Free Throws

Process + Discipline = Success

The past 3 weeks have been quite volatile.  There were so many highs and so many lows, that our stomachs just can't take any more of it.  I am obviously talking about our Toronto Raptors.

In all seriousness, the market has continued to act as a roller coaster, wreaking emotional havoc on investors.  I read a recent article written by David Butler, Vice President of Global Advisors with Dimensional Fund Advisors.  In it, he discussed the link between process and discipline and it leading to success.

Imagine you are a Toronto Raptor and you are trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers by 1 point and you get fouled at the end of the game.  Make two free throws and you are victorious, miss both and you lose.  As a professional basketball player, free throws are typically practiced and shot under the strictest of routines.  Everyone's is different, but the key is to have a routine.  Line up your feet shoulder width apart; bounce the ball twice to your right-hand side; spin through your hands; deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth; bend your knees and shoot; nothing but net.  The more you follow this routine, the more the motion becomes about muscle memory.  Whether you are in the championship game with people cheering and yelling, or you are in the practice gym – routine leads to success.

There is no difference to this concept when it comes to market volatility.  Follow your investment policy statement, review your family goals and liquidity needs and have regular contact with your advisor.  Rinse and repeat.  The idea of staying committed to the routine will make it easier to stay calm during times of market volatility or game-winning free throws.

Carlo Cansino FMA, FCSI, CFP
Senior Financial Planning Advisor
The McClelland Financial Group of Assante Capital Management Ltd.

The Big Picture May 2016: North American bear versus bull

Making use of a professional financial advisor will ensure that a disciplined plan is in place.

The tumultuous market meltdown of 2008-09 and the synchronized global response by major central banks and governments provided an environment where everyone appeared to be pulling in the same direction. However, the more recent performance of the two main North American stock indexes highlights the different paths travelled by the Canadian and U.S. stock markets over the past few years. The U.S. financial press continues to fret over the extended age of its bull market. There is no such preoccupation here at home as the Canadian market appears to be continuing its search for a bear market bottom. Not surprisingly, given the clear divergence of the two markets and the underlying economies, the Canada/U.S. exchange rate has also shifted dramatically, in both directions.

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Want to stay in your home forever? Be aware of the costs of home care

Boomers are opting to stay in their houses instead of moving to a retirement residence

With such a hot real estate market, more and more seniors are opting to stay in their homes and paying for in-home care. To avoid breaking routine, this seems to be the most desirable option. However, costs to maintain the home, in addition to in-home care costs, may make it unaffordable. Read the attached article for a list of costs to consider to help when having to make that decision.

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A Different "Dimension" of Investing

Dimensional Fund Advisors Chairman David Booth discusses Fed policy and his investment strategies.

Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and is registered with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. This material is provided for general information and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on any of the above, please make sure to see me for individual financial advice based on your personal circumstances. Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc.

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