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Francis Forum
The Francis Forum Provides Perspective
The Francis Forum is a quarterly newsletter written to help provide you with important analysis and perspective on the financial markets. Each quarter we take time to provide you with advice, links to important resources, and in-depth analysis on topics that can affect you and your family’s economic well being. Topics can include changes to Canadian tax law, the Canadian budget, retirement planning strategies and many other interesting topics. We also pass on information on upcoming seminars, community events, and some other interesting articles related to achieving a good work life balance.
Out with the Old and in with the New!
I would like to start by wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year. It seems as I get older the years seem to fly by and 2022 was no exception. Many of us had the urge to hop on a plane and get away after two years of being confined but from a market perspective, we certainly had to buckle our seatbelts due to some more than slight market turbulence. Let’s review 2022!
The year started off with a bang and despite us still dealing with the uncertainty of Covid-19, the markets continued to move higher into the first quarter of the year. Real estate boomed and the bidding war for homes in the Ottawa region and throughout Canada, continued the trend from the previous couple of years.
Taxation and You!
Although it may seem early, it is never too early to start thinking about the upcoming tax season! We will be sending out a client communication in early February with detailed information on our tax preparation services, but we want to let all clients know that we are once again offering our popular tax preparation services for the 2022 tax year.
Income Annuity – Is it right for you?
You’ve worked hard and saved for your retirement, and you want to protect your income. This forgotten gem has been overlooked for many years due to the past low-interest rate environment.
An income annuity is a financial product that provides you with a guaranteed regular income. Typically, it is used during your retirement years and offered by an annuity provider, such as a life insurance company. When you buy an annuity, the insurance company will pay you, the annuitant, a regular income for a fixed term or the rest of your life, no matter how long you live – so you can expect regular, predictable, and stable income, no matter what happens to your other sources of income or the economy.
The Pros and Cons of Locking In
The holiday season is upon us, bringing an end to a tumultuous year. 2022 saw inflation reach levels not seen for 40 years, followed by substantial interest rate hikes. From March to December, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate by a whopping 4.0%, causing some stress for Canadian homeowners, particularly those with variable-rate mortgages. If you have a variable-rate mortgage, these rate hikes may have you thinking about converting (or “locking in”) to a fixed rate, if your lender allows you to do so. Of course, this then commits you to a new mortgage term with your current lender. Let’s look at the potential upsides and downsides of making the switch.
News
We are thrilled to receive the 2023 Faces Magazine Award for Wealth Management Firm of The Year!
Capital Wealth Partners Wins Wealth Managemtn Firm of the Year for 2023!
2020 Global Market Outlook
Q2 Update: Cycle, further interrupted The COVID-19 virus has stalled the mini-cycle rebound and made a global recession likely. The duration of the virus pandemic is unpredictable, but policy stimulus, pent-up demand and a lack of major imbalances argue for a solid upswing when the virus threat clears. Continue Reading
Keeping Your Kids Busy at Home – Awesome Links/Ideas and Navigating Volatility during the Covid-19 Crisis
Our colleague Allison and friends at Invesco have put together a list of websites that can be a great way to keep our kids connected to the outside world and feel busy, and give us the time we need to connect with others during this period of market volatility.
Why You Should Plan Ahead For Holiday Spending
In about five seconds, all of the Halloween costumes and decor will be whisked off to the clearance aisle and stores will become one big explosion of red and green. Wasn’t it just summer? The holidays sneak up on us faster than the sudden emergence of pumpkin spice in September so it’s important to start…
Seminars
Each month, clients are welcome to join us for a variety of compelling Seminars that can help you gain a better understanding of the multiple facets of the financial world as well as in other non-financial topics. We bring in established accredited professionals in a professional and impartial environment and allow you the ability to ask questions. Topics range from tax planning and retirement planning, to travel options and seasonal gardening. The topics and speakers are selected based on where your interests lie, and we are always open to suggestions.
Tax Planning
Insurance Planning
Pension Planning
Other Seminars
Social Events
We feel it is important that we provide opportunities for you to interact with the team throughout the year, and enjoy some time together with friends and family. As such we organize several activities throughout the year. To see the events which we typically organize, see the list to the right.
Typically we organize events throughout the year, at least one per quarter:
Family Movie Events
Annual Euchrefest
Let’s Take a Swing at Cancer
Children’s Christmas Event
15th ANNUAL EUCHREFEST 2021
After missing our first year in 14 due to the challenges of Covid-19, we are back! Duane and his team cordially invite you to enjoy an informal virtual evening of Euchre in a tournament format.
For all of you Euchre enthusiasts, this will be a fun night of cards with a chance to win fabulous prizes!!
All are welcome, whether you know the game or not, but if you are a beginner, brush up, because the competition is fierce.
Please contact Natalie Nunn at 728-0101 ext. 228 or via e-mail or by online form below on or before Friday, May 14th, 2021.
“Let’s take a Swing at Cancer” Golf Tournament
We are excited to once again bring you the “Let’s take a Swing at Cancer” Golf Tournament in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
This year the tournament will take place at the Greyhawk Golf Club on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 with check-in and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Visit the website to register.
About The Tournament
In 2004, the Herman Hansen Memorial Golf Tournament was founded in memory of Ed’s father Herman Hansen, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001 and then sadly passed away in August 2003. It is our goal to raise money and awareness in support of the ongoing work of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.
After 18 years the tournament and “Drive” events have raised just over $360,000 and we are back again this year to raise even more!
This year’s tournament is brought to you by Gifford Carr Insurance Group, Ed Hansen of Hansen Lawn and Gardens Inc., Steven Lacroix of A. Lacroix Heavy Equipment Rentals, Jim Hill of Travel with Jim and Steve, Duane Francis of Mandeville Private Client Inc. and Eric Gill of Pro Printers.
About The Cancer Foundation
The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation is dedicated to increasing cancer survivorship in Eastern Ontario by working to fill the gaps in services for cancer patients and their families. The Cancer Foundation partners with local organizations and hospitals to ensure residents have the best care close to home, shorter wait times for diagnosis and treatment, access to research and the latest new therapies and overall improved quality of life. For more information on the ORCF please visit: www.ottawacancer.ca