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 numbers behind U.S. tariffs

 September 26, 2025 |Joseph Wu, CFA

Collections from U.S. tariffs are surging. As legal uncertainty looms and costs gradually pass through, balancing resilient corporate fundamentals against policy risks remains crucial for portfolio positioning.

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Fed rate cut buys U.S. time, but no quick fix to debt

 September 18, 2025 |Atul Bhatia, CFA

One clear winner from the Fed’s 25 basis point rate cut was the U.S. Treasury, which can roll over maturing debt at lower costs. Lower rates alone, however, are unlikely to make the country’s fiscal policy sustainable.

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We look at the potential asset-class implications if the Fed moves too aggressively.

Six rate cuts in search of a reason

 September 11, 2025 |Atul Bhatia, CFA

With the Fed poised to lower overnight interest rates next week, we think investors may be disappointed with what lowering rates is likely to accomplish. We look at the potential asset-class implications if the Fed moves too aggressively.

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Executive summary: The biotech revolution and longevity

 September 05, 2025 |Frédérique Carrier

There’s more to a long life than simply a long lifespan. The number of years we spend in good health, or healthspan, is key. With biotech spurring promising medical innovations, we look at how it can fit into investment portfolios.

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Will the economy’s 2025 resilience continue?

 September 04, 2025 |Joseph Wu, CFA

After outpacing cautious expectations in the first half of the year, the global economy could face new challenges from trade policy uncertainty and inflation over the coming months.

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