Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Catherine Metzger-Silver

09/21/2024

September 21st is World Gratitude Day!

World Gratitude Day is a day to take stock of all the good things going on in your life. It’s World Gratitude Day! Today, why not arrange a meal with family, hang out with friends or simply write a list of everything in your life you’re grateful for which you can take out and read to remind yourself from time to time.

09/21/2024

Some weeks are more consequential than others in shaping the market narrative, and last week was one of them. The Federal Reserve delivered on what markets have been hoping for and anxiously anticipating over the past two years. Interest rates were cut by a larger-than-typical 0.5%, signaling a critical turning point in the monetary policy cycle. We offer five key takes on what last week's announcement means for the economy and markets.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

09/19/2024

Had a lovely visit at . A wonderful way to spend a late summer evening!

09/16/2024

Tipsy Toad Grove Farm is the place for me when I’m not in the office! Jeff and I had a great time at the farm with farm owners Sue and Troy as they showed us their beautiful property while we walked through the woods with a heard of goats.
I highly recommend booking a goat walk experience!
And by the way… try Sue’s burritos at the Wolfville Farmers' Market… delish!!!

09/14/2024

Investors focused in on inflation data last week, with markets continuing to filter the balance of consumer price trends and economic readings through the lens of what it means for Fed interest rate moves ahead. Recent developments have produced flashes of market volatility lately, but this isn't necessarily the full image. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we zoom in on key items that were in the frame last week, and then zoom out for a better view of the bigger picture for the markets.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

09/13/2024

We nipped out for lunch today to enjoy some seriously tasty Mediterranean food at Troy, because who needs lunch at their desk when there are top-notch eateries nearby in the Valley?

09/11/2024

There are two main types of powers of attorney (POA). The first involves decisions related to your property and finances. The second is for personal care, giving someone you trust authority to make medical and personal care decisions on your behalf. Your attorney can talk to you more about these two types of POAs and I can discuss other estate planning strategies.

The idea of putting together an estate strategy may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

09/09/2024

Your trusted team can include a lawyer to draft legal documents and a tax professional for recommendations on reducing tax liabilities. Working closely with these professionals, as your Edward Jones advisor I help ensure your investments and beneficiaries align with your estate plan. Learn more about estate planning here.

The idea of putting together an estate strategy may sound complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

09/07/2024

After the soft jobs report, markets continued their risk-off positioning that began in the seasonally volatile month of September. In our view, the slowing labour market certainly adds risk to the economic outlook, but the figures thus far don't point to an imminent recession.

In this backdrop, we recommend leaning into market weakness and consider re-balancing portfolios, diversifying, or adding quality investments at better prices, especially as we believe economic growth could reaccelerate in the 12 to 18 months ahead.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

09/06/2024

Market Update: The Bank of Canada (BoC) decreased its policy interest rate by a quarter percent, to 4.25%. Senior Strategist, Julie Petrera explains how this impacts . Contact me and I can talk to you about what these changes might mean for your personal strategy.

09/05/2024

The higher earning spouse in a couple may change, and changes in jobs over time may lead to changes in pension plans. Income splitting is not a ‘set it and forget it strategy’ and should be reviewed as changes to income and pension plans occur. Let's review your income splitting strategy together.

Income splitting is a strategy to level out income earned by spouses to reduce tax bills.

08/31/2024

The market action in August was like a blockbuster summer action movie – packed with suspense and unexpected twists, keeping investors on the edge of their seats, but ultimately wrapping up with a satisfying, upbeat finale.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

08/29/2024

In a family Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), if one child decides not to pursue post-secondary education, the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) can be transferred to another child. Contact me if you want to make RESPs part of your plan.

You may have been investing for years for your child or grandchild's post-secondary education. But what happens if they decide not to go to university or college? In this article, we outline what happens to your contributions, the government grants and investment growth.

08/27/2024

A Will is one of the most important documents in your estate plan. At a minimum, a Will names your executor, beneficiaries and how you’d like your assets to be distributed. But it can go beyond that, including stipulating conditions on when distributions are made and providing additional executor powers to aid them in implementing your wishes. Learn more about the importance of having a Will here.

Understanding the differences in beneficiary designations can help you plan for your loved ones.

08/26/2024

In honor of 'National Dog Day' here is a photo of Lindsay's dog, Spirit, enjoying some flowers on a walk. Make sure to give your pup some extra love today!

08/24/2024

Markets spent the week largely treading water, and while there were no major surprises, we do think the Federal Reserve's freshest commentary provided some takeaways that will be important for markets ahead. In our latest Weekly Market Wrap, we share three key takeaways for investors from the Fed's much-anticipated Jackson Hole event.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

08/23/2024

Along with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), individual savings and employer pension plans, OAS is a common source of retirement income for Canadians. OAS is a taxable monthly benefit provided to eligible seniors. We've compiled the top 10 questions we’ve been asked about OAS. You can view them here.

You asked – we answered! Here are the top 10 questions about Old Age Security (OAS)

08/20/2024

There are many factors to consider when deciding when to start receiving Old Age Security (OAS). These include your tax rate, total income, the income needed to fund your desired retirement lifestyle and your health. I can work with you to determine the optimal start date for you. If this is of interest, please call my office and book an appointment.

You asked – we answered! Here are the top 10 questions about Old Age Security (OAS)

08/17/2024

Markets over the past week continued to recover from the previous week's sharp pullback. In our view, the backdrop of softer inflation and cooling but positive economic growth still points to a Fed that will likely begin cutting rates as soon as the September 18 FOMC meeting. More in our latest Weekly Market Wrap.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

08/16/2024

Even if your child isn’t interested in college or university, there are many other Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) qualifying schools and programs. These include trade schools such as hair stylist programs and CEGEPs in Quebec. A complete list is on the Government of Canada website.

You may have been investing for years for your child or grandchild's post-secondary education. But what happens if they decide not to go to university or college? In this article, we outline what happens to your contributions, the government grants and investment growth.

08/15/2024

If your spouse, partner or adult children work for you, it may be possible to pay them a salary that is taxed at their marginal tax rate. If they are shareholders, you may also be able to pay them dividends but there are strict rules for Tax on Split Income (TOSI) that you must follow. It’s essential to work with a tax professional if you want to split business income with family members.

Income splitting is a strategy to level out income earned by spouses to reduce tax bills.

08/10/2024

For any investors that were looking the 2024 gift horse in the mouth, last week showed some teeth. We don't think the recent pullback should be patently dismissed, but panic is not the proper reaction either. Our latest Weekly Market Wrap covers four key things to keep in mind.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

08/03/2024

The typical summer lull was nowhere to be found in the markets last week. The final week of July was a whirlwind, filled with a flurry of earnings reports, three central bank meetings and key labour market data. We look through that noise at five key turning points that may define performance in the months and quarters ahead.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

07/27/2024

In this week's update we review last week's market performance and take a look at what the week ahead could hold.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

07/25/2024

Recently, our executive leadership team had the privilege of visiting the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, where they witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress fueled by The Terry Fox Foundation.

Seeing the groundbreaking work of the research labs reaffirmed our firm's unwavering commitment to supporting the fight against cancer. The dedication and innovation displayed by the medical staff and supporters left our team even more inspired. Together, we share Terry Fox's dream of a world without cancer.

And since 2021, Edward Jones has taken pride in honouring Terry's legacy by working to support cancer research.

07/22/2024

It’s often our own emotions and not market volatility or performance that is the biggest roadblock to achieving our financial goals. We've highlighted three top mistakes we’ve seen investors make when they let their emotions drive their decisions, and compiled some tips on how to avoid making the same errors. View them here.

Don't let emotions get in the way of your strategy.

07/20/2024

As we kicked off 2024, one of our 10 key calls for the year was our view that while equity markets would continue to perform well, the market's underlying leadership would rotate, broadening out beyond 2023's Magnificent Seven concentration. We look at how this showed up within three key market matchups, and what it may mean for investors' portfolios.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

07/18/2024

In our latest Market Compass, our Senior Strategist, Mona Mahajan looks at market performance to date and outlines three key factors we’re watching for the rest of 2024.

To hear more, including from our Senior Strategist, Julie Petrera on how the Bank of Canada's recent policy rate cut could impact you, watch the full episode here.

Market Compass helps keep you in the know about what's happening now and what we think may unfold over the next quarter. In this video series, our strategists focus on exploring economic events that matter to you, and offer tips you can use as you work toward your financial goals.

07/13/2024

Check out our midyear review and outlook for the back half of 2024 in our latest Weekly Market Wrap.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

07/08/2024

Too much debt is debt you can’t maintain based on your income. This varies from person to person. Two metrics used to calculate debt affordability are the gross debt service ratio (GDSR) and total debt service ratio (TDSR). Learn more about these ratios and see tips for paying down debt here. Reach out if you’d like to review this together.

The decision to pay down debt or invest is more about you as an individual than it is about the math. Your decision may depend on multiple factors