Edward Jones - Financial Advisor Chris Marshall

In this week's update we review last week's market performance and take a look at what the week ahead could hold.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Too much debt is debt you can’t maintain based on your income. This varies from person to person. Two metrics used to calculate debt affordability are the gross debt service ratio (GDSR) and total debt service ratio (TDSR). Learn more about these ratios and see tips for paying down debt here. Reach out if you’d like to review this together.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

Opting to reduce debt instead of investing might be a smart decision for your personal situation. But be aware, by not investing today you have less time for your money to grow. Inflation is another factor, as it erodes your purchasing power over time. Learn more about reducing debt vs. investing here. Contact me if you have questions.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

Paying down debt can help mitigate money-related stress. It can also improve your cash flow and financial flexibility as you’ll allocate less money to interest, leaving you more for other goals. I can help you determine which debt you should pay off first.

Should I pay down debt or invest? The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors

As we kicked off 2024, one of our 10 key calls for the year was our view that while equity markets would continue to perform well, the market's underlying leadership would rotate, broadening out beyond 2023's Magnificent Seven concentration. We look at how this showed up within three key market matchups, and what it may mean for investors' portfolios.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

In our latest Market Compass, our Senior Strategist, Mona Mahajan looks at market performance to date and outlines three key factors we’re watching for the rest of 2024.

To hear more, including from our Senior Strategist, Julie Petrera on how the Bank of Canada's recent policy rate cut could impact you, watch the full episode here.

Market Compass video series Market Compass helps keep you in the know about what's happening now and what we think may unfold over the next quarter. In this video series, our strategists focus on exploring economic events that matter to you, and offer tips you can use as you work toward your financial goals.

Recently, our executive leadership team had the privilege of visiting the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, where they witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress fueled by The Terry Fox Foundation.

Seeing the groundbreaking work of the research labs reaffirmed our firm's unwavering commitment to supporting the fight against cancer. The dedication and innovation displayed by the medical staff and supporters left our team even more inspired. Together, we share Terry Fox's dream of a world without cancer.

And since 2021, Edward Jones has taken pride in honouring Terry's legacy by working to support cancer research.

Check out our midyear review and outlook for the back half of 2024 in our latest Weekly Market Wrap.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

Want to know what happened in the market this past week and what's ahead check out our latest market update.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

With the first half of 2024 now in the books, our latest Weekly Market Wrap takes a look at a few notable winners and losers in the markets. Check out our views on what that performance means for the remainder of the year.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

There’s a 1% per month penalty on FHSA over- contributions until the amount is withdrawn. If the funds originally came from your RRSP you will need to transfer it back instead of making a withdrawal. Contact me if you want to learn more about FHSA contributions, RRSP transfers, and withdrawals.

First Home Savings Account considerations How you use an FHSA this year could be based on what you did last year. Here are some considerations

Did you know June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day?

The aim of today is to raise awareness about the importance of life insurance. Research shows many Canadians still don’t have life insurance, but the right coverage can help protect you and your loved ones from the unexpected. I can partner with you to determine the coverage best suited to your needs. If this is of interest to you, please give me a call.

Insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (except in Québec). In Québec, insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (Québec) Inc.

Choosing between an RRSP or paying down your mortgage is a highly personal decision depending on your debt management and retirement savings goals. I can help you weigh your options and choose a course of action that makes sense for your unique situation.

Mortgage vs. RRSP Should you pay down your mortgage or contribute to your RRSP? We can help you determine what will work best for you.

There are seven key considerations to help you determine if contributing to an RRSP or paying down your mortgage is right for you. Some of them include your income, mortgage interest rate, RRSP returns, age, and any other debt or retirement income you have. Contact me if you’d like to explore these considerations together

Mortgage vs. RRSP Should you pay down your mortgage or contribute to your RRSP? We can help you determine what will work best for you.

The consumer has been the linchpin of economic growth over the past three years, driving strong momentum in the U.S. and resilience in Canada. The BoC has cautiously started to cut rates and the Fed is currently on pause, but the effects of previous tightening are still filtering through the economy, and signs of consumer fatigue are beginning to emerge. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we explore the current state of the consumer, the outlook for spending and the implications for both the economy and the markets.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

GICs are considered low-risk as the original investment and returns are guaranteed. But this doesn’t mean GICs are risk free. GICs carry other forms of risk such as inflation, reinvestment, and shortfall risk. I can walk you through the pros and cons of GICs and help you decide if GICs are right for you. If this is of interest to you, contact me.

The risk of chasing short-term rates An investment with a high rate of return sounds great, but there may be more than meets the eye.

Our recent study reveals those who work with a financial advisor, 55% have a positive outlook on investing, compared to just 38% who do not. Even among Canadians with a negative outlook on investing, those working with a financial advisor are more optimistic about their financial situation (41%) than those who don’t (25%).

Further study results are summarized here.

Survey: Optimistic about your finances? It may depend on where in Canada you live Edward Jones poll finds Canadians’ views split on current economic climate.

In our recent study, Julie Petrera, Senior Strategist, reveals “high inflation and interest rates have made the past years financially challenging for many Canadians. Some are taking a wait-and-see approach while others are seeking investment opportunities in this economy. One contributing factor seems to be whether or not the individuals have goals, plans or work with an advisor. Unsurprisingly, the study showed those partnering with advisors are more optimistic about investing and their financial future.”

Further study results are summarized here.

Contact me so we can build a financial strategy that's right for you.

Survey: Optimistic about your finances? It may depend on where in Canada you live Edward Jones poll finds Canadians’ views split on current economic climate.

Bring on the dad bod, dad-dancing and dad jokes!

June 16th is Father’s Day in . We would like to wish all dads, grandpas and father figures a Happy Father’s Day! We hope you will find time to spend with your family and perhaps show-off some dad-dancing moves and crack a few dad jokes.

The June FOMC meeting and U.S. inflation data were front and centre last week, with both offering some positive news for the bulls. Our Weekly Market Wrap highlights potential market opportunities ahead.

Weekly market wrap How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

We’ve heard a lot about inflation in the news lately. Inflation risk in the context of your investment portfolio is the risk that your purchasing power will erode if your investment returns do not keep up with the rate of inflation. A well-diversified investment portfolio can help reduce this risk. I’m available to review your portfolio with you.

The risk of chasing short-term rates An investment with a high rate of return sounds great, but there may be more than meets the eye.

Today is the Dragon Boat Festival, a fun day for the entire family!

The world-famous Chinese dragon boat festival falls on June 10th this year. It’s a fun day out for the entire family. If you’re taking part in races, cheering on friends or family, or just going to sample the cultural experience, I hope you enjoy the festival and have fond memories for years to come.

This June 8th, take stock of the friends in your life – it’s National Best Friends Day!

There’s a saying “You can choose your friends, but not your family”. Well, today is a day to take stock of the quality friendships in your life - friends who have been with you through good times and bad. Why not make it a priority to call them, arrange to meet for a meal or drink, or just hang out together.

Family meetings are commonly used to discuss financial and estate planning intentions. But before gathering you'll want to consider your family's ground rules. You can also make your own rules to reflect your family's unique circumstances.
And if you’re planning a family meeting, I can help.

Family meetings: An empowering platform for family communication Every family in Canada has its own structure, shared circumstances, memories, conflicts, beliefs and values that shape how they work and communicate to get things done. Strong family communication can help address concerns about providing support for loved ones and help establish financial security....

To successfully time the market, you need to know when to get out, and when to get back in, which is nearly impossible. Instead, be disciplined and remain focused on your long-term goals. I can review your goals with you and help you determine a strategy tailored to your needs.

The risk of chasing short-term rates An investment with a high rate of return sounds great, but there may be more than meets the eye.

Almost all families could benefit from discussing their finances. Family meetings enhance relationships, reinforce family values, provide a chance to educate and share information, and can help problem-solve and address potential conflicts together. Check out more family meeting tips here.

Family meetings: An empowering platform for family communication Every family in Canada has its own structure, shared circumstances, memories, conflicts, beliefs and values that shape how they work and communicate to get things done. Strong family communication can help address concerns about providing support for loved ones and help establish financial security....

For a family meeting everyone should feel comfortable and focused, so the location matters. Would the family home lead to attendees slotting back into old roles? Would a vacation destination be too costly, or would your advisor’s office work? What about a virtual meeting? View more family meeting tips here.

Family meetings: An empowering platform for family communication Every family in Canada has its own structure, shared circumstances, memories, conflicts, beliefs and values that shape how they work and communicate to get things done. Strong family communication can help address concerns about providing support for loved ones and help establish financial security....

Family meetings can serve as a platform for positive communication about financial and estate planning. This may lead to a clearer understanding between family members and better decision-making. We've compiled some tips to help you get the most out of your family meetings.

Family meetings: An empowering platform for family communication Every family in Canada has its own structure, shared circumstances, memories, conflicts, beliefs and values that shape how they work and communicate to get things done. Strong family communication can help address concerns about providing support for loved ones and help establish financial security....