Springtime is a Refresh

Harness Investment Management
Market Ethos
Dividend Depression
The TSX is up 6.2% year-to-date while the DJ Canada Select Dividend Index (good proxy for dividend investing) is up a paltry 1.0% and the 1 year performance lag is even bigger. Begging many investors to ask - what the bleep is wrong with my dividend stocks? This week's edition dives into the dividend space that is now trading at historically high valuation spreads to the overall market with some really juicy yields. Read the article here

First Home Savings Plan (FHSP)

As higher interest rates and a shrinking supply of homes on the market continue to hamper housing affordability, a new registered investment plan is here to help more Canadians enter the housing market.
Announced as part of the federal government's 2022 budget, the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) came into effect in April 2023. It allows eligible individuals to save up to $40,000, and combines the tax advantages of two existing registered plans — the registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) and the tax-free savings account (TFSA).
Supporting our next generation with new opportunities to get into the housing market. I’d love to share the details.
Cultivating Wealth : Prudent Planning

In the vast landscape of personal finance, parallels can be drawn between nurturing a garden and cultivating wealth. Both endeavors require meticulous planning, strategic diversification, and adaptability to change. Let's explore how the principles of gardening align with those of financial planning.
Planning and Preparation: Sowing the Seeds of Success
Before a single seed is planted or a dollar invested, thoughtful planning and preparation are essential. Just as a gardener evaluates factors like soil quality, sunlight, and water availability, a prudent financial planner assesses individual goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
In the garden, the planning phase involves selecting the right plants for the environment, determining planting schedules, and allocating space efficiently. Similarly, in financial planning, one must identify suitable investment vehicles, establish a budget, and set achievable objectives.
The process of planning and preparation sets the foundation for success in both endeavors. Just as a well-prepared garden yields abundant harvests, a meticulously crafted financial plan can lead to long-term prosperity.
Importance of Diversification: Cultivating Resilience
In both gardening and financial planning, diversification is a key strategy for mitigating risks and maximizing returns. In the garden, planting a variety of crops helps spread the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions. Similarly, in financial markets, diversifying investments across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities can reduce portfolio volatility and enhance overall stability.
Just as a diverse garden thrives in various conditions, a well-diversified investment portfolio can weather economic fluctuations and market downturns. By spreading resources across different sectors and industries, investors can increase their chances of long-term success.
Embracing Changes: Adapting to Growth
Gardens are dynamic ecosystems that constantly evolve with the seasons, requiring adaptability and flexibility from the gardener. Financial planning is no different; it necessitates a willingness to embrace change and adjust strategies as circumstances evolve.
In the garden, unexpected challenges like pest infestations or unseasonable weather may require quick thinking and innovative solutions. Similarly, in finance, changes in economic conditions, tax laws, or personal circumstances may necessitate adjustments to investment allocations or savings strategies.
Successful gardeners and investors alike recognize that change is inevitable and view challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. By remaining agile and adaptable, they can navigate uncertainty and position themselves for long-term success
Cultivating Wealth: Through Prudent Planning
In the garden of personal finance, the principles of planning, diversification, and adaptability mirror those of gardening. Justas a well-tended garden flourishes with careful attention and nurturing, a thoughtfully crafted financial plan can yield bountiful rewards over time.
By approaching financial planning with the same diligence and patience as gardening, individuals can cultivate wealth, nurture resilience, and embrace the journey toward financial independence. Whether tending to a garden or managing investments, the keys to success lie in meticulous planning, strategic diversification, and a willingness to embrace change.
Setting an intention of what you want, how you want to feel and the path to get there is always the focus. I’m here for you.

Karen Boudewyn, Senior Wealth Advisor
Core Wealth Solutions
tel: 250.217.7533 AB: 403.457.2290
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