client-centric solutions, he exemplifies the priority we place on improving processes and identifying, implementing, and measuring new efficiencies to foster our continued success.