Welcome to the Winter edition of Wealth of Life.
One of the best books I read in 2023 was Sapiens, A Brief History of Human Kind. The main takeaway for me was that life and humanity have been ever changing as new ideas and thoughts revolutionize existing social structures. History has shown that ideas can be wonderful yet also devastating and destructive. I remember growing up in the 1970s, when my mom and dad would have company and, at some point, there would be a debate on politics. It might get a little heated, then the conversation would shift to a new topic, probably the weather, then it would be time for tea and cookies.
Today, it feels like a lot of people want to figure out what your thoughts are on a number of topics so they can put you in a box and decide whether they like you or not. Mother Teresa once said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Kofi Annan stated that, “We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race. We all share the same basic values.”
My goal for 2024 is to judge less and listen more, so that I can have a better understanding of differing views. Change the world by changing yourself.
Speaking of ideas, we have a few great ones for you in this issue, as well as an update on some exciting team news from Linh and James, as well as an introduction to the newest member of our team, Mackenzie Brown. We have also included a great Will planning checklist, as we encourage everyone to review their Wills. If you have questions, bring us a copy of your Will so we can review as part of your next meeting with us. Then you can cook up our winter recipe and listen to a great RBC podcast on the markets. Sit back, slow down, and enjoy.
Howard
TFSA and RRSP information
Exciting news: A bundle of joy on the way!
We have some delightful news to share from our administrative team here at the Tingley Mahoney Cyr Group.
Our esteemed Administrative Assistants, Linh and James Tran-MacDonald, are expecting a new addition to their family! As Linh prepares for maternity leave at the end of February, we’re pleased to introduce Mackenzie Brown, who will be stepping in seamlessly to support our wealth management team during this exciting time.
Linh’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to us, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to her and James on this joyous occasion. We’re confident that Mackenzie’s skills and enthusiasm will ensure a smooth transition in providing excellent service to our clients. During Linh’s maternity leave, James and Mac will be your primary point of contact.
Please join us in celebrating this special moment for Linh and James as they embark on this beautiful journey.
Wishing all the best to the parents to be!
BEEF AND GUINNESS STEW RECIPE
Enjoy cooking up this delicious recipe for Beef and Guinness Stew. Our new Administrative Assistant, Mackenzie Brown, has made this dish for the last several St. Patrick’s days and describes it as, “a major hit” with friends and family.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
• 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or more to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.9 ounce) can dark beer (such as Guinness)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (Optional)
Directions
- Cook and stir bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until bacon is browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and transfer bacon into a large stew pot, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season beef chuck cubes generously with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Turn heat to high under the skillet and sear beef pieces in the hot fat on both sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Place beef in the stew pot with bacon, leaving fat in the skillet. Turn heat down to medium; cook and stir onions in the retained fat in the skillet until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes; season with a large pinch of salt.
- Cook garlic with onions until soft, about 1 minute. Pour beer into the skillet and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up and dissolving any browned bits of food into the liquid. Pour cooking liquid from the skillet into the stew pot. Stir in tomato paste, carrots, celery, thyme sprigs, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and enough chicken broth to cover.
- Bring stew to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine; reduce heat to low and cover pot. Simmer stew until beef is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Stir stew occasionally and skim fat or foam if desired.
- Remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Bring stew to a low boil and cook until stew has slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange mashed potatoes in a ring in a serving bowl; ladle stew into the center of the potatoes.
Podcasts from RBC Global Asset Management
Tune in for timely market insights, with host Dave Richardson and guests.
Will planning checklist
The following checklist is intended to assist you in the preparation of your Will plan.
1. The RBC Charitable Gift Program (CGP) is administered by Charitable Gift Funds Canada Foundation, an independent, non-profit registered charity registered as a public foundation with the Canada Revenue Agency.
2. Making a contribution into a charitable gift fund (CGF) is irrevocable. Before making a charitable gift, clients should consult with their RBC advisor and a qualified tax advisor as to how a donation will impact their financial situation.
3. Charities/causes refers to qualified donees. Qualified donees are organizations that can issue official donation receipts for gifts they receive from individuals and corporations. Qualified donees are eligible to receive grants from charitable gift funds.
4. Rates do not include Investment Management Fees. For a full explanation of rates, speak to your RBC advisor.
5. For fund balances over $10MM, speak with your RBC advisor.
** This article may contain strategies, not all of which will apply to your particular financial circumstances. The information in this article is not intended to provide legal, tax or insurance advice. To ensure that your own circumstances have been properly considered and that action is taken based on the latest information available, you should obtain professional advice from a qualified tax, legal and/or insurance advisor before acting on any of the information in this article. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time obtained but neither RBC Dominion Securities Inc. nor its employees, agents, or information suppliers can guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This report is not and under no circumstances is to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. This report is furnished on the basis and understanding that neither RBC Dominion Securities Inc. nor its employees, agents, or information suppliers is to be under any responsibility or liability whatsoever in respect thereof. The inventories of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. may from time to time include securities mentioned herein. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2024 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 24_90286_AVA_002 (02/2024)