Financial paralysis and how to get moving again + MORE Feb 28th

As a semi-retired investor who recently started a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), I regard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Vanguard Group as a major part of my core portfolio, along with low-volatility ETFs from BMO ETFs, and income-oriented ETFs from various other vendors.

After the Liberation Day craziness of April 2025, I became increasingly defensive, although my asset allocation is not (yet) to the point that would be recommended by the rule of thumb that your age should equal your fixed income. If that were the case, I should have 28% in equities and 72% fixed income, and I’m not (yet) quite that conservative. 

As we indicated in the previous column on the Purpose Longevity Pension Fund, I intend to live a long time (Lord willing); therefore, I also believe that stocks (at least quality dividend-paying stocks or ETFs holding them) should always account for at least half of an investment portfolio—even in retirement. 

A core fund for retirees is the Vanguard Retirement Income Fund, or VRIF, trading on the TSX…

New findings from the Credit Counselling Society’s (CCS) 2026 Consumer Debt Report reveal a concerning pattern in how Canadians are experiencing debt. Under cost-of-living pressures, many are increasing their debt load, relying on credit to make ends meet. And while they’re making their minimum payments, they’re trapped in a cycle and never getting ahead. For some Canadians, the only way to avoid money stress is to stop thinking about it altogether.

Canadians face financial pressure

According to the data, Canadians remain under significant financial pressure, with a full 68% expressing concern about the cost of living. Almost a third (30%) of respondents are anxious about money, especially women and those making less than $50K per year, while Generation X worries about their retirement. 

Compounding the issue, money insecurity is having a notable effect on how Canadians spend. Forty-two percent reported relying more this year on credit than cash, a 7% increase over last year’s numbers…

Here’s a round-up of news for Canadian investors this week.

Scotiabank

EQB

National Bank

BMO

RBC

TD

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As parents grow older, managing daily tasks can become increasingly difficult. Chores such as meal preparation, personal care, home maintenance, and medication management may start to require extra support. This shift often places added pressure on adult children, who are already balancing careers, families, and their own busy lives. Without open discussion and planning, feelings of responsibility and guilt can intensify—and in some cases, lead to frustration or resentment.

Eventually, bringing additional care into the home or exploring a move to a retirement community becomes necessary for everyone’s well being. Yet, many Canadians struggle with how to start these conversations and how to guide their parents through the transition from living independently at home to accessing retirement living support.

Today’s retirement communities look far different from what most parents imagine. Rather than sterile, hospital-like environments, modern communities are vibrant, social, supportive places to live—designed to help seniors enjoy the next stage of life…