The Macenko Merkley Group

Even though summer is winding down, it's a great time to think about your long-term goals, such as owning a cottage. A second home can be a terrific escape and a place to build lasting memories. Before you start your search, consider the financial aspects of cottage ownership.

Read our latest blog for insights on financing options, from conventional mortgages to using home equity.

Financing your cottage or vacation home After buying a home, cottage ownership is often high on the wish lists of Canadian families. For many, a cottage is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a second home to escape the hectic city, create lasting memories from one generation to another or enjoy a peaceful retirement. Whatever y...

We often refer to our later years as our “Golden Years,” and for a good reason – they’re when we look back with a sense of accomplishment at all we have achieved and the wisdom we have gained, and we are able to view life with a more balanced perspective.

However, we don’t often consider that while our number of lived experiences increases, our physical mobility tends to diminish. Read more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Prioritizing your wellbeing: Mobility health and the importance of movement We often refer to our later years as our “Golden Years,” and for a good reason – they’re when we look back with a sense of accomplishment at all we have achieved and the wisdom we have gained, and we are able to view life with a more balanced perspective. However, we don’t often consider t...

Equity markets started September off on a rocky footing, trending in a downward trajectory throughout the week. Coming off a strong August, markets faced initial declines due to recession fears.

We have the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management on our website.

Good economic data is bad news for markets Equity markets started September off on a rocky footing, trending in a downward trajectory throughout the week. Coming off a strong August, markets faced initial declines due to recession fears. However, equity markets stabilized mid-week as the number of U.S. job openings fell to the lowest level s...

Selling a small business involves careful planning and understanding. Our team can help you to enhance your business’s value, navigate the sale process and attract the right buyers. Please visit our website to learn more.

Navigating the sale of your small business Selling any business is a complicated process that requires careful planning. The market for private companies, and particularly, smaller private companies, is highly dependent on the motivations of buyers and sellers as well as the specifics of the company, the industry, and the transaction process...

Stories of intergenerational wealth transfers fraught with the disasters of family infighting and squandering of family fortunes tend to dominate and darkly shadow those where families were successful, albeit quietly, in transitioning wealth from one generation to the next.

Those families who enjoyed success understood proactive and intentional planning, which was mindful in preparing the family and the assets for transition, was critical to that success. Read more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Generational wealth planning: Engaging and preparing the next generation Stories of intergenerational wealth transfers fraught with the disasters of family infighting and squandering of family fortunes tend to dominate and darkly shadow those where families were successful, albeit quietly, in transitioning wealth from one generation to the next. Those families who enjoye...

Canadian markets advanced 0.33% for the week, driven by largely by strong performance in the more rate sensitive financials and real estate sectors ahead of the upcoming Bank of Canada interest rate decision on September 4 where they are expected to cut another 25 basis points.

Read the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our website now.

Markets fluctuate on earnings and economic data but close higher for the week Equity markets were choppy throughout the week, driven by key economic data and corporate earnings. On Monday, U.S. equity futures dipped as investors awaited Nvidia’s earnings and crucial economic reports. Tuesday saw further declines in with Nvidia’s earnings release gaining significant attent...

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a terrific tool for funding your child’s or grandchild’s education. However, it's often missed in estate planning discussions. Review these essential considerations to ensure your RESP is properly integrated into your estate plan. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Don’t forget about RESPs in your estate plan A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a popular investment vehicle to help save for a child’s or grandchild’s post-secondary education. However, when it comes to estate planning, RESP assets are often overlooked. Here is an overview of important estate planning considerations for your RE...

It is a pivotal year for sustainable finance, with green bonds potentially on track to set a global record amid a wave of elections that could shift ESG policies in multiple countries, says F***y Doucet, Scotiabank’s Managing Director & Head of Sustainable Finance.

Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Five key trends in ESG, sustainable finance in 2024 It is a pivotal year for sustainable finance, with green bonds potentially on track to set a global record amid a wave of elections that could shift ESG policies in multiple countries, says F***y Doucet, Scotiabank’s Managing Director & Head of Sustainable Finance. In May alone, there was US$70 bi...

Canadian markets advanced 1.05% for the week, trading sideways throughout much of it as a tug-of-war between positive (declining inflation) and negative (rail strike) news played out. The main index gapped higher Friday following comments from Jerome Powell, closing in positive territory.

Catch up on the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our news page now.

Equity markets close out another strong week Global equities moved higher Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at future interest rate cuts during his speech at Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Although Powell did not specify the timing or magnitude of the cuts, he emphasized the need for policy adjustments based on incoming data and....

Retirement is more than a time to relax; it's a chance to rediscover and redefine your purpose. While it may be hard to define a "good retirement," taking time to reflect can help you shape this new chapter into a meaningful part of your life's masterpiece.

The human brain, with its 86 billion neurons, is incredibly powerful yet vulnerable. This article explores the complexities of the human brain and the impact of neurological disorders. Learn how to protect your brain health with practical prevention strategies and lifestyle habits.

Prioritizing your wellbeing: Thinking about brain health The brain is easily the most complex part of the human body. It’s made up of around 86 billion neurons that send signals all over the body and is responsible for most of our ability to function as living beings.1 It controls how we behave, and it interprets information from our senses, initiates b...

The gift of life insurance can effectively provide a practical and affordable way to make sizeable charitable gifts to favourite charities or private foundations. Not only will life insurance help increase the size of the gift, but in most cases, it will provide significant tax benefits.

Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Charitable giving with insurance The gift of life insurance can effectively provide a practical and affordable way to make sizeable charitable gifts to favourite charities or private foundations. Not only will life insurance help increase the size of the gift, but in most cases, it will provide significant tax benefits. Utilizing i...

Canadian markets advanced 3.40% with all sectors but communication services solidly in the black. A notable outlier is the materials sector that returned 6.86% for the week, outpacing all other sectors.

We have the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management on our website.

Equity markets advance amid strong economic data This week was a marked departure from the former when markets reeled following a range of concerns and J*pan’s largest market drop in 35 years. While some of those concerns still linger as a result of restrictive monetary policy, investors have largely cast them aside following a slew of positive ...

Though previously shared, this article continues to be a valuable resource. Whether you’re thinking about your lifetime philanthropy or supporting your favourite causes as part of your estate plan, our team is here to help.

How to make charitable giving part of your wealth plan As the saying goes, “charity begins at home but should not end there.” The spirit of generosity is often passed on from parents to their children. That’s a sentiment Malcolm Burrows, Head of Philanthropy Advisory Services at Scotia Wealth Management, can relate to. “It was kind of inevitable...

Inflation has continued to moderate across the major economies, prompting some central banks to reduce their policy rates. However, barring a significant economic contraction, recent rate cuts are likely not a precursor to an aggressive monetary policy easing cycle.

Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Moderating inflation has prompted some central banks to reduce policy rates Inflation has continued to moderate across the major economies, prompting some central banks to reduce their policy rates. However, barring a significant economic contraction, recent rate cuts are likely not a precursor to an aggressive monetary policy easing cycle. Instead, economic resilience may....

Canadian markets declined -1.80% for the week, as markets evaluated Statistics Canada data indicating an unexpected loss of 2,800 jobs in July and a persistent unemployment rate of 6.4%.

Read the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our website now.

Global markets close a turbulent week on a cautious note Global indices recovered some of the week’s early losses as concerns of a potential U.S. recession subsided. This was mainly due to the weekly U.S. unemployment claims data, which helped calm investors’ nerves about labour market weakness. The markets also responded positively to the Bank of J*p...

How do you find balance while taking care of a loved one? In this short but insightful video, Dr. Amy D'Aprix discusses how to maintain quality of life while being a great caregiver, even when perfect balance is unattainable.

‘Conversations that count’ with Dr. Amy D’Aprix : Balance while caregiving How do you find balance while taking care of a loved one? There’s no way to have perfect balance when you’re caregiving. But you can still be a great caregiv...

The Macenko Merkley Group offers skilled, dedicated wealth management services to individuals, families and businesses here in Calgary and across Canada, but that’s not all we’re passionate about. Giving back to our community isn’t an obligation or a goal—it’s something we’ve woven into the fabric of our business and our personal lives. We are committed to donating both time and financial resources to nonprofit organizations, and we’re always excited to learn more about philanthropic opportunities in Alberta and around the world.

Read more on our blog.

What community means to The Macenko Merkley Group—and how we’re dedicated to giving back The Macenko Merkley Group offers skilled, dedicated wealth management services to individuals, families and businesses here in Calgary and across Canada, but that’s not all we’re passionate about. Giving back to our community isn’t an obligation or a goal—it’s something we’ve woven into ...

For many, a cottage is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a second home to escape the hectic city, create lasting memories from one generation to another or enjoy a peaceful retirement.

Whatever your inspiration, it’s a good idea to consider the financial implications related to owning a cottage before you start making purchase offers.

Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Financing your cottage or vacation home After buying a home, cottage ownership is often high on the wish lists of Canadian families. For many, a cottage is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a second home to escape the hectic city, create lasting memories from one generation to another or enjoy a peaceful retirement. Whatever y...

Global indices fell for the week as investors unpacked economic data revealing a sharper-than-expected slowdown in the U.S. job market in July and a rising unemployment rate, intensifying concerns of a potential economic slowdown.

Catch up on the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our news page now.

Global markets fall as cooling labour data sparks slowdown concerns Global indices fell for the week as investors unpacked economic data revealing a sharper-than-expected slowdown in the U.S. job market in July and a rising unemployment rate, intensifying concerns of a potential economic slowdown. Initial optimism from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed) meeting ...

As our lives become busier and the financial world becomes increasingly complex, it can be challenging to put your finances in order. A Total Wealth Plan can identify how your wealth can help you achieve those goals and live the life you want.

Please visit our website to learn more about eight key areas that can make up your Total Wealth Plan.

Building a Total Wealth Plan for life You have goals for all aspects of your life—your family, your business, and your future. A Total Wealth Plan can identify how your wealth can help you achieve those goals and live the life you want. More than just a typical financial plan, it’s an innovative team-based approach that puts your li...

Keeping the brain and nervous system in good condition is paramount to our sense of wellness. We can significantly increase our chances of maintaining a healthy brain by taking active steps to support our neurological health, especially as we age and plan for our next stages of life.

Read more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Prioritizing your wellbeing: Thinking about brain health The brain is easily the most complex part of the human body. It’s made up of around 86 billion neurons that send signals all over the body and is responsible for most of our ability to function as living beings.1 It controls how we behave, and it interprets information from our senses, initiates b...

Canadian markets returned 0.60% for the week with rate sensitive sectors such as financials, utilities and real estate driving much of the week’s returns following the Bank of Canada interest rate cut.

We have the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management on our website.

Megacap tech and chip stocks continue to weigh on equity markets Global indices closed out a turbulent week of trading amid a volley of U.S. economic news, with investors paying close attention to any data that could inform the timing of interest rate cuts while keeping a close eye on tech stocks after the prior weeks pullback. Markets were modestly up for the we...

Retirement marks a significant milestone, offering a chance to explore passions and embrace a slower pace of life. However, balancing relaxation with meaningful activities is crucial for maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Please visit our website to learn more. https://macenkomerkleygroup.com/infographic-purpose-driven-retirement/

Many grandparents find joy in giving money and gifts to their grandchildren. This article offers valuable insights into the various factors to consider when transferring wealth to the next generation. For personalized financial advice, please reach out to our team—we're here to help!

Gifting to grandchildren: Factors to consider when transferring your wealth Giving money and gifts to grandchildren is something many grandparents look forward to and enjoy doing. In most instances, the amount of money or the size of the gift is relatively modest and can be deposited into a savings or investment account with little or no fuss. But if the gift is more substa...

People are living longer, and that’s amazing. But our newfound longevity isn’t worth much if we don’t have a plan to help us make the most of those extra years.

Planning ahead to address the implications of health and wellbeing on financial goals has become increasingly important. Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Infographic | Preventative health insights People are living longer, and that’s amazing. But our newfound longevity isn’t worth much if we don’t have a plan to help us make the most of those extra years. Planning ahead to address the implications of health and wellbeing on financial goals has become increasingly important. Take a look ...

Canadian markets returned 0.08% for the week as losses in the materials sector was offset by modest gains from a number of smaller sectors within the index.

Read the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our website now.

Correction in megacap space pulls global indices lower Megacap technology stocks – which have been the main drivers of year-to-date performance – were the loss leaders for the week, causing major indices to post their worst session since April. This decline is occurring amid a market rotation, where investors reduce holdings in this year’s top-per...

Planning for retirement requires careful consideration of various financial challenges. Our team can help you maintain stability and enjoy a fulfilling retirement, no matter what the future holds.

Please visit our website to learn more and contact us if you would like personalized financial guidance.

Making the most of your savings throughout the stages of retirement As with any period in your life, creating a viable financial plan for your later years has a unique set of challenges. When you have limited or no working income and new kinds of expenses, it can take more thought to ensure you maintain financial stability. To make matters more complex, people are l...

Selling any business is a complicated process that requires careful planning. The market for private companies, and particularly, smaller private companies, is highly dependent on the motivations of buyers and sellers as well as the specifics of the company, the industry, and the transaction process.

Learn more from Scotia Wealth Management.

Navigating the sale of your small business Selling any business is a complicated process that requires careful planning. The market for private companies, and particularly, smaller private companies, is highly dependent on the motivations of buyers and sellers as well as the specifics of the company, the industry, and the transaction process...

Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.3% month-over-month in April, matching market expectations. Statistics Canada reported that growth in April was driven by a rebound in wholesale trade, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction and manufacturing sectors.

Catch up on the latest market news from Scotia Wealth Management - it’s on our news page now.

Portfolio Perspectives – July 2024 Market review Global equity markets posted mixed June results and wrapped up a productive first half of the year. Notwithstanding bouts of volatility, equity returns were fuelled by a resilient global economy, relatively strong corporate earnings, and optimism around the AI investment theme. Credit....