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Escaping the Inferno of Economic Uncertainty and Tending your own Financial Fire

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  Economic instability is like battling a raging wildfire with no clear path to safety. You can easily get caught off guard and not even know where to start. What we need to do first is take some stock of how we got here. This began as a dumpster fire and was fueled by many different sparks before it got so ablaze. A legacy of kicking the gas can down the road to disguise economic downturns has been like a Molotov cocktail; exploding inflation that has spiraled out of control. Incompetent and malevolent governments lit the fuse of global political tensions, with seemingly nobody fit to put out the flames. These factors have created a financial reality, where everything from your retirement portfolio to the cost of your weekly groceries swings wildly, leaving responsible Canadians feeling like the whole house of cards is burning down. How Markets Move in Uncertain Times When uncertainty strikes, markets dance to their own wild rhythm. Stocks can be jittery, prices bouncing around as com

How to Beat DEI and ESG: Companies to Short and Profit from the 'Go Woke, Go Broke' Trend

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The corporate governance world is undergoing a disturbing change. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are constructs that are being pushed to the very top of the corporate agenda. At the same time, supposedly 'green' (i.e., environmentally friendly) concerns have been rapidly relegated to a more obscure part of the agenda. There is thus an increasing insistence that companies, and the colleges and universities that educate corporate leaders, first and foremost, must reckon with DEI as a top priority. Not leaving any stone unturned, the new insistence is also influencing corporate governance not just as a matter of who gets to rule over what (the usual description of governance), but as also having everything to do with how the rulers over business accomplish their agenda of reconstituting the societies in which we all live. Powerful organizations, such as BlackRock—under the direction of its CEO, Larry Fink—and think-tanks such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), are the driving fo

The Richest Man in Babylon - How to use Arkad's financial rules to create wealth in 2024

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  Introduction to Arkad’s Financial Rules In " The Richest Man in Babylon ," Arkad, a character renowned for his wealth and wisdom, shares seven financial rules that have stood the test of time. These principles, though ancient, remain relevant in today’s ever-evolving economic landscape. As we navigate modern financial challenges—rising inflation, volatile markets, and increasing debt—Arkad’s advice provides a solid foundation for achieving financial stability and success. This blog series will explore each of these rules, relating them to current financial strategies and trends. The First Rule - "Start Thy Purse to Fattening" Arkad’s first rule, "Start Thy Purse to Fattening," is a timeless principle that emphasizes the importance of saving a portion of your income. He advises setting aside at least 10% of your earnings as a foundation for building wealth. This idea, though ancient, resonates strongly today, especially in a world where many people strugg

Young people: Don't Dispose your Disposable Income - The magic of compound interest

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  Young people: Don't Dispose your Disposable Income - The magic of compound interest Welcome, young people! Are you ready to unlock the secrets to financial success and make your money work for you? In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of spending. From trendy gadgets and fashion must-haves to dining out with friends, disposable income seems to slip away faster than we can keep track. But what if I told you there was a way to make that money grow, effortlessly multiplying over time? That's right – we're about to dive into the enchanting realm of compound interest and reveal where you can start growing your hard-earned cash. So grab a cup of coffee (or whatever sparks joy for you), sit back, and let's embark on this journey towards financial empowerment together! Consooming. Stop wasting your money on frivolous expense. Picture this: you stroll into your favorite store, eyes twinkling with anticipation. The shelves are lined wit

RRSP vs. TFSA: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Canadians

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When it comes to saving for the future, young Canadians are often faced with the decision of where to put their money: in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). They don't teach you about this in school, and you may have never been coached by your parents or anyone else on financial literacy. Don't worry Zoomers, I'm here to bring you up to speed if you can put down Tik Tok for a few minutes and give me your undivided attention. It's a long read but could change your future. Trust me bros. (and girls). There are two main ways to save for your future in Canada. While I am not discounting that you should put up to 20% of what you can stack up into some type of Crypto and ride the next bull run to valhalla, there is still much to be said for these two traditional methods as they come with some major advantages and if you want to ensure you won't be broke when the Zoomer becomes the Boomer you need to hear me out. Lets get down