Welcome to Martin's Money Musings by me, Martin Hastings.
I’m passionate about personal finance and have spent the past 15 years really digging into a wide range of issues. During that time I’ve also made a bunch of mistakes. I will share with you how to avoid those mistakes but also how to course-correct and get on what I believe is the right path. I plan to cover a whole range of things from: how to invest, how to save on banking fees, the best credit cards to use, loyalty points (PC Optimum, Air Miles, etc), how to break your mortgage for cheap, how to create your own “pension” with your investments, how to use and avoid debt, TFSA v. RRSP, how to set up an informal trust account, how RESP’s work, what type of life insurance to buy (if any), and a whole bunch of other things that I’ve dealt with in my own life, otherwise come across or think people might find useful.
None of what I’m saying is financial advice but if what I write makes sense for you that’s awesome. If it doesn’t make sense for you - that’s fine too. Treat it as food for thought and pick and choose what resonates for you.
In terms of my background I’m trained as a lawyer and also have an MBA but over the past 10 years I’ve taken a bunch of financial courses on the side. I am certified as a financial planner (QAFP with FP Canada) and am set to write level III of the CFA exam in May (COVID-permitting). I also read business news pretty voraciously so have developed my own sense of what does and doesn’t make sense.
I hope you enjoy my postings.
Cheers,
Martin Hastings