The End of Low Interest Rates

The period of low interest rates is coming to an end. According to current forecasts, the rates will start rising midway through 2010. For many Canadians who went on holiday shopping sprees, stretching their credit limits to the max, the rise could spell sudden difficulty or disaster.

The Bank of Canada has warned that the biggest risk to the country's financial system is record household debt. Canadian households spent an average $71,360 last year, two per cent more than 2007. Approximately 20 per cent represented housing expenses.

As many Canadians wish to unload their mortgages as soon as possible, they are struggling to meet payments due to accelerated pay-downs on principal. Combining these high payments with other debts has put a stranglehold on many consumers.

It is crucial to take control of your debts before they control you. Experts suggest developing a plan of action to tackle your debts before problems arise.

It may be wise to suspend accelerated pay-downs on your mortgage. Use the extra cash from the lower mortgage payments to tackle the credit cards and other debts. Refrain from adding debts to your cards while you reduce the balances. Remember that higher unpaid balances carry higher rates of interest. It may also be advisable to take a consolidation loan at a lower rate of interest and pay off the cards. Also, try not to use more than one or two credit cards.

Sometimes, debts can get the best of us. Don't be afraid to seek help from credit counselors, if you feel that you are beginning to drown in debt. These professionals can help you before you panic and assist you in gaining control of your financial situation.
 
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Corporate Financial Planning: Mutual Funds and Fees

How much do you really know about your financial planner? Here is an individual that you have entrusted with the care and well-being of your financial portfolio. Are you truly getting the best value for your hard-earned money?

Let's begin by examining the role of the financial planner. Do you actually need an expert to advise you where to best invest your money? The truth is that financial experts can predict the future as well as you. If you're like most Canadians, you invest primarily in mutual funds. However, nobody can accurately predict how a mutual fund will react. Perhaps a crystal ball will tell you about the future activity of a particular stock. True, the financial planners spend a good deal of time and energy studying trends, monitoring market activity, and keeping an eye on the financial world. But, predicting the future is not a human trait.

When you pay an advisor to direct you to the best mutual fund, you're actually paying twice. The average Canadian annually pays the mutual fund roughly $2,000 for every $100,000 invested. You don't notice the fee because it's deducted by the fund before their report to you of the fund's results. In real terms, this "fee" amounts to anywhere between a quarter to a half of the after inflation gains on your invested funds.

Returning to your planner, most planners are paid on a commission basis – the more they sell you, the more they earn. Thus, you're paying percentages to both the mutual fund and the person who directed you there. Aren't the majority of the gains supposed to stay in your pocket? One suggestion is to hire a planner on an hourly basis. This removes any conflict of interest. The planner will help you get the most for your money, especially if you have complicated tax issues to address.

It's your money! Be in control by hiring professionals who work for your best interest.

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