Quotes of the Day

Sometimes, the secret to getting a "yes" is as simple as being the first to offer on a property. Be sure to have automatic alerts set up with your real estate agent. Rather than playing a game with the seller, offer your maximum offer right up front. If they counter and try to make you go higher, just say no! If you want to get your deal accepted, get that person to like you! I think the best way to do this is to include a letter with your offer. Include your family in the photo for added benefit! [2015] - Brandon Turner

Exchange-traded gold funds have been a major driver of investment demand since 2004. Under the symbol "GLD", State Street Global Advisors (the world's largest institutional money manager) and the World Gold Council launched the first gold-based security backed by a representative portion of physical gold bullion held in a secure vault. [2008] - Shayne McGuire

Many mortgage lending credit-risk departments want you to have no less than $50,000 in investable assets outside of real estate for every property you own. They do this for two reasons: 1) they want to see investment diversification so you do't get into financial trouble; and 2) they want you to have the backup liquidity to endure a surprise maintenance cost or short-term tenant strife. [2017] - Calum Ross

Carry trades are the most profitable when investors have low risk aversion. Before entering into a carry trade, an investor should be willing to commit to a time horizon of at least six months. [2009] - Kathy Lien

If you need life insurance, your best move is to buy a term policy until you've taken full advantage of TFSAs and RRSPs and until you've paid off your consumer debts and mortgage. If you find yourself in the enviable position of having accomplished all of that, some cash-value policies may be worth exploring. Even then, though, make sure you watch your costs--they can turn a theoretically good idea into a bad one in practice. [2011] - David Chilton