Learn and build wealth Debt is often viewed as a financial burden, but it can also take a toll on your health. Stress from debt can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems such as sleep disorders and high blood pressure. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to frustration...Continue reading

Your Survival plan – When your payments exceed your income. Let’s not beat around the bush, these are scary and stressful times. Remaining physically healthy is the priority — and thankfully, most of us seem to be achieving that.  However, very few of us can say our current or future financial situation is a healthy...Continue reading

20-year financial veteran Paul Murphy explains his system for building a realistic money management plan. If you’d like an expert to review your debt situation, you can contact your local 4 Pillars office here.  After working in the finance industry for 20 years, there’s one truth that seems to be proven again and again: people...Continue reading

This past July, after seven years of leaving its key interest rate steady at near-historic lows, the Bank of Canada increased its overnight rate by 0.25 percentage points to 0.75 percent. In September, the bank raised it another quarter-point to 1.0 percent amid strong economic growth. While we’re unlikely to see another increase this year, they left...Continue reading

As Frank Sinatra had crooned, love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage. If finance were part of this picture, it would be driving the carriage. Disagreements over the management of household finances have long been known to be a source of major stress on a relationship and, not uncommonly, lead to divorce....Continue reading

From pre-natal preparations to preschool to post-secondary, raising a child in Canada is not for the financially faint of heart. The average annual cost for raising a child to the age of 18 has been estimated to be a cool $13,000 which, of course, will not necessarily decrease at that age if you plan to...Continue reading

  With the temperatures now dipping, winter is on its way and that means ‘tis soon the season for big cozy sweaters, holiday sweets and, for many of us, sunny trips down south to swap our snow suits for bathing suits. Whether you’re planning to head south to an all-inclusive resort or planning ahead for...Continue reading

20-year financial veteran Paul Murphy shows you why the Rule of 72 is the most powerful (and dangerous) personal finance rule to master. It’s the most powerful rule in all of personal finance. A simple formula that has helped geniuses like Warren Buffett turn millions into billions. And a powerful weapon that Canadians can either...Continue reading

Emergency Funds—An Important Part of Financial Planning  How long would your current savings last in an emergency? What if you suddenly lose your job or face unexpected expenses, such as urgent home or car repairs? Maybe you want to make a career change, possibly to self-employment, and will experience a less stable financial situation for...Continue reading

How to Set Up a Monthly Budget Creating a monthly budget is a great way to kick-start debt-free living and add to your savings. A budget is a great financial tool, whether you are looking to reduce your existing debt or simply gain a better understanding of your spending habits. It allows you to determine...Continue reading