My Canadian Finances

Do I Work Too Much?

Introduction, personal, Uncategorized 5 Responses »

Mar 222012

Since I have started this blog my typical day has been waking up at 5:00, starting work at 7:30, coming home at 4:00 in the afternoon and then from then until about 7:30 I work on the blog and then I do whatever I want. I am extremely content and love working on my blog . However, lately my neighbour (who comes down every night and hangs around even if I tell him I am busy) has been complaining that I am working too much on the blog.

Most would say that for the age of my blog I put way too much time into it. I disagree, I do not look at blogging like work. It is more of a hobby for me. I enjoy going around to all my favorite blogs reading and leaving a comment if I have something to say. I have no problem putting in a solid weekend of work writing posts, reviews, or just hanging out on Yakezie. I love the community. Also, while being involved I am also learning various strategies, saving tips, and general information concerning finance through the many blogs I enjoy.

Mind you, I do other things as well. I am far from anti-social. I love going out with friends. I just hate how some people pressure me into thinking I put too much time into a hobby that I enjoy.

Tonight when my neighbour came downstairs I refused to let him in. Every time he comes downstairs to talk I lose not only 5-10 minutes (sometimes hours) but at least another 15 minutes on top of the time he was there to regain my train of thought. This is what bugs me. Last night he was downstairs for an hour before he left. Despite having hours before I would normally sleep I was not able to continue writing the article I was working on. I essentially lost an entire night worth of producing content for you all because my neighbour couldn’t get it into his head that I do not want him around all night, every night.

Do you think I was being harsh by not entertaining him? Do you believe I work on the blog too much? I don’t know how many times I have had to tell him I am busy, yet he still does not seem to get it. I do not like being a bad person, but I really couldn’t help it. I was just getting tired of him not understanding that I do not have a particular interest in playing video games all the time (which is all he seems to want to do).

I would really like to hear your opinion on this matter.

eBook Review – ETF INVESTING Low Maintenance & Stellar Returns

ETF, ETF, General Finance, Investing No Responses »

Mar 202012

Have you ever had any questions about ETF Investing? Have you gotten lost in technical jargon concerning these funds that you said screw it and went with a mutual fund with a high MER instead? Well today I have a great read for you guys! I was very excited after reading Teacherman’s ETF INVESTING – Low Maintenance & Stellar Returns. Not only because this is my first eBook review, but also because even a young teen could read, and understand the importance of NOT buying into high MER mutual funds.

One of my greatest frustrations in my day-to-day life is how people truly believe that mutual funds are the best investments known to mankind. I believe this is false. This eBook does a much better job at explaining why than I ever would.

Anyways, enough of my ramblings, on to the review!

Upon reading the introduction I quite liked how Teacherman (to be known as TM in the rest of this post) specifically states many times over that the eBook is NOT a get-rich-quick guide. And even goes on to say that:

“…. If you’re looking for “PENNY STOCKS THAT WILL YOU MAKE MILLIONS” then do yourself a favour and just go light your money on fire (the warmth will give you more pleasure than watching your portfolio spontaneously combust).” Pg4

This hit home for me as I have fallen into the trap of the penny stock ploys. I agree, if I would have lit my money on fire I would have probably enjoyed it more.

The next 3 chapters goes on to explain TM’s Story, what a ETF really is, and how it is not a good expectation to think you will beat the average. After the great introduction to TM, the chapter ‘What the heck is ETF?’ is where the eBook really starts to get interesting with one of the best explanations I have seen of what an ETF actually is. However, if I had to recommend only one chapter it would be Chapter 4. Seriously. Read it. This chapter explains how you will most likely not, as an untrained person, beat the stock market.

TM points out on pg 22 that yes, he is human, and is susceptible to human emotions. He allows for this by having 5% of his portfolio as his ‘fun fund’ (he used the name ‘play money’. I like my name better :-p). This fun fund allows him to indulge in whatever kind of investment he so desires. I think it is important for everyone to have a little bit of money they can play with, if you do not have any kind of fun while doing your finances you will most likely go insane.

In Chapter 6 TM shares what makes up his portfolio and the reasons behind having most of his portfolio in US ETFs. He does state some very strong arguments for investing in US ETFs as a Canadian, but I am still not sold. I have always been a big supporter of Canadian businesses and I guess this will follow me into investing. I doubt that I will be investing a large amount into US markets. Probably no more than 10%. This will greatly limit me with my choices (and diversification). And as TM points out I will also miss out on the phenomenal ETF fees that only US ETFs can provide but I am OK with this.

TM truly gained my respect not for something he said, but instead for something he did not say. I love how he refrained from giving too much detail on ETFs he did not believe in. He provided just enough information so that if we were interested we would know what to look for.

This is a great eBook. If you know someone (friends, family, co-workers, random strangers on the street) that has false beliefs on how mutual fund investing is the only investment. You should show them this eBook right now. It offers solid arguments as to why ETFs are just as easy of an investment as mutual funds. However, there are arguably better investment strategies for people who wish to put more time into their portfolios. But for the average Joe who invests and forgets this is a must-read.

As for me I will definitely be an ETF investor.

So head on over to MyUniversityMoney and subscribe to receive the eBook!