Jodi Dark 1/5/24 Jodi Dark 1/5/24

Cyber Security -Part 1

Each year, we must complete security safety courses.
When it comes to security, change is constant. The threat landscape continues to evolve, and the tools available to threat actors become more sophisticated.

We review these cybersecurity incidents not to shame or to frighten, but to empower you to know how to defend yourself. You are the first line of defence against cyberattacks, and the small choices you make every day can keep you secure.

In this series, we will review some of the details we feel are important.

Part # 1 Keep Your Devices Up To Date

Keeping your devices up to date ensures that you always have the most recent security updates. Updates often include fixes to repair vulnerabilities, which threat actors can take advantage of to comprise your accounts. We recommend turning on automatic updates on all devices whenever possible.

Jodi Dark 9/15/23 Jodi Dark 9/15/23

Tips to Grow Series -#3

The Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) advantage
Financial markets are unpredictable with ups and downs. This can trigger a range of emotions, from joy and excitement when prices are up, to anxiety and panic when values head downward.

There are some investors who get caught up in the fear of missing out. They try and buy when a fund is doing well. And then there’s the nervous investor who, fearing the worst, sells a fund when the price drops.

In both market scenarios, investors are making quick decisions that could seriously affect an investment portfolio. But a DCA approach can help take emotions out of the equation.

Here’s some info to think about:
Start a systematic payment. By adding the same amount of money and investing on a regular schedule, regardless of market fluctuations, to buy funds. ( i.e. Starting a PAC to add $100 / month on the 15th)
When prices are high, this regular, recurring amount buys fewer units.
When prices are low, that same amount buys more units.

Depending on the average purchase price per unit over a given period, you may actually end up paying less per unit over the long run – therefore acquiring more units than if you had made a lump-sum purchase.

Most importantly, you’re investing regularly without being affected by the emotional highs and lows of market volatility.

Starting a systematic investment strategy has benefits. Now, instead of trying to time the market and hoping to buy when prices are low, let the law of averages and the DCA approach work in your favor.

Schedule a meeting with your advisor to review your investment goals and discuss whether DCA makes sense for you.

Jodi Dark 2/15/22 Jodi Dark 2/15/22

ONTARIO STAYCATION TAX CREDIT

ONTARIO STAYCATION TAX CREDIT
Overview. The temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022 aims to encourage Ontario families to explore the province while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19 covid 19 pandemic. Ontario residents can claim 20% …….

Bottom line is…

For the calendar year 2022…
Keep any receipts for a hotel, campground, etc (up to $1000) and you should get 20% of that back ($200)

- Bonnie

Overview. The temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022 aims to encourage Ontario families to explore the province, while helping the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19 covid 19 pandemic.. Ontario residents can clam 20% of their eligible 2022 accommodation expenses, for example, for a stay hotel, cottage or campground, when filing … www.ontario.ca

Bottom line is…

For the calendar year 2022…
Keep any receipts for a hotel, campground, etc (up to $1000) and you should get 20% of that back ($200)

- Bonnie

Jodi Dark 1/28/22 Jodi Dark 1/28/22

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED-Finish

FINISH UP ORGANIZING BY STORING ALL THIS NEWLY ORGANIZED INFORMATION IN A SAFE PLACE

Consider the following:

• Safety deposit box (accessible by a joint owner or executor)
• Filing cabinet
• Home safe

Now make sure to treat yourself to something for a job well done!

Jodi Dark 1/24/22 Jodi Dark 1/24/22

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED-4

NEXT -
GATHER ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS.

• Notices of assessment for recent tax years
• Business of documents if you own or co-own a business
• Real estate deeds

NEXT -
GATHER ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS.

• Notices of assessment for recent tax years
• Business of documents if you own or co-own a business
• Real estate deeds
• List of jewelry, art, collectibles, and other valuables
• List of digital assets (social media accounts, data or digital files, website, subscriptions, etc.) * consider providing passwords to a trusted individual and/or executive
• Advisor
• Accountant
• Lawyer

Jodi Dark 1/18/22 Jodi Dark 1/18/22

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED-3

GETTING ORGANIZED - GATHERING YOUR INFORMATION

Start with the personal information for your immediate family members.

Also gather any legal documents
• Full legal name and birth date
• Health card number
• Driver’s license and passport number
• Blood type
• Medications
• Allergies
• Health care provider contact information
• Other important contacts
• (daycare, school, specialist, in case of emergency, etc)

Also gather legal documents (continued):
• Will
• Powers of attorney (including directions on how to manage your financial, health care, and end of life decisions)
• Trusts
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce certificate

Jodi Dark 1/11/22 Jodi Dark 1/11/22

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED-2

KEEP ORGANIZING NY GATHERING YOUR FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS, BANKING, INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

• Mortgage(s)
• Line of credit
• Loans
• Credit cards………..

KEEP ORGANIZING NY GATHERING YOUR FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

KEEP ORGANIZING NY GATHERING YOUR FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS, BANKING, INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE INFORMATION

• Mortgage(s)
• Line of credit
• Loans
• Credit cards
• Safety deposit box number and key
• Non-registered accounts
• Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
•Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIPs)

• Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)
• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
• Pension accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Long-term care insurance
• Health and dental insurance
• Home and auto insurance

Jodi Dark 1/4/22 Jodi Dark 1/4/22

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED

WHY NOT START WITH YOUR IMPORTANT PERSONAL INFORMATION.

it’s a great way to make sure your loved ones know what to do in case of an emergency.

No one likes to think about it, but if something happened to you, would someone else be able to find your important documents? If you’re inquire - or worse - you’ll want a family member or an executor to be able to locate your financial and personal information, such as estate paperwork or health information, quickly and with the least amount of hassle possible.

Being prepared can help avoid potential delays or confusion during stressful times. Having important paperwork in order simplifies things for your loved ones or your executor, can help ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

The best part is that it doesn’t take much work to organize your documents. Simply creating special binders or folders and keeping it in a safe place will do the trick.

You just have to make sure you tell your loved ones or your executor where they can find it.

Stay tuned for more of this series

WHY NOT START WITH YOUR IMPORTANT PERSONAL INFORMATION.

it’s a great way to make sure your loved ones know what to do in case of emergency.

No one likes to think about it, but if something happened to you, would someone else be able to find your important documents? If you’re inquire - or worse - you’ll want a family member or an executor to be able to locate your financial and personal information, such as estate paperwork or health information, quickly and with the least amount of hassle possible.

Being prepared can help avoid potential delays or confusion during stressful times. Having important paperwork in order simplifies things for your loved ones or your executor, can help ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

The best part is that it doesn’t take much work to organize your documents. Simply creating special binders or folders and keeping it in a safe place will do the trick.

You just have to make sure you tell your loved ones or your executor where they can find it.

Stay tuned for more of this series

Jodi Dark 5/21/21 Jodi Dark 5/21/21

Women and Money

A Financial Advisor is a valuable resource for all your questions. They can help you take inventory of your current situation, identify what is important to you today and in the future, develop a customized investment plan, and help you work to get organized and put your dreams in place.

This could mean saving for a home, children’s education, retirement, or paying down debt. Putting a plan in place is the best way to make sure you have the money you need when you need it.

Once the plan is in place it is a good idea to review it annually to make sure things are on track and make adjust as needed.

This blog has been prepared by Jodi Dark who is a Financial Advisor for HollisWealth®, a trade name of Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HollisWealth or Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this blog comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication/blog and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Financial Advisor can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered.

Jodi Dark 5/14/21 Jodi Dark 5/14/21

Women and Money

Source: Fidelity Investments Money FIT Women Study, February 2015

Jodi Dark 5/12/21 Jodi Dark 5/12/21

Who needs to know?

Changing names is a matter of personal preference. We received requests for name changes for various reasons and often we are asked ‘who else do I need to notify?’

Changing names is a matter of personal preference. We received requests for name changes for various reasons and often we are asked ‘who else do I need to notify?’
Priority should be government identification. Many of these changes will require a copy of your marriage certificate and in some cases, they need to see the original.

Here are a few others who need to know:
• Drivers License
• Health Card
• Passport
• CRA
• Home Insurance
• Auto Insurance
• Car Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employer
• Pension / Benefits
• Children’s School
• Will, Lawyer, Accountant
• Doctor, Dentist, Optometrist, Massage Therapist, Chiropractor
• Utility Provider (Gas, Cable, Hydro, Cell Phone)
• Notify the bank for your Mortgage or Landlord (tenant)
• Investment Accounts ( RSP’s TFSA’s etc)
• Bank accounts, credit cards

We help make the changes on your investments as seamless as possible.
-Michelle

This blog has been prepared by Jodi Dark or a member of her team. Jodi is a Financial Advisor for HollisWealth®, a trade name of Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HollisWealth or Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this blog comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication/blog and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Financial Advisor can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered.

Jodi Dark 5/7/21 Jodi Dark 5/7/21

Women and Money

Jodi Dark 12/18/20 Jodi Dark 12/18/20

Want to Know your REAL values – take a look at your bank transactions!

Here’s your challenge. Write down your top 3 core values, things that you believe to be true about yourself. Is it that your health is a non-negotiable and you lead a healthy lifestyle? Are you financially responsible and make savings and looking after your family a priority? Are you socially conscious and pride yourself on giving back?
Now have a look at your bank account transactions. Do those debits match up with your core values?? Is your bank statement showing fast food and coffee shop expenses? Do you see money being directed into a savings or retirement plan maybe a RESP for the kids? Are there any funds being directed to your favorite charity or is it something you’ve be planning to do but haven’t quite got around to yet?
Now write out the REAL values that you have learned from looking at your bank statement. Do they match up with the ones you first wrote down?
If not it’s time to make some adjustments in the way you are living compared to the way you want to live. As they say - It’s time to start putting your money where your mouth (or heart) is!

Jodi Dark 12/11/20 Jodi Dark 12/11/20

What are you Reading?

Yes, this is one of many of my actual bookshelves. I am a huge self-improvement kind of girl! Have you heard the saying if you’re not growing, you’re dying? ….

Yes, this is one of many of my actual bookshelves. I am a huge self-improvement kind of girl! Have you heard the saying if you’re not growing, you’re dying? By the look of my shelf you can see that I take that pretty seriously!
What are your favorite self-improvement reads?
Jodi

Jodi Dark 12/5/20 Jodi Dark 12/5/20

𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬 - Have you heard of these?

CE or continuing education credits are points you earn for keeping updated in various areas of all things financial. When you are a Certified Financial Planner like me

CE or continuing education credits are points you earn for keeping updated in various areas of all things financial. When you are a Certified Financial Planner like me, then you must earn 25 of these credits each and every year. Even though sometimes I give it an eye roll, I do realize how important it is to stay up to date on the everchanging financial environment, tax laws, privacy acts etc. Each year I am required to earn credits in these areas; Financial Planning, Professional Responsibility, Practice Management, Product Knowledge and Giving Back.

-Jodi

Jodi Dark 11/27/20 Jodi Dark 11/27/20

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐮𝐬

Lessons Learned in Covid

What Covid has taught us is that anything, literally ANY. THING. can happen

Lessons Learned in Covid

What Covid has taught us is that anything, literally ANY. THING. can happen. Many people have lost their jobs or were forced to shut down their business. Even clients with typically safe incomes like doctors, dentists, chiropractors and business owners were unable to go to work or forced to pivot their work plans. Many people had lots of credit but little or not enough income to make their monthly payments. Tie that in with a falling stock market, it was/is a very difficult time financially for many.

Here’s some lessons to take away:

𝟏. For years we’ve heard about and known we should have an emergency fund however with lots of access to credit and having a steady income many thought that this was an old, out of date idea.
So a massive take away is to build up your emergency fund and keep it in a safe place. Start saving at least 3 to 6 months of your expenses and keep it in a safe spot like a high interest savings account so it’s there when you need it.

𝟐. Figure out your budget and know your expenses. Get familiar with what’s going out each month so you’ll know how you can quickly cut back if the unexpected happens.

𝟑. Review your investment portfolio each year. Super important to make sure you know what you are holding and how much risk/stock is on the table, so you can survive stock market volatility more comfortably.

𝟒. Have cash available for short term purchases. Investments in the stock market require a long time frame. For your short-term needs don’t underestimate the value of having cash.

𝟓. Always have a few extra rolls of toilet paper and paper towel on hand 😉

𝟔. Keep yourself as healthy as possible - make yourself a priority by exercising and eating healthy.

𝟕. Once the world is back to normal don’t put off celebrating. Make sure you take that trip and see your people. You’ll never regret that decision!

-Jodi