Stock Trading Reality

Have you every thought of getting rich by buying gold, investing in a technology IPO, or hitting the jackpot with a stock tip.

To be honest I have.

I seems we all have a desire to hit the jackpot in our lives. With all the money that can be made in stock market ... many choose to treat it more like a lottery than a market for investment.

You could be next George Soro's and make 1 billion dollars in real estate in one day ... or could you?!

No Risk Investing

Have you heard of an investment with out risk? I have. At least once a month I get a offer in the mail, email in my in-box or see an ad in the newspaper for a new investment that promises an amazing return with no risk. 


Nothing scares an investor more than risk, and nothing contributes more to risk in investing than volatility.


Just ask investors in 2008 going from the highs in spring to a drop of more than 40%. Since then investors are looking a solution for their investment nightmares. 


Almost every new investment being sold today comes with the selling feature "it does not have the volatility of the stock market". Many come with guarantees, others invest in alternative assets and some invest using a special investment strategies.

Investing In Canada

The winter olympics proved it. We Canadians are much better than we think we are. We are honest, and polite yet at the same time we are competitive and we can win.

The spin off from this investment by government and athletes to own the podium, has spilled over as Canadian athletes continuing to shine on the world stage.

This also applies to our place as a financial power, and as investors.  Few countries can claim to have a financial future like we have.

Financial Review for 2011

2011 is over now and your annual statement is soon to arrive. Is your account up or down? Are you closer to retirement? What a great time to review your financial game plan. 


Even after being in the investment industry for more than 15 years nothing can be more depressing than reviewing your investment returns after a decade and only seeing a average return of only 3 or 4 percent.  


If this is you, you are not alone.


So now the question is should you change what you are doing and give up investing altogether? If this question is weighing on your mind here are some questions you should ask yourself and check out the infographic on investor behaviour below.

The Worlds Greatest Money Maker

The name Warren Buffet is synonymous with investment success. What is the secret of the worlds most successful investor? Fancy investment techniques, sophisticated computer models, or magical statistical analysis?

Mr. Buffets approach is much more fundamental than that. You can tell by the way he lives his life. Keep it simple and understand what you own.

Check out this 6 part series " World's Greatest Money Maker with Evan Davis. Quite refreshing!

Investing in your 40's

The other day I had a someone call concerned that their opportunity to invest had passed them by. There is much to be said for starting early ... but it is not always easy to do everything with kids, mortgage and bills.

Check out this article from Mackenzie Financial Insight Magazine / Website on Investing in your 40's ...

Investing - Links and Resources

If you are like me you are always looking for ideas on how to make better choices with your money. These links focus on how to Build Savings.

They are provided for your convenience and are for education and information purposes only. The originating sites are responsible for all content and accuracy of information provided.

Invesco Trimark

One of Canada most respected investment firms offers PDF material available on estates, tax planning, pensions at www.invescotrimark.com. Check out this Invesco Trimark Commercial with Maurice "The Rocket" Richard and Wayne Gretzky 2008.

Mackenzie Financial

Founded in in 1967 Mackenzie Financial is one Canada's leading investment firms. On there website you will find articles on planning issues, financial calculators and the latest tax information at http://www.mackenziefinancial.com. Make sure to check out the latest issue of Mackenzie Insight.

The Wealthy Barber 2009

David Chilton author of the Wealthy Barber interviewed. The book was a classic in the 1980 and it philosophy is still relevant today. Courtesy of CBC 2009

About Mike Hassard

I moved to the Okanagan Valley in 1992 with my wife Babara and my two daughters to help open Future Shop in Kelowna. I was attracted to the Kelowna lifestyle and the great environment for my family.

When retail became an every increasing demand on our lives … I made a change to the financial services industry.