This month we start our episode with a recap how markets have performed year-to date.

If you've been watching your investments, you know that markets have been strong this year, but will this continue? Markets can't go up forever right?

Watch the episode to see how we answer these questions.

Next we discuss the Tower Philosophy of Money. Wealth is a tool to be used to achieve a purpose, accumulation of wealth is not the purpose itself. We hope we can help you align your financial decisions with meaningful purpose.

#financialplanning #investing #economy #wealthmindset #money #philosophyofmoney

If you have questions, topic ideas or want to discuss your own investments please reach out, we'd love to hear from you.

info@towerasset.ca

[00:00:01] Market Recap and Global Index Performance

[00:00:59] Concerns About Market Bubbles and Diversification

[00:02:03] October Market Volatility and Pullback Expectations

[00:02:40] Philosophy of Money: Value Beyond Wealth

[00:03:52] Money as a Tool, Not a Goal

This is the first in a number of videos exploring investing and retirement planning strategies.

We're starting with Income Splitting. It's a simple but extremely effective way to reduce taxes currently and in retirement.

Why does income splitting work? Who does this apply to? Should I being doing this now or in retirement?

Watch the video to find out!

#financialadvice #financialplanning #retirementplanning #retirement #investing

If you have questions, topic ideas or want to discuss your own investments please reach out, we'd love to hear from you.

info@towerasset.ca

Income Splitting Basics and Progressive Tax System [00:00:46]:

Explanation of income splitting, progressive tax rates, and the goal of keeping both spouses in lower tax brackets.

Asset Splitting and Equalizing RRSPs [00:02:19]:

Discussion on splitting assets in retirement and aiming for equal-sized RRSPs for both spouses.

Spousal RRSPs as a Strategy [00:02:30]:

How higher-earning spouses can contribute to spousal RRSPs to optimize retirement income and tax benefits.

Limitations and CRA Rules on Income Splitting [00:04:40]:

Clarification on what types of income can be split, age restrictions, and the importance of personalized planning.

Charitable Donations and Donating Stock [00:05:21]:

Tax-saving benefits of donating stock instead of cash to charities, including a client example.

Upcoming Videos and Donor-Advised Fund Announcement [00:06:24]

We're just 3 months past the "Liberation Day" Tariffs and despite initial concerns, the S&P 500 is up 6% and the TSX has gained 10% YTD.

To move beyond the headlines we look at specific economic indicators: US Manufacturing (one of our go-to indicators) is up. But while that is green, other indicators are flashing red, indicating a cautious yet optimistic market sentiment. It's a nuanced scenario we're navigating.

We also discuss interesting insights from a recent article on Canada’s financial industry (link below): bank-employed investment reps face significant pressure to sell products often not in the best interest of clients.

At Tower, we're independent, our duty is first and foremost our clients. Your success is our success, and we strive to build trust through direct, transparent relationships. #marketupdate #economicindicators #investmentmanagement #investmentinsights #clientfirst #financialtransparency

If you have questions, topic ideas or want to discuss your own investments please reach out, we'd love to hear from you.info@towerasset.ca

Bank reps under pressure to sell: https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/from-the-regulators/bank-reps-under-pressure-to-sell-osc-and-ciro/

Market Recap and Economic Indicators [00:00:00]

Overview of 2025 market performance, key indices, and economic indicators like manufacturing orders, jobless claims, and inflation.

Sector Rotation in Markets [00:02:21]

Shift from tech giants to industrials and how this affects overall market performance.

Bank Sales Pressure Article [00:02:47]

Summary of an article on sales pressure at banks and how it impacts client interests.

Tower’s Independence and Business Model [00:03:46]

Emphasis on Tower’s independence from banks and client-focused investment management.

Co-Investment Philosophy [00:05:32]

Tower partners invest alongside clients, using the same strategies and paying the same fees.

Personalized Client Relationships [00:06:26]

Tower’s direct, personal approach versus distant portfolio managers at banks or brokers.