Alain Quennec

What Is a “Return”?

By Alain Quennec on 26 Jul 2021

There’s an old investment joke that goes, “Do investors care more about the return on their investment or the return of their investment?” We want growth plus our original investment back to us, don’t we?

In-Kind Donations to Charities

By Jon Knutson on 18 Apr 2022

With all that is going on in the world, gifting to those in need is top-of-mind right now. Cash gifts are the most common way to donate to charities - it’s simple and provides you with a tax credit.

Review Your Variable Rate Loans in light of Higher Interest Rates

By John Hale on 16 Mar 2022

On March 2nd, 2022, the Bank of Canada increased its overnight interest rate by 0.25% to 0.50%, in what is widely expected to be the first of a series of small rate hikes this year to cool the economy and tame inflation.

Four Focus Points for a Successful Portfolio

By Chris Eynon on 20 Jan 2022

The balance of any successful portfolio should consider the following: Liquidity, Income, Preservation of Capital and Growth

Behavioural Finance

By Brent Vandekerckhove on 06 Oct 2021

The investment world is based on decisions humans make regarding money every day – some decisions lead to positive outcomes, and others have negative results.

Personal Finance 101

By Shaun Sun on 06 Oct 2021

I hope settling into a back-to-school “routine” has been going well for parents and students everywhere

Property Tax Deferment

By Jon Knutson on 26 Jul 2021

While Canadian real estate prices have soared, so has the cost of maintaining a home. Fortunately, there is a government program to help defer one of the costs associated with home ownership.

Stuck In a Box?

By Cecilia Tsang on 23 Jul 2021

Our conscious mind likes to create “boxes” that we use to organize the world around us. These boxes are often created through our upbringing and the influence of our parents, peers, society, and the media. 

It’s not about a rate of return

By Daniel Sitar on 26 Nov 2020

As the saying goes, money cannot buy happiness. However, having confidence in your financial decisions and your ability to reach your long-term objectives results in security and peace of mind

Preserve and Improve your Credit Score

By Nick Hearne on 17 Nov 2020

A solid credit score is your endorsement as a desirable borrower, providing you with access to capital at better rates, saving you considerable interest costs and helping you achieve your financial goals.

Opportunities Where You Least Expect Them

By Brett Simpson on 22 Oct 2020

When we are young, we don’t know what we don’t know!

Financial Tips for Young Adults

By John Hale on 20 Oct 2020

Recently, my nephew and I went out for lunch to celebrate his acceptance to the University of Victoria. I would like to share some of the financial advice I passed on to him.

What is a Financial Plan?

By Anne Hammond on 20 Jan 2020

What does it mean to create a financial plan? And why is it important to do so? 

Critical Illness Insurance

By Brent Vandekerckhove on 24 Oct 2019

Managing risk is something we do in many aspects of our lives. When I give seminars on financial planning, I like to ask the audience what they think their biggest asset is. Most will answer their home, especially in the Lower Mainland.

Informal Trusts

By Christian White on 20 Feb 2019

Informal trusts, or ITFs, are a tax-efficient way to provide a savings plan for a minor child. These accounts can be used for funding future education, protecting an inheritance or, as is often the case...

Your Love Letter: New Year’s Resolution

24 Jan 2019

Love isn’t in the big gestures. It’s in the small details – the everyday minutiae of the lives of people that we care for.

In-Kind Donations to Charities

By Jon Knutson on 18 Apr 2022

With all that is going on in the world, gifting to those in need is top-of-mind right now. Cash gifts are the most common way to donate to charities - it’s simple and provides you with a tax credit.

Case Study: Solving the Retirement Income Puzzle

By Anne Hammond on 07 Jan 2022

“Retirement” – the word represents many things these days. It could be a lifestyle full of travel and adventures, or perhaps a transition to volunteer work...

Pension Considerations – One of the Biggest Decisions of Your Life

By Teresa Black Hughes on 07 Jan 2022

Called the Great Resignation, since the pandemic, employees are leaving the workplace/workforce or switching jobs in droves.

Today’s Executor is a Digital Executor

By Sharon Hartung on 23 Jul 2021

On May 13, 2021, I was delighted to join RGF advisors and clients for their second virtual event where I discussed the ideas covered in my first book, Your Digital Undertaker– Exploring Death in the Digital Age in Canada.

Planning for Retirement... Mentally

By Debbie Saleem on 29 Apr 2021

You’ve met with your advisor and are delighted to find out that you’re financially on track to retire within the new few years.

When Should You Start Receiving Your CPP Retirement Pension?

By Doug Runchey on 07 Jan 2021

Since 1987, when the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) first introduced flexible retirement pension start dates, this has been one of the most common questions that I get asked...

Retirement on Your Horizon? Considerations of the Pandemic ’s Ripple Effects

By Isabelle St-Jean on 21 Oct 2020

While leading retirement seminars for pre-retiring professionals over the past 10 years, I have observed diverse levels of readiness, attitude, and concern toward this major work/life transition.

What is a Financial Plan?

By Anne Hammond on 20 Jan 2020

What does it mean to create a financial plan? And why is it important to do so? 

Making an Election for your Defined Benefit (DB) Pension

By Nick Hearne on 24 Oct 2019

Employers guarantee a specific retirement benefit for each employee who participates in their defined benefit pension plan.

Travel Tips to Consider Before Your Next Trip

By Claire Newell on 24 Oct 2019

Knowing the tricks of the travel trade could save you money and hassle the next time you take a trip. There are plenty, but here are a few of my favorites to consider before your next trip. 

We have Hope…

By Mark Neufeld on 24 Oct 2019

On Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th, the Market Cycles of RGF Integrated Wealth Management took part in their 11th straight Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation.

What are the major risks when planning your retirement?

By Clay Gillespie on 14 Aug 2019

How to Cultivate Gratitude in Kids

By Dr. Deborah MacNamara on 21 Jul 2019

We can give our children a lot – from material possessions, to our time and energy.  In return, we often desire or expect expressions of gratitude from them, but this doesn’t always happen.

Retirement Reflections

By Mark Neufeld on 05 Apr 2019

I’ve had the privilege and honor to work with many clients transitioning to retirement over my nearly 20-year career in financial services.

Informal Trusts

By Christian White on 20 Feb 2019

Informal trusts, or ITFs, are a tax-efficient way to provide a savings plan for a minor child. These accounts can be used for funding future education, protecting an inheritance or, as is often the case...

In-Kind Donations to Charities

By Jon Knutson on 18 Apr 2022

With all that is going on in the world, gifting to those in need is top-of-mind right now. Cash gifts are the most common way to donate to charities - it’s simple and provides you with a tax credit.

Today’s Executor is a Digital Executor

By Sharon Hartung on 23 Jul 2021

On May 13, 2021, I was delighted to join RGF advisors and clients for their second virtual event where I discussed the ideas covered in my first book, Your Digital Undertaker– Exploring Death in the Digital Age in Canada.

Estate Planning in the Digital Age

By Anthony Ma on 07 Jan 2021

The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines is providing a sense of hope for the eventual end to the global pandemic. 

The Importance of a Will

By Brent Vandekerckhove on 13 Feb 2020

Planning for what happens after you die is something most people don’t really enjoy, but it is an integral part of financial planning. One of the most common ways to plan is by drawing up a will.

Your Love Letter: New Year’s Resolution

24 Jan 2019

Love isn’t in the big gestures. It’s in the small details – the everyday minutiae of the lives of people that we care for.

Do You Have a Will?

By John Hale on 21 Oct 2018

Is that will of yours looking a little worn and tattered or perhaps you don’t have a will at all?If the answer is yes, you are not alone.

Cherry and Pumpkin Pie – A Legacy Recipe

10 Oct 2018

​I love pie! The invitation for family Thanksgiving Dinner came via text: the menu included a cherry & pumpkin pie. I began to imagine the texture and taste of this interesting blend of favourites, eager to try this new

Wills Variation Estate Primer

By Erin Hatch on 07 Jul 2018

As you make decisions regarding your estate and succession planning, you want to ensure that your final wishes will be upheld and withstand judicial scrutiny.

Undue Influence – Avoid an Undoing

By Teresa Black Hughes on 27 Apr 2018

I had a pastor many years ago who often said, “If it weren't for people…”.

Thank you for partnering with us...

By Mark Neufeld on 02 Oct 2017

On Saturday, August 26th and 27th, our RGF team, the Market Cycles took part in the 2017 Ride to Conquer Cancer – our ninth in as many years. 

Sharing is Caring

02 Oct 2017

Do you ever find that you can rationalize putting off important responsibilities because they may be painful or cause discomfort?

Q and A: What is an annuity and how does it work?

03 Jul 2017

A life annuity is a financial vehicle that allows you to exchange a lump sum of capital for a guaranteed income for as long as you live (or you and your spouse or partner lives).

The Right Kind of Mortgage Protection

By Shaun Sun on 03 Jul 2017

If you’ve had to obtain a mortgage to purchase a home or condo, you will have noticed the number of times insurance was discussed.

Not for Profit – An Abundance of Opportunity

By Teresa Black Hughes on 16 May 2017

Many of us are involved in our communities with not-for-profit and charitable organizations. Passion moves us to serving and giving to organizations that make a difference in other people’s lives. Just as a financial plan makes a difference in guiding your personal financial situation, so does good governance and leadership in these not-for-profit and charitable organizations.

Taking Stock and Making Resolutions

By Anne Hammond on 15 Dec 2016

As the year draws to a close… if you’re like me, you may be looking back over the year – considering what worked, what didn’t, and what you might like to do differently or focus on next year.