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

Video: Bank of Canada cuts interest rate to 2.75% as U.S. trade tensions persist

 March 13, 2025 |Josh Nye

The Bank of Canada lowered its benchmark interest rate again in March, this time to 2.75% from 3%.

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What is the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy?

What is the impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy?

 March 06, 2025 |Mike Reid and Carrie Freestone
The effective U.S. tariff rate is now at its highest level since the 1940s after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico on March 4. A new order was also signed for China, increasing tariffs to...
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U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect: What is the state of play?

U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect: What is the state of play?

 March 06, 2025 |Frances Donald and Cynthia Leach

Although trade policies are evolving and government responses remain uncertain, here is a summary of what we know.

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U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect: What is the state of play?

U.S. tariffs on Canada take effect: What is the state of play?

 March 06, 2025 |Frances Donald and Cynthia Leach
The U.S. administration has implemented blanket tariffs on Canada and Mexico after a 30-day reprieve with 25% on all imports except 10% on Canadian energy. An additional 10% tariff on China is also planned. Canada has been hit with its largest trade shock...
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Lara D. Austin Minding Money Newsletter - Winter Edition

 March 02, 2025 |Lara Austin

Lara D. Austin - Minding Money Newsletter - Winter Edition Focus on what's within our control - see to understand what's not - Investing resolutions inspired by the world's best investors - The great mortgage renewal: Pay it down faster -

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