Guide to Managing Student Loans: Strategies for U.S. and Canadian Healthcare Professionals
Tackling student loans might seem daunting, but it's like untangling a big knot—one step at a time. Remember “anything above zero, compounds”. Whether you're in the bustling cities of the U.S. or the scenic landscapes of Canada, being smart with your student loans can pave the way for a brighter financial future. This guide is packed with savvy strategies to help you understand your loans, find relief through forgiveness and repayment plans, and keep calm under the weight of debt
Investment Strategies for the Risk Averse
In the dynamic world of investing, the stock market's unpredictable nature can be a significant source of anxiety for the risk-averse, especially for healthcare professionals who've dedicated their lives to stability and care. The fear of market fluctuations often leads to hesitation, potentially hindering financial growth and the ability to outpace inflation.
Retirement Planning for Healthcare Professionals
For healthcare professionals, retirement planning carries its own set of complexities. Balancing the desire for a comfortable retirement against the reality of variable income, practice management costs, and personal financial goals requires a nuanced approach.
Canadian Taxes 101: What You Need to Know
They are only the largest expense we Canadians have in our lifetimes. Despite that, only a few of us actually truly understand how they work, what certain terms mean and what you can do to legally reduce your tax burden
My second year running an Airbnb in my home
Have you ever wondered about renting out a bedroom and bathroom of your house for short term rentals? That’s what I did in 2022. My platform of choice is Airbnb, learn how I became a super host and house hacked my way to living close to mortgage free. Check out my 2023 Year in Review
Tips for Saving on a Tight Budget
Embarking on your professional journey comes with excitement and challenges, especially when your budget resembles more of a tightrope than a boulevard. As someone who has navigated the early stages of a career, I understand the importance of making every dollar count. So, let's dive into the world of fiscal responsibility with concrete numbers, tangible examples, and actionable metrics. Here's your guide to Tips for Saving on a Tight Budget.
TFSA , FHSA RRSP, which one is right for me?
The age old question for Canadians, where should I invest my money and why? Let's take a closer look at the differences and provide some more insight on the TFSA,RRSP and FHSA
Negotiating 101: How to Ask for a Raise
Embarking on the journey of negotiating a raise can be both empowering and financially transformative.
Whether you're a healthcare professional employed in a hospital or managing your practice, advocating for your worth is a skill that can significantly impact your financial well-being. As both a healthcare professional and a financial educator, I understand the unique challenges many of you face when it comes to navigating the delicate art of negotiation.
How to build an emergency fund
In the symphony of personal finance, there's one instrument that plays a crucial solo: the emergency fund. Whether you're a healthcare professional navigating the complexities of a hospital setting or steering your own ship as a self-employed practitioner, having a robust emergency fund is the financial life jacket that can keep you afloat during unexpected storms. As both a healthcare professional and a financial educator, I recognize the unique challenges many of you face, which makes understanding the importance of an emergency fund even more critical.
How to get out of DEBT fast!
Did you overspend over the holidays? Did you rack up credit card debt? Did you tap into your line of credit? Are you nervous about making your payments? Let me show you some strategies people have used to pay off their debt fast!
My Favourite Resources
I used to hate to read. Then I realized it wasn’t the act of reading but instead WHAT I was reading. Goodbye Shakespeare!
2023 Portfolio In Review
Financial Transparency = Financial Literacy. Why are we so afraid about talking about our financial success and failures? Take a look at how 2023 has treated my portfolio so far.
What makes up a credit score?
There are five components to your credit score. Each component has a different weighting and can impact your score both positively and negatively. This will in turn effect your ability to purchase many assets/liabilities
How much money do you need to RETIRE?
According to a recent BMO survey, that’s how much money Canadians believe they need in their piggy bank in order for them to retire. It is important to note, the definition of retirement will vary amongst individuals, however, traditionally, retirement means ceasing to work so you can stay at home and annoy your spouse.
Unshackled from the GOLDEN Handcuffs
If you have ever wonder about all those benefits, perks and non monetary incentives employers offer you, read through my experience and why I opted out.
What’s in your Portfolio?
You can think about a portfolio as a basket of assets. In this basket, you can place all sorts of investments. Bonds, ETFs, Stocks, Mutual Funds, Real Estate etc can all be thrown in. Traditionally many people either through personal investment or through their financial professional, have had a combination of stocks and bonds. The weighting can vary from 90% stocks and 10% bonds to the inverse, 10% stocks, 90% bonds. Typically the scale is tipped towards 60% stocks and 40% bonds, dubbed the 60/40. The question is, is it dead, suboptimal or working well?
Timing vs Time In the Market
There are always those people who profess that they can time the market. I’m definitely not one of those people. Instead I use a tried and true approach backed with evidence to shape my investing decisions.
How to buy your first home the smart way!
You may be asking yourself ‘What the heck is an FHSA and how can I use it to buy my first home?’. Don’t fret, we will discuss the nitty gritty of the proposed FHSA plan and how you can use that, alongside an FHBP (RRSP) and TFSA to purchase your first home.
The Difference Between the Stock and Bond Market, Mutual Funds and ETFs
The stock market refers to the collection of exchanges and platforms where buyers and sellers trade shares of ownership in publicly listed companies. It's a marketplace where individuals and institutional investors can buy and sell stocks, which represent ownership interests in businesses. This blog helps differentiate between a stock, bond, mutual fund and exchange traded fund.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Financial Advisor
Hiring a financial advisor can be a stressful and intimidating process but it doesn’t have to be. Remember to take your time in the hiring process, ask for clarification when needed, and trust your instincts when making the final decision. A strong client-advisor relationship can significantly impact your financial success.