- Why write a blog on such a well covered topic?
- Why try to learn such a difficult topic when I could pay someone to tell me what to do?
- Why have I spent the last 6 months reading sites and Blogs, about Canadian tax and Canadian investment strategies?
- Why at 35 years old have i suddenly started worrying about my financial future?
- Why do people use RRSP's and what does it stand for?
- Why are people talking about TFSA?
- Why is my girlfriend looking at me and asking what a blog is??
And the answers.....
Why write a blog on such a well covered topic?
Similar to the other Bloggers covering the topic, First and foremost it is for me! It is a method for me to track my ideas and plans. It is a way for me to show people these are my ideas, 'What do you think??'. Then secondly if this helps just one other person then i will be happy that the hours I spent learning contributed to someone else.
Why try to learn such a difficult topic when I could pay someone to tell me what to do?
I like to think of myself as an educated person, if I am going to do something I will research it first before making a decision. Be it buying a car, a TV, or planning the financial future for my family. Sure I can ask an expert on what i should do with my money. BUT if i'm going to pay someone money for that advice I want to maximise the value of the discussion. Which means i need to ask educated questions on the topic, as well as challange the response. I don't want to look back in 30 years and say what did I do wrong. I'm not saying don't use financial advisors, as I most certainly will, just make sure you can talk the same language first.
Why have I spent the last 6 months reading sites and Blogs, about Canadian tax and Canadian investment strategies?
Having just moved to canada from the UK, I find myself confronted with a new tax system, new methods to pay your retirement and overall a very confusing financial situation. As an expert in the Food Industry, my income is in the higher tax brackets. I guess it doesn't matter your nationality as everyone hates paying the taxman their hard earned cash. At 48% I am keen to find ways to get some of that hard earned money back. Which has mean't that i have spent the last 6 months reading and teaching myself canadian finance.
Why at 35 years old have i suddenly started worrying about my financial future?
The easy answer is I don't know!!!, well thats not quite true...
Since moving to canada, I am now earning more money than ever before, I have had to buy a new car, I have bought a House, I am in love with a wonderful Canadian Lass and we plan on getting married and having kids. So i guess for the first time I have to worry about the financial future as it no longer only affects just me. That and i truely hate giving the taxman my money!!
As for the other questions, well I guess you will find out those as i post more in this blog.
One final Question is probably needed, 'Why name your blog Canadian Money Lessons?', well thats what i want to post here as an easy reference source. All the lessons I have learnt on Canadian money matters in one place, rather than Scouring all the blogs out there.
Canadian money Lessons