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In the financial markets, what first appears obvious can prove to be misleading upon closer examination. Many investors have a rough idea of the qualities that strong stocks might exhibit, but the factors that make up a high-quality stock might surprise most investors.

The behaviour of insiders—managers, officers or anyone who owns more than 10% of a company’s shares—has long been regarded as a good indicator of a stock’s future direction. An insider knows the company intimately, and while he or she may sell their shares to finance a house purchase or other major expense, an insider who buys into the company shows they are confident the stock will rise. Investors can profit by trading alongside these corporate soothsayers.

Q: A dark 2025/2026 scenario would be a mild recession in Canada, and a more serious recession in the U.S., both deepened at some point by a U.S. dollar crisis due to massive deficits and chaotic politics. How should a TFSA be positioned to weather this? Dividend stocks versus bonds? How much of portfolio in gold stocks? How big a cash allocation? What else?

Imagine this: it’s late at night and your phone rings. You don’t recognize the number but pick up anyway — you would hate to miss an important call.

“Grandma, can you hear me? It’s me.”

For the most part, we are aware of what we should do with money—save regularly, spend wisely, and avoid debt when possible. This is particularly true for people who read Canadian MoneySaver magazine. But if you've ever made a purchase you regretted, avoided opening your credit card bill, felt a wave of anxiety after looking at your bank balance, or hesitated to buy or invest in something you need, you’ve probably already sensed that money isn’t just about math—it’s about emotion, memory, and identity.

Like many Canadians, I am doing my best to boycott U.S. products given current tense relations. I would also like to diversify my investments outside of the U.S., and I wonder what my global alternatives are for investments in fine wine.

I’m a 32-year-old single woman, about to get married, and I plan to start investing my savings of $100,000 in the equity market. My fiancé and I will have separate finances. My time horizon for investing is very long at this point, so I know I don’t need to concern myself overly with market volatility. On the other hand, you have probably seen many “rookie” mistakes over the years—what do you suggest I avoid doing?

The Jetsons, a 1960s cartoon featured “Rosie the Robot” who worked as a household maid who refused to be taken for granted, “I may be made of metal, but I don’t have sawdust for brains!” Today’s robots have CPUs for brains and can do a lot more than sweep floors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are dramatically changing healthcare, and not a moment too soon.

Are you one of the extremely fortunate investors sitting on significant accrued gains generated during the market run-up over the last few years? Nvidia is a common name which has skyrocketed over 750% in the past 2 years alone. Are your gains from stocks such as Apple, that you have fortunately held for many years? Couple these returns with the currency gains, and you are even further ahead.