Retirement should be a time to relax, enjoy life, and do the things you’ve always dreamed of. But let’s face it—managing your finances after retirement can sometimes feel like a second job. Luckily, consolidating your assets with one financial institution, and one financial advisor, can make life a whole lot easier. Here’s why keeping everything under one roof is the savvy way to go:
4 min read
Why you should consolidate your assets with one financial institution after retirement (and have more fun doing it!)
By PenFinancial Credit Union on Feb 27, 2025 11:29:39 AM
Topics: Retirement Planning Financial Planning Estate Planning
4 min read
10 simple steps to creating your estate plan
By PenFinancial Credit Union on Feb 27, 2025 11:25:44 AM
Think estate planning is just for the rich and famous – think again. It’s for anyone who wants to ensure a legacy for their loved ones so there’s no better time than now to get started. And, once it’s done, you’ll have the peace of mind that everything’s sorted.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you rolling.
Topics: Saving for the Future Retirement Planning Financial Advice Financial Planning Estate Planning
3 min read
Being an executor: More than just paperwork and patience
By PenFinancial Credit Union on Feb 27, 2025 11:16:54 AM
Let’s be honest – being named an executor isn’t exactly like winning the lottery. In fact, it’s more like inheriting a part-time job you never applied for. But understanding what this role entails can help you decide whether to accept this honour (or politely decline it).
Topics: Tax Planning Financial Advice Financial Planning Estate Planning
5 min read
Why is everything so expensive?
By Trevor Lagerwerf on Nov 18, 2024 12:23:58 PM
Do you remember the good old days: $5 footlongs at Subway, Toonie Tuesdays at KFC or a BigMac extra value meal for less than $5? The price of these delicious meals long ago versus the prices now are examples of inflation. Sadly, this has drastically affected my fast food addiction. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, I’m sure you’ve noticed that hardly anything lately has been immune to these price hikes. In this blog, I am going to do my best to describe inflation, how it can hurt your future self and some options you have available to reduce its effects.
Topics: Financial Literacy Personal Budget Financial Advice Financial Planning
3 min read
Why having a strong relationship with your investment planner can make a major difference in reaching your retirement goals
By Andrea Bove on Oct 23, 2024 10:20:24 AM
Retirement planning is more than just opening an RSP or contributing to a pension plan through your employer. There are life changes, tax implications, short term goals, current cash flow, risk tolerance questions, and much more to consider. Establishing a strong relationship with a financial planner can help you focus, keep you on track, and ensure that someone is equally invested in helping you achieve your retirement goals.
Topics: Saving for the Future Personal Budget Financial Advice Financial Planning
14 min read
Decumulation: Should I start taking money out of my RRSP?
By Trevor Lagerwerf on Sep 10, 2024 12:00:00 AM
This is one of the questions that most investors find themselves asking once they have either ceased employment or are down to part time, or maybe even once a health event hits. As usual, there is no one size fits all solution to this question, but I want to shed some light on some of the underlying factors that go into the decision.
Topics: Financial Literacy RRSP Personal Budget Financial Advice Financial Planning
3 min read
Does Your Financial Planner Have Your Back?
By Debbi Tonnies-Violette on Apr 1, 2024 12:00:00 AM
When it comes to managing your finances and planning for the future, having a caring and reliable financial planner by your side is crucial.
Your financial planner should be more than just an investment selector. They should have your back when times get tough, regularly check-in with you, and understand important aspects like tax and estate planning.
Topics: Saving for the Future Financial Advice Investing Advice Financial Planning
2 min read
Saving for post-secondary – how much do I actually need to save for my kids?
By Catherine Palmer on Apr 1, 2024 12:00:00 AM
As we head into the summer, we know that September will be here before we know it. And with that, many high school graduates will be heading off to post-secondary, and many parents and caregivers will be supporting them financially.
To no surprise, the cost of post-secondary education in Canada continues to rise.
Topics: Saving for the Future RESP Financial Advice Financial Planning Education Savings
3 min read
Do I really need to start saving for my child’s education this early?
By PenFinancial Credit Union on Apr 1, 2024 12:00:00 AM
What’s the Big Deal?
The news coming out of the USA that up to $10,000 of student debt was being eliminated for most students by the government has dominated the news these days as we once again approach the beginning of school.
And it’s no wonder why that’s such a big deal as post-secondary costs continue to rise not just in the USA, but right here in Canada.
Topics: Financial Literacy RESP Financial Advice Financial Planning
4 min read
Should I pay off my mortgage or invest more?
By PenFinancial Credit Union on Apr 1, 2024 12:00:00 AM
With the current low mortgage rates, I am finding a lot of my members have the same question: should I try pay down my mortgage faster, or should I start/continue investing in my future? My answer is always the same: it depends! The reason I cannot give a definitive answer is due to the number of factors that make each of us unique. In this blog, I would like to share some of the factors I consider when giving advice to my members, and I am hoping I am able to help more people make the decision that is right for them.