Blog
Registered Plans and Tax Reporting Dates for 2024
Following are the contribution limits and dates for the various registered plans as well as the planned mailing dates for the 2024 income tax slips.
Fun with numbers – should you realize capital gains and pay taxes early?
It turns out that, as with most things involving taxes, it is complicated. Much depends on how old you are, whether you want to hold the stocks you might sell for a long time, how high the dividend is on the stock, and how well or poorly the stock market will do in the future. In order to assist in decision making, here is a numerical example.
Cash Isn’t Trash Any More
David discusses the current investment landscape where Government of Canada bonds offer over 5% returns, contrasting sharply with the low rates of the past decade. While these higher rates may now persist for longer than expected, for the long-term investor, he argues that cash is not a good portfolio asset and that we have never been fans of market timing. So, unless there is a short-term need, such as an upcoming expenditure, best to stay invested.
an ernest opinion
What I’m watching from first quarter earnings
Beyond looking at reported macroeconomic figures from the Federal Reserve or the US Bureau of Labor, individual company results can provide an alternative gauge of the economy and business sentiment. Our portfolio companies tend to be leaders in their respective industries, and therefore give good insight into various dynamics at play within their various sectors.
What to do when a stock doesn’t work
Legendary investor Warren Buffett famously said that his favorite holding period is forever. Our aim at Baskin Wealth Management is to replicate this by owning great businesses managed by skilled & honest CEOs, and then sit back and let these [...]
How Patrick Doyle Can Fix Restaurant Brands
Last November, shares of Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes, shot up on the announcement that Patrick Doyle would be the incoming Executive Chairman. The market’s enthusiasm is well founded: Doyle is best known for leading the turnaround of Domino’s Pizza as CEO from 2010 to 2018 with Domino’s Pizza being the #1 performing stock in the S&P 500 during that time.
media appearances
Barry Schwartz on BNN Bloomberg’s The Open – November 29, 2024
Barry Schwartz talks about the threat of tariffs from Trump and Canadian investors.
Barry Schwartz on BNN Bloomberg’s The Close – November 11, 2024
Barry Schwartz talks about why Canadian stocks are currently much cheaper but have lesser quality.
Barry Schwartz on BNN Bloomberg’s The Street – November 6, 2024
Barry Schwartz joins BNN Bloomberg's The Street the morning after the US election results to discuss the markets.
Outlook
Monthly Newsletter – December 2024
As 2025 dawns, Canada faces unprecedented challenges: a turbulent U.S.-Canada relationship under a Trump presidency marked by annexation threats and trade tensions, paired with domestic political instability and a weakening economy. Investors must stay ahead, leveraging opportunities in robust U.S. markets, a depreciating Canadian dollar, and transformative technologies like AI and sustainable energy. Amid uncertainty, vigilance and adaptability are key to thriving in this new global reality.
Monthly Newsletter – November 2024
As we close out a remarkable November, with many portfolios reaching record highs, we turn our focus to the road ahead. 2025 presents new questions and opportunities for investors, from anticipated interest rate cuts in Canada to shifts in energy markets and the enduring strength of the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants. This month, David explores the key factors shaping the investment landscape for the coming year and reaffirms our long-term commitment to building wealth through disciplined strategies.
Webinar – Quality Investing for the Long Run
On Tuesday October 29th, 2024 seasoned investors Barry Schwartz and Ernest Wong hosted an exclusive webinar, Quality Investing for the Long Run. Discussing timeless strategies to build wealth and secure your financial future, even in a volatile market. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, you'll gain actionable insights into long-term investment planning, portfolio management, and how to stay the course in an ever-changing financial landscape. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from two experts who have navigated the ups and downs of the market for years.
Wealth management
New and Improved – Savings plans get even better
The past year has seen the addition of a new registered plan aiming to help first-time home buyers, as well as increased annual contribution limits for both the Tax Free Savings Account and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan driven by inflation. In light of these changes, this article will provide an update of the various registered savings plans available in Canada.
Getting Wealthy and Staying Wealthy
Everyone worries about money. Daniel Kahneman, a behavioural economist and winner of the Nobel in economic science once said “Money does not buy you happiness, but lack of money certainly buys you misery”. Money worries are the greatest source of stress, more than work, personal health and relationships.
Don’t Hesitate; Just Designate
Designating a beneficiary on your registered accounts is one of the most important decisions in estate planning. By designating a beneficiary, you inform the financial institution of your plans for your estate after your death. While it is a simple act requiring little in the way of paperwork, it can do a great deal of heavy lifting in establishing your wishes for your estate and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die.
podcasts
Year-End Wrap
Barry and Ernest are back with their final podcast of 2024. Not to worry, they will be back weekly in 2025! In this year-end wrap, Barry and Ernest review the highlights and lowlights of the Baskin Wealth Management portfolio. They discuss the names that surprised the most as well as sharing their thoughts on what might happen in 2025. Thank you very much for watching and listening and we wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2025.
Getting Back into Meta + Your Questions
This week, Barry and Ernest review Baskin Wealth Management’s decision to buy back shares of Meta. They discuss the risks and opportunities for the company with a thoughtful conversation about Meta’s business pivots over the years, its AI goals and what is going on with Reality Labs. Then the show is all about you as they answer several questions from the mailbag including a discussion on stocks they regret not buying and how we manage currency fluctuations.
More on Tariffs, Google, Couche-Tard and Copart
This week, Barry and Ernest talk tariffs - the risks to the Canadian and U.S. economies and the types of companies that could be hurt the most. Next, they discuss the proposed remedies by the DOJ in its anti-trust lawsuit against Google. Moving on, they provide an update on Couche-Tard’s bid for 7 Eleven and a review of its recent earnings release. The feature discussion is on the risks and opportunities for Copart.
