Author: Kevin Fraser

One of my travel insurance providers just advised that they now have a partnership with Air Doctor. This will provide

even faster, easier access to video and in-person medical consultations while travelling.

The Air Doctor service provides customers with the ability to schedule virtual doctor appointments in over 80 countries if they become ill or have a minor injury while travelling, via an easy-to-use, digital booking tool.

Video consultations provide faster access to a doctor, no waiting rooms or lineups, and the ability to receive local prescriptions or requisitions virtually when needed. Depending on the country, booking in-person (at a clinic, home or hotel room) appointments may also be available through the tool.

As a key benefit, there are no up-front, out-of-pocket costs to customers for initial medical consultations when arranged via the Air Doctor web app.

This insurance company will send you an email with details  shortly before their trip with information about the Air Doctor service and a link to access the tool, in case they need treatment on their trip. As well, their 24/7 call center will continue be open. This is just another option.

On Sep 18th RBC advised its advisors that it is closing the following Mutual/Seg Funds:

• RBC Bluebay Global Convertible Bond GIF
• PH&N Total Return Bond GIF
• O’Shaughnessy All Canadian Equity GIF
• O’Shaughnessy US Value GIF
• O’Shaughnessy International Equity GIF.

They do have “continuation” funds that have similar MERs that the closing funds investments will be moved into.

For most people, it is only once we hit retirement that we start thinking about estate planning. But what if something happens to you before you have had a chance to get everything planned out? Does your spouse know how to contact your employer to let them know you will no longer be coming in?

The first step is to document and organize your life. As a starting point, I’ve created a spreadsheet based upon a template provided by one of the insurance companies I deal with. In this spreadsheet, you record details of your life that your loved ones or Executor would need to deal with. Examples are bank accounts, credit cards, monthly bills, etc.

Second step is to put a reminder in your calendar to update the document on a regular basis. For most people an annual review would suffice.

Third step is to share the document with your loved ones or executor. As there are passwords stored in there, I would only share with those that have a high need to know and can be trusted.

I hope you find this spreadsheet useful in starting to organize.

Why Waiting to Invest Could Cost You in the Long Run

Most Millennials worry about stock market crashes. Some stress about never earning enough to retire. But few think about how interest rates and inflation quietly affect their future wealth—and that’s a mistake.

In today’s economy, the biggest financial risk isn’t a sudden market downturn—it’s the slow erosion of your future buying power. If you’re not actively growing your money, you’re falling behind.

The “Safe” Approach Could Be Your Biggest Mistake

Many young professionals assume they’ll start saving for retirement later—when they earn more, have fewer expenses, or finally feel “ready.” Others believe keeping cash in a savings account is enough.

But here’s the harsh truth:

• Interest rates on savings accounts barely keep up with inflation.
• The cost of living is rising faster than wages.
• If you wait too long, you’ll need to save WAY more later to make up for lost time.

The High-Yield Illusion

Once people start investing, many chase returns—looking for stocks, crypto, or “passive income” opportunities that promise fast gains. The problem? High returns often mean high risks. If a market downturn wipes out your investments, it could take years to recover.

Instead of chasing risky assets, focus on consistent, long-term wealth-building strategies that balance growth and security.

Inflation Sneaks Up on You

Think inflation only affects retirees? Think again. Every year, basic costs—like rent, groceries, and healthcare—inch higher. When you wait to invest, your money loses buying power before you even get the chance to grow it.

What You Can Do Now

If you haven’t started saving for retirement yet, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Small steps today can make a huge difference later:

1. Start investing early—even if it’s just a little. Compound growth turns small contributions into significant wealth over time.
2. Diversify your portfolio—don’t put everything in volatile assets. A mix of stocks, bonds, and index funds helps balance risk.
3. Consider inflation-proof investments, like real estate or dividend-paying stocks, to maintain purchasing power over time.
4. Take advantage of employer-sponsored plans—many companies offer RRSP matching or pension contributions.
5. Consider Segregated Funds contracts.

The Bottom Line

Retirement might feel decades away, but waiting too long to start investing makes it harder to reach financial independence. Interest rates, inflation, and market conditions will shape your future—the best way to stay ahead is to take action now.

The Hidden Threat to Canadian Retirees: Inflation & Interest Rates

While many retirees worry about stock market downturns, fewer recognize the significant danger posed by persistently low interest rates and rising inflation. In Canada, this issue is particularly critical as traditional “safe” investments—such as cash, GICs, and government bonds—often fail to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Playing It Safe Might Be Risky

For decades, the conventional wisdom was to shift toward fixed-income investments in retirement. But today’s economic reality in Canada means that relying solely on conservative assets could result in negative real returns when factoring in inflation and taxes.

The Mirage of High-Yield Investments

Many retirees tempted by higher-yield investments—like REITs, structured notes, and dividend-heavy stocks—may unknowingly take on increased risk. While these assets promise strong payouts, they can be volatile and may not provide stable income when it’s needed most.

Inflation Creeps Up, Quietly

Inflation in Canada doesn’t arrive with a bang—it sneaks in through rising grocery bills, property tax hikes, and increased healthcare costs. Unlike stock market corrections, inflation tends to be permanent, slowly eroding purchasing power and retirement security.

The Interest Rate Challenge

Canadian retirees today face a difficult reality: interest rates are not keeping pace with inflation. Historically, central banks would raise rates to counter inflation, but economic pressures have prevented meaningful increases. As a result, many fixed-income investments offer returns that lag behind rising costs

The Risk of Standing Still

Remaining too conservative with investments can be just as risky as chasing returns. A retirement portfolio must account for both inflation and low rates to ensure financial security over the next two to three decades.

The Bottom Line for Canadian Retirees

Interest rates might seem like a minor factor, but they play a central role in determining financial stability in retirement. Canadian retirees need strategies that account not just for market fluctuations but also for the slow, compounding effects of inflation and low yields.

OK, before you take a “Well, duh!” moment, consider the deeper meaning.

No one likes to lose money. So this isn’t meant to be the obvious.

The trick is to purchase, as Warren Buffet says, “Great Assets (he says companies) at a Good Price, Not Good Assets at a Great Price”.

The other meaning in the Don’t Lose Money is

• Don’t speculate.
• Don’t gamble.
• Purchase within your knowledge

This also requires risk management. Have entry and exit points defined. Know how much you are willing to spend. How much the asset can decrease (stock price fall, real estate price fall, etc). At the same time, you should have an upside exit planned as well.

You shouldn’t invest in something without doing some research.

• What is the normal price fluctuation
  • daily
  • weekly
  • monthly
  • yearly
• What is the geo-political risk of that investment
• What are the regulatory risks to that investment
• What are the social risks to that investment