Minding Money: Lara's Insights

A financial newsletter and blog in the Comox Valley

I'm glad you're here - being on this page means you want to learn more about how your financial choices can impact your quality of life.

I have been passionate about the importance of financial literacy since I started in this industry 20 years ago.  Minding Money is a quarterly newsletter I started for my friends and clients to address common questions when it comes to wealth and retirement planning and talk about the latest news in the investment industry.

If you would like each issue of Minding Money emailed or mailed to you, please send me an email.  On this blog I'll post a link to the PDF versions, as well as links to financial market and strategy opinion pieces by RBC Wealth Management professionals.

If you have any questions about anything you read here, please get in touch!

 

Latest Newsletter

 Fall 2025

In this edition:

  • Dr. Tom Deans "Every Family's Business" Thursday November 6th
  • Are you overlooking the tax-free opportunity?
  • A tax-efficient withdrawal strategy
  • Year-end checklist
The end of China’s challenging chapter?

The end of China’s challenging chapter?

 October 31, 2024 |Frédérique Carrier

China’s economy is struggling. A coordinated stimulus to curb the crippling housing crisis and support local governments is being announced. We explore the measures undertaken and contemplated and their potential implications for portfolios.

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Video: Bank of Canada cuts again in October. Find out why and what lies ahead.

Bank of Canada cuts again in October. Find out why and what lies ahead.

 October 24, 2024 |RBC Wealth Management

The Bank of Canada lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point in October, to 3.75%.

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Lara. D. Austin Minding Money Newsletter Fall 2024

 October 15, 2024 |Lara Austin

Lara D. Austin - Minding Money Newsletter Fall 2024 -Visit and learn from us in the community this fall -Delayed landings: lingering in the middle ground -Acting as an executor? Beware of your actions -Consider a year-end checklist

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Oktoberfest Client Event - O'zapft is!

 October 08, 2024 |Lara Austin

Lara Austin Client Appreciation - Oktoberfest - Thank you to our clients for joining us for some Oktoberfest fun.

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Expert Estate Planning Workshop - Register here

 October 08, 2024 |Lara Austin

Expert Estate Planning Workshop - Reserve your spot to help protect your family's future.

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The price of Fed rate cut success is steep, but not too steep

The price of Fed rate cut success is steep, but not too steep

 October 02, 2024 |Thomas Garretson, CFA

The Fed has finally aggressively lowered interest rates. While a steeper yield curve reflects the market’s optimism that rate cuts will shore up the economic outlook, further steepness could be a sign the Fed will cut rates deeply, likely due to a re

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5 Cyber Scams Targeting Seniors

5 Cyber Scams Targeting Seniors

 October 01, 2024 |Diane Amato

Elder fraud can take many forms and is a growing problem in Canada and worldwide. With a general rise in online scams — and seniors’ increased adoption of smartphones and the internet — cyber crimes against Canada’s older population are resulting in

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How to safeguard yourself against cybercrime and electronic fraud

How to safeguard yourself against cybercrime and electronic fraud

 October 01, 2024 |DA Marketing

With cybercrime on the rise in Canada, it's important to know how to protect yourself and your family.

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Your fraud protection plan for your business: People, process, and technology

Your fraud protection plan for your business: People, process, and technology

 October 01, 2024 |Royal Bank of Canada
When businesses consider fraud protection measures, there is often a focus on technology – whether it’s installing new systems, upgrading software, or leaning on the technology of key partners. The reality is, employee education, processes and planning...
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