Just Some Musings

Justin and Markus tackle the proposed Canada First TFSA Top Up, along with a few other personal finance related election promises from both parties.Unfortunately, this was recorded just days before the "Canada Reinvestment Tax Cut" was proposed, which would have fit into this conversation nicely.Accompanying blog summary and discussed links can be found at www.muhs.ca/jsm304

Estate planning isn't the most cheerful topic, but it's one of the most critical aspects of financial planning. In this episode of Just Some Musings, Markus and Justin dive into the realities of what happens when you die—and why having a will is essential, no matter your age or financial status.

Justin & Markus discuss investing in an era of unpredictable tariffs, trade wars and generally a lot of geopolitical noise.Notes and links can be found at www.muhs.ca/jsm302

In the last of this series, Justin and Markus discuss some areas topical to most retirees in their 70s and older. The accompanying blog post can be found at www.muhs.ca/fp70

In the season 2 finale Markus and Justin discuss some year end tax planning basics, rebalancing, and some other recent developments in the markets. Accompanying blog post at www.muhs.ca/jsm223

Markus and Justin discuss some of the top things we talk about with our clients in their 60s, including how RRIFs work, when to start CPP and OAS, and the importance of reducing your volatility in retirement. Find the accompanying blog post at www.muhs.ca/fp60 If you missed Financial Advice for Someone in Their 50s, that's because it was done as a special YouTube collaboration. Find it at www.muhs.ca/fp50

We continue with "Financial Advice Through the Ages" with a look at some of the top things that come to mind when discussing financial planning with our clients in their 40s. The accompanying blog post can be found at www.muhs.ca/fp40

Justin & Markus review the 2024 U.S. Presidential election and potential ramifications for the markets.

Justin and Markus continue the series, with financial advice for their younger selves. What are some things people in their 30s can do to get a good start on their retirement planning and how to prioritize their financial goals. The accompanying blog post can be found at www.muhs.ca/FP30

Justin and Markus discuss Markus' blog post, which can be found at www.muhs.ca/fp20 and share their experiences of early adulting, in their 20s, what they might have done differently and what some of the main things are to look out for, to start on the right path of financial security and wealth accumulation.

In our first "minicast" Markus shares a bit of his experiences at the Future Proof Wealth Festival in Huntington Beach, CA.

Justin and Markus discuss the Japanese carry trade, and some other things going on in Japan. Show notes at www.muhs.ca/jsm218  

Justin and Markus update a bit on recent market volatility. Then, a very important topic at this time of year: how to withdraw from a Registered Education Savings Plan in a tax efficient manner, avoiding the pitfalls that many parents end up in.

Justin and Markus interview Canaccord Genuity's Product Specialist on what factors to consider when selecting an investment portfolio, among other things.

This week two cowboy cosplayers discuss when it's right to actually increase your spending (and the challenges some of us have in actually enjoying our money after being conditioned to save save save) , and the challenges around selling a winning stock, or holding on to one.

It's a new dawn for the Just Some Musings Podcast! We're now simulposting on YouTube! Tune in this week for Justin Lee's origin story, as well as some discussion about a local regional bank take-over.

Might housing finally become affordable for younger generations and what does the the BoC's recent rate cut mean for your investments and the Canadian dollar?

Markus and Justin discuss how technology facilitates the job of financial advisor and some of the cool new AI-enabled tech Markus witnessed at the recent WealthStack conference.

In a solo episode this week, Justin muses as to whether we should sell in may, as the old saying goes...

This week Justin & Markus discuss the ins and outs of Spousal RSPs as well as what faster T+1 trade settlement might mean for investors.

This week Markus and Justin reconnect again in the hours after Budget 2024  was announced, to discuss a variety of announcements.

Jason Watt is our guest host this week, in place of the vacationing Justin Lee. We discuss a number of topics on what actually differentiates advisors/planners and some things the consumer can think about when finding/choosing one. Lot's of useful links on the podcast page: www.muhs.ca/JSM208

Justin talks CDRs... Canadian Depository Receipts, a twist on the old ADRs (American Depository Receipts). The conversation concludes with a discussion about Old Age Security Clawback: what it means, who is affected, and how.

Justin and Markus discuss the "GRANOLAS"... or GRANNNOLASS? Also, some talk about portfolio concentration, whether by industry or individual businesses.

Justin and Markus discuss recent layoffs at Bell Canada, and the changing media landscape. Also, should Canada's big Maple 8 pension plans invest more in certain sectors to support the domestic economy?

Justin shares an easy no-fail way to lose your wallet on a plane (keep it in a jacket pocket). The discussion then goes into separating political ideology from investment strategy.

Markus and Justin discuss what Justin learned at the 2024 CFA Society Forecast Dinner in Calgary, some challenges for the Canadian economy, and then finish things off discussing RRSPs as we approach the Feb 29th deadline day.

At long last, spot bitcoin ETFs are finally available for American investors (Canada has had them for 3 years). Is that a good thing? We also talk a bit about the tech "washout" that has occurred over the past two years.

Markus & Justin discuss four New Year's resolutions that everyone can make for a more financially rewarding 2024.

In another encore broadcast of one our most listened to episodes of the past year, Justin and Markus discuss the Market Linked GICs that banks often push at this time of year, and touch on a few other risk-mitigating investment strategies. The second half of the episode they discuss subscription-based businesses, both from the perspective of consumer benefit/detriment and business benefit.

Another encore episode where Justin & Markus devoted an entire episode to discussing education savings planning, and primarily the ins and outs of RESPs. Find out more about RESPs, and links to various government websites about them, at www.muhs.ca/resp.

This is an encore of our most listened to episode of the past year, where we were joined by Jeff Haggerty, CFP®, CLU, Wealth & Estate Planner in our Edmonton branch. The conversation hits on a number of things we often talk to clients about when it comes to starting to plan for the inevitable. As always, per our disclosure, none of what we discuss constitutes advice in and of itself, and we are definitely not will and estate lawyers. This discussion is meant to get you thinking about some things, avoid some common mistakes, and maybe then meet with a qualified legal professional for further advice.

Markus and Justin lament the lengthy duration of the current market malaise; how as it drags on it can have a more detrimental impact on investor emotions than the quick crashes in the recent past. They conclude the podcast discussing the ramifications of making a pre-retirement RRSP withdrawal.

Markus & Justin discuss year end tax planning, with some basics that every Canadian tax payer should keep top of mind as we near the end of the calendar year.

Markus & Justin describe more scams and schemes they've encountered, how to steer you clear, and just how difficult it's getting now in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

This is another solo episode where Markus discusses is blog post of the same name, going over scams and schemes which might target everyone, but people in their 50s in particular often get wound up in. Find the original post at www.muhs.ca/fp50

Justin and Markus discuss some of the ins and outs of the newly available FHSA. Find notes and more info at www.muhs.ca/fhsa

Justin & Markus answer 4 pressing investment and personal finance questions that Justin has come up in various client meetings in the past while.

Markus & Justin talk workplace pensions and what's involved in transferring a pension from workplace to workplace or into a locked in RSP. What are some of the important considerations?

Episode 40 is... geared towards people in their 40s. Some morsels of financial advice or Gen Xers and geriatric Millennials. Find the original blog post with links at www.muhs.ca/fp40.

Justin & Markus visited Toronto for CG Wealth Management's National Business Conferences. Some of our learnings from the conference, plus experiences in and around Toronto.

This week Justin & Markus discuss population growth in Alberta and some of the latest rumblings of an Alberta Pension Plan. Then, Markus shares some of his experiences attending the recent Institute of Advanced Financial Planners Symposium in Edmonton, followed by some talk about video games.

I'll show you the outcome. In a solo episode and using information from corporate filings, Justin goes into different examples of executive and director compensation and how investors can take a look into what alignment may or may not exist with those corporate principals. 

Markus just returned from the Future Proof Wealth Festival in Huntington Beach, CA, and told Justin all about it, and why he (and every advisor who wants to be future proof) should go next year.

This week Markus presents another solo episode, reading his blog post of the same name. You can find the blog post and any links referred to in the episode at www.muhs.ca/fp30

This week Justin & Markus go a bit off the beaten path, discussing investing in collectibles and other shiny things. Can it even be considered investing?

This week Justin & Markus devoted an entire episode to discussing education savings planning, and primarily the ins and outs of RESPs. Find out more about RESPs, and links to various government websites about them, at www.muhs.ca/resp.

This week Justin & Markus recap Justin's previous solo episode on the opportunity cost of paying down the mortgage. The discussion then delves into corporate business transitions, energy, and a bit of Alberta politics.

In another solo episode, Justin provides a recent personal anecdote about the high relative returns of paying down a mortgage and reflects on how current interest rates are impacting decisions on personal debt such as mortgages, lines of credit, and student loans. 

This week is another solo episode, with Markus reading a blog post with some tips for anyone in their 20s looking to start out on the right foot. Also some basics for older cohorts who might have started on the wrong foot. Original blog post at www.muhs.ca/fp20

This week Justin muses a bit about how cargo gets around the world via the oceans after seeing some big ships off the west coast. Justin's flight back from the west coast was delayed and Markus once hit a moose with a rental car, so credit card insurance coverage features are on the discussion table. Markus recounts some learnings from a very excellent webinar on money psychology, including how and why it makes sense to take risks earlier in life.