FreeBird Wealth

05/13/2025

Earlier today, markets surged following a breakthrough agreement between the United States and China to implement large tariff reductions, with additional negotiations planned. This move signals a potential easing of trade tensions, which has triggered a sharp rally in global equities.

However, I continue to be cautiously optimistic as I still believe it is important to look at overall economic data and developments around overall financial conditions. This is a testament to why staying the course is important and not over-reacting to short-term headlines.

04/17/2024

The federal government is raising the inclusion rate to two-thirds from one-half on capital gains above $250,000 realized annually by individuals and on all capital gains realized by corporations and trusts.

The proposed higher new rate kicks in June 25, 2024, the government announced in Budget 2024.­

The inclusion rate for capital gains up to $250,000 realized annually by individuals will continue to be 50%.

Higher new rate applies on gains above $250,000 for individuals, and all gains realized in corps and trusts

12/21/2023

As we celebrate this joyous holiday season, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. We'd like to express our heartfelt thanks for your trust in us to help you achieve your financial goals.

Whether you are spending time with family and friends or taking a well-deserved break, we hope you find joy in the simple pleasures of the season.

Happy holidays and all the best for 2024!

11/22/2023

With recent drama of OpenAI's Board of Director firing it's CEO Sam Altman, take a peak at OpenAI's corporate structure and where Microsoft ownership is. Interesting how a non-profit is the parent company that fully owns and controls the OpenAI, who also developed ChatGPT and is for profit corporation.

08/24/2023

Anyone paying attention to housing market crisis in China? Why does that matter, because they are the 2nd largest economy in the world.

China has lowered the interest rates but that's not helping either. Stay tuned to see if government would throw more stimulus package to help the market.

08/15/2023

Canada's inflation data out this morning...

"StatCan says mortgage interest costs booked another record year-over-year gain, ranking again as the largest contributor to headline inflation."

So they increase interest rates to bring inflation down which ironically adds to inflation measures. Let that sink in...

Canada's annual inflation rate climbed more than economists expected in July.

06/19/2023

*** Important information for Oil & Gas companies shareholders and stock traders****

Today, I want to shed some light on an interesting trend that has been observed recently—the noticeable divergence between oil prices and the performance of the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), which is the blue line in the graph below.

📉 Oil Price Plunge: Over the past few months, the global oil market has experienced a significant drop in prices due to a myriad of factors, including increased supply, geopolitical tensions easing, and a slowdown in global demand. This downward pressure has sent shockwaves throughout the energy industry, affecting oil producers, refiners, and other related sectors. 🌍⛽

📈 XLE Stagnation: Despite the downward trajectory in oil prices, the XLE, a popular exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of major energy companies, has not mirrored this decline. In fact, XLE's value has remained relatively stable or even increased during this period. 📈🔒

How do you interpret this disconnect, and what implications does it hold for the future of the energy sector in the shorter term?

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06/07/2023

Bank of Canada raises policy rate 25 basis points, continues quantitative tightening.

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 4¾%, with the Bank Rate at 5% and the deposit rate at 4¾%.

05/26/2023

🏥Life Insurance🛟

According to the UNA, Alberta nurses are paid 1x base salary for life insurance. **This may be different if you are in another province.

On average, as a full time employee, you may work an extra 10-20 hours of overtime. If your base salary is approximately $80,000/yr. With worked overtime your lifestyle is more likely accustomed to $120,000/yr

If your life insurance plan is paid out at 1x base salary, your family will be paid based on an $80,000 salary.

Did you know you can supplement your current benefits with private insurance?

There are many types of life insurance products, the one I will highlight today is participating life insurance.

A PAR (participating) policy provides the following benefits.

1. Tax free payout to beneficiary
2. Cash Value Growth
3. Possible Dividend payouts

Earn income in your life insurance policy allowing it to grow as an investment as well as insurance!

To learn more about each of these and many other options available to you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

05/25/2023

A ⭐Nurse⭐ is Basically a SuperHero in Scrubs 👏

But as a nurse, are you saving enough for retirement?

Are you utilizing tax strategies efficiently?

Do you know what you will be paid if you take long or short term disability?

Do you understand your pension plan?

Is 1 x BASE salary enough for your family if something tragic happened to you? Remember all that overtime you worked.....it doesn't count as your base salary, but your lifestyle includes your overtime pay.

Watch this space over the next few days to learn more about investing and saving so you can have peace of mind while saving lives!