Q2 Portfolio Commentary
‘If you’ve followed my forecasts, you’ve probably lost a lot of money’ – James Bullard, St. Louis Federal Reserve President
Last month, pro hockey’s annual selection of junior and collegiate players was held / Britons voted to either re-embrace or cast off their 43 year membership in the European Union……
So what can we take from these two episodes? First, forecasting is very difficult, regardless of the subject matter. Second, it’s human nature to crave certainty and to be drawn to those who appear to provide it, even when our rational selves know that the definitiveness on offer is rarely possible.
Click here to read more: DM-Portfolio-Commentary-Q2-16
The Clock is Ticking!
Don’t Put Off Your Decision to Buy Life Insurance
2016 is an opportune year to buy life insurance. New laws affecting the taxation of life insurance come into effect on January 1, 2017. After this date new policies will not perform as well as they do currently.
The good news is that the proceeds of life insurance policies paid at death still remain tax free. What has been affected is the amount of cash value that may accrue in a policy and the tax-free distribution of death proceeds from a life insurance policy owned in a corporation.
How will this impact your existing and future policies? Read more 
What to do if you’ve (just) been fired
Dismissed, downsized, dumped? There’s no easy way to hear you’re suddenly out of work. To soften the blow, we’ve pulled together six steps you can take right away to put more money in your pocket, and give yourself a better chance at finding a new job.
Don’t sign anything
At least not until you’ve taken your severance package home to read it properly. Check whether your ex-employer is offering salary continuance or a lump sum payment, and whether you’re still entitled to extended benefits or any kind of employment support. Although there’s no official deadline to complete this process, a week is typical. That’s usually enough time to get legal advice if you feel that’s necessary.
Keep it together
You’re probably feeling shocked or worried about the sudden change in your financial status. Who wouldn’t be? Yet the moment you hear the words, “Effective immediately,” you need to zip it and start listening. Not only will you be more likely to take in vital information, starting a shouting match does nothing but damage your professional reputation. Definitely a no-no heading into a job search.
Cardinal Update – May 2016
Politics and Portfolios – As the U.S. Election race continues Cardinal is being continually asked if the political climate in our neighboring country has an impact on our investment strategy. May’s article focuses on if politics result in economic changes at all, and whether or not that affects the companies Cardinal buys.
Our Company Focus this month is on Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ). With oil averaging at its lowest market value in a decade CNQ is still poised to be a front contender and a strong hold in our portfolio, regardless of the price of oil.
Click here to read more: Cardinal Update – May 2016
