De Berardinis Financial Solutions

07/24/2025

With so many tools and options available today, one question keeps coming up:
“Should I invest using ETFs or mutual funds?”

So I ran a quick case study with another advisor to compare both approaches using a $100,000 portfolio with a standard 70/30 mix (70% equities / 30% fixed income). We tested three versions:

An ETF portfolio

A DIY-style ETF portfolio

A Mutual fund portfolio

Here’s what stood out — no charts needed:
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💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Mutual Fund Outperformed
Despite having the highest fees, the mutual fund portfolio came out ahead in long-term returns and growth. Cost matters, but value matters more. *This is not always the case and will vary, but just worked out in this situation.*

🔹 ETFs Can Be Cost-Effective
The DIY ETF portfolio had the lowest fees, but not the strongest returns. It's efficient — but performance depends on what’s inside the portfolio, not just the fee.

🔹 It's Not Just About Cost
People often focus only on fees — but performance, tax strategy, and portfolio design matter just as much (if not more).

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✅ Final Thought:

Whether you use ETFs or mutual funds, what really matters is the plan behind the portfolio. It's about building a strategy that fits your goals, not just chasing the cheapest option.

Want to see how your portfolio stacks up?
Send it over — I’ll happily plug it into the same comparison.

07/09/2025

This question has been asked many times, and I've seen conversations about it over and over.

This is my take on it all.

04/29/2024

Is retiring comfortably a concern for you?

Sadie Janes wrote about this topic and the findings are scary.

"Half (51 per cent) of Canadians aged 18 to 34 agreed they live beyond their means, compared to only 31 per cent of those aged 35 and over." If you know you are living beyond your means, lets take a look at your budget and make the necissary changes.

"We know saving early and saving often is the key to retirement security..." If we start with good habits when we are in our 20's, those habits will follow us to retirement.

Some people even said they would take a lower salary in exchange for a pension. That is a bit of a wild idea to me. The money is already in your hands, you just need to decide what to do with it.

The simple change in my eyes...create a budget that works for you, cut out the extra spending that is hurting you, and PAY YOURSELF FIRST!

$100 monthly
+ 8% Average annual return
+ 40 year time horizon
= $324,180.39

It might not be able to fund your entire retirement...but it will help!

Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Canadian adults aged 55 to 64 have $100,000 or less in savings and 44 per cent have less than $5,000, according to a new survey by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan. The survey, which polled 2,000 Canadian employees, found 44 per cent haven’t set aside any mone...

03/27/2024

ATTENTION ALL REAL ESTATE INVESTORS & PREC OWNERS!!!

Tomorrow from 1pm-2pm I will be a guest speaker for a lunch and learn created specifically for you.

I will be going over topics like proper estate transfer, tax efficient growth, and proper investing tactics within a corporation.

Come join the webinar via the link below:
52106db8-a1ac-4c85-9361-cc32790b27fe@842c9895-e602-4d09-abe9-fa42c614c023" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/52106db8-a1ac-4c85-9361-cc32790b27fe@842c9895-e602-4d09-abe9-fa42c614c023

02/28/2024

I did a little write up on some reasons someone gave me for not using a RRSP.

Are you maximizing the benefits provided by an RRSP or are you maximizing tax efficiency another way?

02/21/2024

When used properly RRSP's are a great tool!

Limiting tax payable, generating a tax return, and getting tax deferred compounded growth are all great benefits. No there are not penalties when you take the money out, you simply pay the taxes you haven't paid yet.

If you don't think RRSP's are a good tool, let me know why in the comments.

02/15/2024

RRSP's are great, but they aren't for everyone. If you fit into one of these 5 scenarios an RRSP isn't the best option for you.

Lucky for you I have solutions for all scenarios and situations!

02/02/2024

🚀 Ready to help your young adults journey? Join us for our Adult Readiness Seminar: Career, Finance, and Insurance! 🌐💼

Unlock the secrets to career success, financial empowerment, and insurance savvy with our expert speakers. From resume building to investment strategies, we've got you covered! Help give them the tools to start their next stage of life on the right foot.

🗓️ Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 6:30 PM EST. This online seminar is your ticket to valuable insights from the comfort of your home.

Ready to boost your young adult's readiness and achieve their goals? Reserve your spot today! 🎓💪 Once registered, our team will send you the meeting link. Let's embark on this journey together!

Ensuring young adults are prepared for the workforce and beyond. Get the tools to help your young adult get started on the right foot!

01/16/2024

The new year brought changes to statutory payroll deductions in Canada, leading to smaller paychecks for many. 📉 To navigate this, consider these practical tips:

- Review discretionary deductions.
- Maximize employer RRSP matching.
- Analyze and adjust optional payroll deductions.
- Track and budget expenses.

Navigating reduced income requires creativity and proactive financial management. 💼💡 If you need personalized advice or a review of your financial situation, contact me for a no-obligation meeting. Let's navigate these changes together!

Increased payroll deductions mean smaller paycheques — here's now to cope