Blog
Financial thoughts, tips and tricks for you to consider.
Use Debt Strategically
Coming from European parents, especially my Dutch father, paying off debt was probably the most important financial truth instilled in us at an early age. You never owed people money. You always paid your credit card off 100% every month. And you worked hard to be...
BRRRR
If I had to use one word to describe this summer it would be BRRRR! No, I am not crazy. I realize this has been one of the hottest summers on record. Around the world. But BRRRR has nothing to do with being cold. It’s a real estate strategy that my husband Bill and I...
Debt Reduction Is Not The Path To Wealth Creation
If what you KNEW to be true about paying off your mortgage was not true, when would you want to know? Coming from European parents, especially my Dutch father, paying off debt was probably the most important financial truth instilled in us at an early age. You never...
Obsolescense
You can't predict the future. In a world where it is cheaper to buy a new phone than replace the battery you are better off to create a better built plan that achieves maximum wealth than trying to account for your future needs. Obsolescense is a real problem that...
Inflation
Inflation is one of the biggest problems facing Canadians in retirement. And even the reported Consumer Price Index (CPI) is likely significantly underestimating the cost of goods. Items such as housing, medication, hydro, petro have been increasing significantly more...
Safe Withdrawal Rate
If you are not familiar with the term “Safe Withdrawal Rate” you should be. Its the key factor to guide you in determining how much money you can withdrawal from your savings each year once you reach retirement. Nobody wants to run out of money. So using this...
Financial Priorities
As a wealth strategist, when I speak with most of my clients their financial focus is usually on paying down debt, investing in stock markets or real estate, and saving for retirement. They overlook one of the most important pillars of financial success … life...
An Investment That Can Never Decrease In Value
Let me just start by saying ... Nick hates insurance. As far has he is concerned ... it's a waste of money. He provides well for his family. But the idea of this extra cost, where he has absolutely no benefit doesn't sit well for him. Being 10 years older...
Reduce RSP Exposure
If what you KNEW to be true about RSPs was not true, when would you want to know? What is the number one reason Canadians contribute to an RSP? It’s not to save for retirement. It’s to LOWER THEIR TAXES THIS YEAR. But this approach can often be a big...
905-425-5327 • vws@live.ca
Kathleen van den Berg, MBA, CFP
4 Branthaven Court
Brooklin, Ontario L1M 0B2
Canada