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Our perspectives

The Stan Clark Financial Team

“Building trust through transparency”

Our team is very keen on providing learning resources to clearly summarize the basics of investing and financial planning, and to openly explain what we do and why. We think it helps us develop a sense of partnership and trust, and helps keep our clients on track to reach their goals.

We don’t expect our clients to become experts in investing and planning – that’s our job, and we know you have other things you’d rather do. But we welcome clients who want to learn, and we want to support this.

We invite you to read our Perspectives newsletter or to explore: Financial and Estate Planning, Asset Allocation, Investing and Behavioral Finance. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions!

Financial Planning: Creating and using a roadmap for your future

Just like having a travel itinerary, a well-planned approach will provide peace of mind and help you achieve your financial goals. A good financial plan does take a lot of effort, but we make the process easier by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. A custom financial plan also helps you stick to it.

Why financial planning is important, and well worth it
Our financial planning process
Three important financial fundamentals
Personal finance 101

See all our Perspectives articles on Financial and Estate Planning

Asset Allocation: Your most important investment decision

The balance between different assets (stocks vs. bonds) dramatically affects the risk and return of your portfolio. So how you divide your money between assets is probably your biggest investment decision.

Why Asset Allocation is your most important decision
How we figure out your "Best Mix"
151 year returns

See all our Perspectives articles on Asset Allocation

Investing: Constructing a portfolio by owning individual stocks using rules-based strategies that have beat the indexes

The stock market is remarkably consistent – in the long run. Investors who disengage their emotions when they make investment decisions stand a much better chance of building wealth with returns that outperform both inflation and the market. This needs strategies based on objective data and the discipline to follow those strategies.

Read about our rules-based stock strategies that have beat the indexes

See all our Perspectives articles on Investing

Behavioral Finance: The relationship between human psychology and financial decisions

Behavioral finance explores the relationship between human psychology and financial decisions. Its main lessons are that, contrary to what is taught in most economics classes and business schools, markets are anything but efficient or rational. The consequences of our all-too-human tendencies are significant, especially when dealing with finances and investments.

Learn how emotions and biases affect our finances
Read Stan's story how behavioral finance helps you avoid common financial mistakes in order to outperform long-term market averages

See all our Perspectives articles on Behavioral Finance

PERSPECTIVES NEWSLETTER

PERSPECTIVES is a newsletter written by the members of the Stan Clark Financial Team. Each issue of Perspectives will present a quick, informative look at the world of finances and investing. We hope you find the stories entertaining, insightful and useful. We will have an occasional "Ask the Team" feature, and welcome your questions about investing or personal finances. We may also spring trivia quizzes on you – complete with prizes! This publication is for you. Let us know what you'd like to see in Perspectives.

Here's your special "Welcome" edition of PERSPECTIVES.

Perspectives - Welcome Edition

See below for our past issues

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2022

Welcome to our 2022 midyear review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2022 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

Perspectives - July 2022

Perspectives - June 2022

Resisting a bad habit is just a matter of willpower. Or so we believe. As I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, our natural restraint bias leads us to be overconfident about withstanding temptation. We’re still vulnerable, whether it be to smoking, overeating, not exercising enough – or being influenced into making unwise financial decisions. Michael Chu takes an intriguing look at the factors that go into selecting the best stocks. Tom Cowans explores the Consumer Price Index as a way of gauging inflation. And don’t miss Sylvia Ellis’s insights on life insurance as a tool for safeguarding your estate.

Perspectives - June 2022

Perspectives - April 2022

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I discuss how history proves that crises, including financial ones, are quite similar – and by learning from the past we can better handle them. Speaking of history, Elaine Loo reviews 151 years of stocks-versus-bonds performance. In our Quarterly Economic Update Michael Chu and I find that, even with the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, there may be some reassuring news. And, with special attention to individuals and homeowners, Sylvia Ellis gives highlights of April’s Federal Budget.

Perspectives - April 2022

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2022

How were the stock markets in 2021? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2022 and beyond. We hope you fi nd this review informative and useful.

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2022

Perspectives - Dec 2021

This month I continue our look at how emotions can lure us into unwise decisions – often at great cost. I describe the tools our team uses to steer your investments clear of such pitfalls, or Financial Sirens. Michael Chu discusses whether the current inflation will be transitory or long-term, as well as possible impacts on the stock market. Michael also suggests what we can learn from famed magnate Warren Buffett about investing. And Sylvia Ellis shares how our donation of all fees and commissions on CIBC Miracle Day goes toward helping children in need.

Perspectives - Dec 2021

Perspectives - October 2021

Intuitively, the human mind seeks patterns from information. But when we make financial decisions based on intuitive insights, rather than careful, evidence-based thinking, the results can be costly. In this issue, discussing how to avoid such mistakes, I look back to the shrewd, wise Greek hero Ulysses. Meanwhile, in our Quarterly Economic Report, Michael Chu and I review 2021’s mostly positive third quarter, as well as what may lie ahead. And Sylvia Ellis explains the four-step cycle our team uses in creating and maintaining your financial plan.

Perspectives - October 2021

Perspectives - September 2021

The important thing is to be aware we have biases. Or so we like to believe. In fact, as I discuss in this month’s behavior finance article, the biggest trap of all with biases may be that knowing about them makes us confident we are free of them. Michael Chu looks at the tempting, but ultimately unreliable, strategy of trying to time the market as opposed to staying in it for the long haul. And Sylvia Ellis explains the importance of financial planning – and why we shouldn’t put it off.

Perspectives - September 2021

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2021

Welcome to our 2021 mid-year review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2021 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

Perspectives - July 2021

Perspectives - June 2021

As I relate in this month’s behavioral finance article, we prefer what we’ve been exposed to: the familiar over the unknown. The danger of the mere-exposure effect is that we may opt for stocks we’ve heard about – and miss out on other, more promising ones. Michael Chu and I look at how earnings yield, a stock’s earnings divided by its price, can help forecast market returns. In “Behind The Numbers,” Michael explains how we integrate our strategies to work for your portfolio. And Sylvia Ellis discusses when to start drawing on your Canada Pension Plan.

Perspectives - June 2021

Perspectives - April 2021

Due to our innate availability bias, we assume whatever disaster is on the news — violence, abduction, unethical corporations — will soon happen to us. As I discuss in this month’s behavioral finance article, such assumptions can if unchecked prompt us to make panicky, unwise investment decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I examine why the stock market continues to prosper in the pandemic. And Elaine Loo reveals the wisdom of looking back over 100 years of stock performance: The past really can inform the future.

Perspectives - April 2021

Perspectives - March 2021

Rationally, we know that forecasting events is a dubious practice. But emotionally, we crave future insights – and we trust forecasters more than we should. For investments, this hindsight bias can be dangerous, as I explore in this month’s behavioral finance article. In Part 5 of Behind the Numbers, Michael Chu looks at price momentum and how to benefit from it. Michael also explains how our team’s 100-year Stress Tests help ensure a solid financial plan going forward. And Sylvia Ellis reveals how donor advised funds are a strategic, tax-efficient way to give.

Perspectives - March 2021

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2021

How were the stock markets in 2020? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2021 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

Perspectives - Jan 2021

Perspectives - Dec 2020

Fear is a prime motivator in investor herding, or following what others do rather than thinking for oneself. I look at what causes such fear – and how to avoid it. In Part 4 of Behind the Numbers, Michael Chu looks at ways to measure a company’s growth. Continuing her discussion of Return Assumptions for Financial Plans, Sylvia Ellis cautions against simple return assumptions especially when there are cash flows. Sylvia also describes CIBC’s annual Miracle Day, this year on December 2, when the Stan Clark Financial Team donates all fees and commissions for kids in need.

Perspectives - Dec 2020

Perspectives - Oct 2020

Peer pressure may cause us to join in herding, or following and acting with a group instead of as individuals, without realizing it. In this issue’s behavior finance article, I discuss the danger of herding tendencies to investments. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review how the pandemic has influenced the economy – and what we may experience ahead. And in the first part of a series on Return Assumptions, Sylvia Ellis shows why it’s advisable to not only to take the long view in making financial plans, but to allow for the unexpected.

Perspectives - Oct 2020

Perspectives - Sept 2020

In this issue’s behavioral finance article, I look at framing and how it can influence our actions. Faced with a dropping stock, for example, an investor might hold on rather than sell at a loss – convinced the stock will always be worth its original price. Michael Chu examines benchmark indexes such as the S&P 500 and how to interpret them, as opposed to just accepting them at face value. And in part three of his Behind the Numbers series, Michael discusses dividend yield and how this traditional measure of value works.

Perspectives - Sept 2020

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2020

Welcome to our 2020 midyear review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2020 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we’re keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2020

Perspectives - June 2020

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I explore the dangerous power of stories in investing. Like the mythical Sirens, stories filled with wonderful forecasts lure investors to expensive stocks – while ignoring statistical evidence to the contrary. Michael Chu discusses why we should stick with value investing despite the recent underperformance. And Sylvia Ellis advises how you can save taxes on investments by making a prescribed rate loan to a lower-earning family member.

Perspectives - June 2020

Perspectives - April 2020

With the recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the longest bull market in history abruptly ended. In this special edition of Perspectives, we look at the economic effects of this pandemic, previous bear markets, and what we’re doing. We also offer our insights for braving the short term while being optimistic about the long term. We believe that sticking to your financial plan, having patience, giving things time and investing wisely is still the best approach. In the meantime, please stay safe and stay healthy!

Perspectives - April 2020

Perspectives - Mar 2020

In this month’s behavioral finance article, I examine a tendency we have but are often unaware of: anchoring, that is, relying on information irrelevant to a decision we’re about to make. Michael Chu continues his “Behind the numbers” series by discussing the use of price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios in evaluating companies. Reviewing the performance of stocks vs. bonds over the past 100 years, Elaine Loo shares an intriguing lesson. And Sylvia Ellis looks at whether to put money in a Tax-Free Savings Account or Registered Retirement Savings Plan.

Perspectives - Mar 2020

Perspectives - Jan 2020

How were the stock markets in 2019? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2020 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

PERSPECTIVES YEAR-END REVIEW - JAN 2020

Perspectives - Dec 2019

In this issue I continue exploring our all-too-human tendency of confirmation bias. Unaware of the dangers in this bias, we favour information that supports our beliefs. Michael Chu introduces a new series, "Behind the Numbers," about the investment strategies our team uses. Citing the fascinating book The Happiness Curve, Elaine Loo reveals that – surprise – we actually get happier as we age! And in this season of giving, Sylvia Ellis writes about CIBC Miracle Day, December 4, when we donate our fees and commissions to children in need.

Perspectives - Dec 2019

Perspectives - Oct 2019

It's only natural to prefer opinions that support our own views. But, as I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article, our all-too human confirmation bias can lead us to unwise decisions – in investing as in life. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review the continuing good performance of market and economy, despite headlines and supposedly reliable indicators that suggest otherwise. And Sylvia Ellis explains the advantages to retirees of checking out something not many taxpayers are aware of: the Pension Income Tax Credit.

Perspectives - Oct 2019

Perspectives - Sept 2019

Deciding on investments is like flying a plane. Feeling off-balance by what's around you, you're tempted to change course. But, as I explain in this month's behavioral finance article, emotional reactions to the unexpected can lead to disaster. Instead, trust your instruments: the rules, guidelines and strategies that keep you on course. Meanwhile, amid the media panic about the inverted yield curve, Michael Chu takes a level-headed look at what the curve really means. And Sylvia Ellis sets out the options for withdrawing funds from a Registered Education Savings Plan.

Perspectives - Sept 2019

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2019

Welcome to our 2019 mid-year review issue Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2019 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we're keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2019

Perspectives - June 2019

Human intuition is valuable in many ways. But it doesn't serve us so well in understanding probabilities. As I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article, using intuition alone can prevent us from making the best choices — and that includes investments. Then, Michael Chu and I, take a close look at life expectancy. Also, Michael takes a long-term view of the value of value investing. And Sylvia Ellis gives you need-to-know information about the federal budget changes to Registered Disability Savings Plans.

Perspectives - June 2019

Perspectives - Apr 2019

Human beings love trying to guess the future. But our age-old fondness for predictions can lead us to make unwise financial choices. In this month's behavioral finance article, I look at our addiction to prediction – and why we should be wary of it. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I review how stock markets snapped back into positive territory in recent months; also, the factors keeping the economy fairly good even as various issues remain a concern. And Sylvia Ellis gives us need-to-know highlights of the 2019 federal budget.

Perspectives - Apr 2019

Perspectives - Mar 2019

Humans think in linear terms, an intuitive trait we inherited from our early ancestors. In this issue, I discuss how such a trait can bias us into making bad financial decisions. Michael Chu compares two experts' views on predicting the long-term performance of stocks. Elaine Loo looks at the results of stocks vs. bonds over the past 100 years—and reminds us that we can use the past to inform the future. And from the B.C. government's recentlyannounced 2019 budget, Sylvia Ellis brings us highlights we should be aware of.

Perspectives - Mar 2019

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2019

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2018? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2019 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2019

Perspectives - Dec 2018

In this season of hope, get ready to be agreeably surprised. I resume my discussion of how ongoing progress around the world goes contrary to our natural – but misguided – negativity bias. Drawing on two seminal books, Enlightenment Now (Pinker, 2018) and Abundance (Diamandis and Kotler, 2012), I share findings about increased life expectancy, reduced violence and other promising developments. Speaking of the positive, Sylvia Ellis apprises us about December 5, CIBC Miracle Day, when all fees and commissions go to support children's charities.

Perspectives - Dec 2018

Perspectives - Oct 2018

If you believe the media, things look pretty bad. However, as I suggest in this month's behavioral finance piece, looking at clear, objective data gives a brighter, more realistic view of the world – and helps in making good investment decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I argue that, while stocks had mixed results, overall the economic fundamentals remain strong. And with changes to tax rules in the 2018 federal budget, Sylvia Ellis explains why an Individual Pension Plan might just be right for you.

Perspectives - Oct 2018

Perspectives - Sept 2018

In this special issue of Perspectives, we discuss asset allocation – that is, the way you divide your money into different types of assets. Here's why we felt the topic was compelling enough to deserve its own issue: Asset allocation is probably your most important investment decision. We examine what exactly asset allocation means; the types of assets; and how they differ. Finally, we look at how to decide on the best asset allocation for you.

Perspectives - Sept 2018

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2018

Welcome to our 2018 mid-year review issue. Michael Chu and I have collaborated on a mid-year review of how Canadian, U.S. and international markets performed in the first half of 2018 – and what the major influences were over the last six months. We hope you find this review both informative and useful in understanding the current economic context – and how we're keeping your portfolio firmly on course.

Perspectives Mid-Year Review - July 2018

Perspectives - June 2018

At New Year's, we all make resolutions. Now that we're halfway through 2018, I suggest revisiting those resolutions – and actually carrying them out. The key: changing bad habits. Michael Chu and I discuss the importance of planning for both life expectancy and inflation. Looking at active vs. passive investing, Michael suggests using the best of both. And Sylvia Ellis explains why you should be proactive about preparing your Will.

Perspectives - June 2018

Perspectives - April 2018

Citing Susan Cain's book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, I discuss in this month's behavioral finance article how tendencies to extroversion and introversion can affect financial decisions. In our Quarterly Economic Update, Michael Chu and I look at how developments thus far in 2018 may impact the economy. And Sylvia Ellis reveals advantages about having disability insurance that many people may not have considered.

Perspectives - April 2018

Perspectives - Mar 2018

In this issue, I review Michael Lewis's fascinating, insightful The Undoing Project – A Friendship That Changed Our Minds, about the two founders of behavioral finance: Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Michael Chu looks at the results our team achieves from our stock selection process. Sylvia Ellis provides highlights of the recently announced BC Budget. And Elaine Loo updates a previous report on how stocks vs. bonds have fared over the past 100 years.

Perspectives - Mar 2018

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2018

Welcome to our special year-end review How were the stock markets in 2017? Michael Chu and I have put together this concise review of what went on in Canada, the United States and other important economies around the world – and how it affected stock markets. We also look ahead to the rest of 2018 and beyond. We hope you find this review informative and useful.

Perspectives Year-End Review - Jan 2018