Beacon Magazine - October 2010

Page 28

PROMOTION

By Carol Plaisier

D

o you know anyone that is invested in the sock market? Sock drawers, coffee cans, backyards or mattresses? In an uncertain market, many investors turn to ‘alternative’ investing options, but that is no reason to remain in ‘defensive mode’ indefinitely.

short financial fitness quiz. Your answers to these few questions will quickly let you know how you feel about your financial well being. It is never too late to develop a comprehensive financial plan, whether you are starting your first job or whether you retired five years ago.

Today, it is easy to look back and say ‘I should have invested more money’ or ‘I should have stayed invested’ but in the latter half of 2007 and 2008 it seemed that the markets would never stop declining. Fear of losing everything was a major factor in the investor’s selling decision, possibly against the advice of their advisor. This doesn’t mean that you should accept all the recommendations of your advisor, especially if you do not understand how and where they research their recommendations. Signs of a weakened advisor/client relationship occur if your advisor does not contact you on a regular basis or only does so when they are recommending a trade or tells you ‘don’t worry, you’re in for the long haul and the markets always bounce back’ more than once.

An advisor you trust will help you to understand your risk tolerance in relation to your life goals and to understand whether or not your expectations are realistic. This allows you to make adjustments as you go, to ensure that you will be able to reach and maintain your desired lifestyle.

October 4 – 10, 2010 is Financial Planning Week in Canada. Visit www. financialplanningweekcanada.ca to take a

Financial planners look at all areas of your personal financial situation – what you own, what you owe, your investments and your household budget. Having a portfolio reach a certain dollar value is not the same as reaching your life goals, such as becoming a homeowner, taking your yearly desired vacation or retiring in the lifestyle you want. When you think of your portfolio, it is not the dollar amount that really means something to you; it is what those dollars represent in terms of your life goals. Your advisor will also address the areas of tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, asset

management, financial management (day to day) and risk management in terms of your life goals. An unknown tomorrow does not mean that you have to scrape by today! ~ For further information, Carol Plaisier, Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities Corporation, MemberCanadian Investor Protection Fund, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company can be reached at the DundeeWealth office in Parksville (250) 248-2399, or by email: cplaisier@dundeesecurities.com. www. carolplaisier.com This article was prepared by Carol Plaisier, CFP®, FMA, AMP (Accredited Mortgage Professional) who is an Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities Corporation, a DundeeWealth Inc. Company. This is not an official publication of Dundee Securities Corporation and the author is not a Dundee Securities analyst. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of Dundee Securities Corporation.

Corcan-Meadowood Residents Association 1st Annual General Meeting • Saturday - October 2nd Lighthouse Community Centre 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Bay, B.C. Registration: 9:30 a.m. Meeting: 10:30 a.m.

Contact Carol for a Complimentary Financial Health Check Up Today!

• Important information regarding the progress of the Highway 19 access • Government Officials from the Regional District of Nanaimo, Ministry of Transportation & Provincial Government • Progress Reports on Community Park, Regional Park and Community Centre Your support fuels our plans! Please come with your ideas & feedback Elaine Peligren, President • Phone 250-729-7099 (ext. 234) www.meadowoodresidents.com

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/ October 2010


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