Random Thoughts: Still Spewing

They Got Around to Me

This week, TD got around to raising the interest rates on my Lines of Credit finally, interesting because when they announced they were increasing Mortgage rates and their “prime” rate, nothing seemed to happen to these accounts, but I guess they finally got around to me. My guess is these changes are effective the date of the announcement (i.e. June 1st), so whoopee, another 1/4% point up on me (now paying 3.5%). I was hoping they might miss me, but, no such luck, Interest Rates while sometimes negotiable, go up when the bank says so.

With the Markets taking another pounding this week, looks as though a Summer Swoon may be hitting the investment world, that may only recover in September (or later). I am hoping for at least a slight bounce back, before that date, but I am not confident that it will happen.

My Musings for the Week

• Random Thoughts: Did it Hurt? The Big “V” and Awkward Moments As my friends know I am the person most folks ask about Vasectomies (yes that Big “V”), since I tell stories of both of my Vasectomies.
• Whither Tank Man I wonder what ever happened to Tank Man (and his shopping bags). A single man stopping a column of tanks, just by standing there? #Astouding
• Employment up a bit again While the employment numbers in the US continue to be disheartening the numbers here in Canada are trending better, but not great, according to Stats Canada.
• Money Can Be The Root of All Evil Is Money the root of all evil ? Some folks seem to think this is the case, but money is only a tool, maybe they are saying greed is the root of all evil.
• Charity and Spitefulnes Sometimes I am not the Better Man Every year my alma mater calls me and asks for me to donate money to them, to help keep it one of the leading schools in Canada.
• Top 10 Excuses For Being in Debt What are some of the top 10 excuses for being in debt ? You might be surprised how many of these you may have already heard. If you have why aren’t you getting out of debt?

From the Financial Blog World

This week some interesting turns of phrase and content caught my eye:

• CRA Decision Making is an ironic title from Michael James about his continuing disagreement with our friends at the CRA, and whether he must sell a kidney on E-bay to pay off his alleged debt. Maybe he should read Tackling the Tax Man.
• Should I start the Smith Manoeuvre? is a rhetorical question from the Million Dollar Journey, as I think they have already made up their mind. My opinion would be No but I have spoken about this before in my early days and still agree with what I wrote 5 years ago.
• Preet outlines Financial Advisor Compensation Options to help you figure out how to choose this advisor and how you want them to make their money while serving you best.
• Time to get a 3-D TV set? asks Larry MacDonald? I think anything that relies on me keeping a set of glasses safe and findable in my house already tipped the scales towards the answer No!
• My own Top 10 excuses for Getting into debt
• Stock up when things go on sale? Gail V-O discusses that falacy of savings, interesting point of view.
• Speaking of Tax issues Canadian Financial DIY posted about Canadian TaxPayers’ Ombudsman Office well worth contacting them if you think you might have tax issues.
• The Balance Junkie takes makes a bold attempt at prognostication with the article Where is the Stock Market Headed Next?, I don’t make those statements, because I have managed to predict 8 out of the last 2 stock market booms.

Enjoy this glorious June weekend, although in Ottawa it might be cold and wet. Visit these sites and others to help expand your Personal Finance Acumen.