Latest research is pretty conclusive
As you may have noticed over the years, we try in this column to avoid topics and themes that appear to be totally self-serving.  Today, we break with that practice.
Today, we quote two studies which show that people who have financial plans and financial advisors are significantly more successful in achieving [...]

Financial planning groups come together to protect consumers
It was a big week in the financial planning profession.  Currently, there are five organizations in the country which have established – and enforce – professional standards for financial planning.
This week, those five organizations formed the Coalition for Professional Standards for Financial Planners.  The goal is to serve [...]

Most people in Canada receive their financial advice and direction from financial advisors, planners, and investment salespeople who are compensated by some form of commission paid by product manufacturers.
“Manufacturers” are mutual fund companies, life insurance companies and banks, supported by a retail sales network of investment dealers.
In some cases, it is the investment dealer who [...]

On August 27th, we asked you to tell us what you want to read about in Dollars and Sense, and we took an informal poll on your current habits and satisfaction level with your financial planning.
A big thanks to all of you who responded, as we were flooded with valuable suggestions, insights and wisdom (and [...]

Are Canadians still relying on their investment and financial advisors, notwithstanding “mixed” investment results over the past year?
The answer is yes, according to a survey released three weeks ago. This is true for both knowledgeable and novice investors.
About two-thirds of investors responding to a survey conducted by research firm Strategic Counsel consider themselves “somewhat knowledgeable” [...]