Victory Lap

Once you achieve Financial Independence, you may choose to leave salaried employment but with decades of vibrant life ahead, it’s too soon to do nothing. The new stage of life between traditional employment and Full Retirement we call Victory Lap, or Victory Lap Retirement (also the title of a new book to be published in August 2016. You can pre-order now at VictoryLapRetirement.com). You may choose to start a business, go back to school or launch an Encore Act or Legacy Career. Perhaps you become a free agent, consultant, freelance writer or to change careers and re-enter the corporate world or government.

17 Leaders Share the Best Platforms for Learning about Financial Freedom

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Photo by Tim Samuel on Pexels

Looking to break away from the traditional 9-to-5 path to Financial Independence? In this expert roundup, professionals share the platforms and resources that helped them explore alternative ways to build wealth, from niche investment tools to entrepreneurship communities.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, you’ll find practical insights and trusted recommendations to guide your journey.

  • Prioritize Autonomy Over Liquidity
  • The Motley Fool: Comprehensive Financial Education
  • Investopedia: Up-to-Date Financial Knowledge
  • Indie Hackers: Real-World Entrepreneurship Examples
  • Reddit: Diverse Financial Wisdom
  • Twitter: Direct Access to Wealth-Building Minds
  • ChooseFI: Practical Financial Independence Strategies
  • Reframe Expenses in Hours Worked
  • Podcasts: Accessible Financial Insights
  • Aussie Firebug: Australia-Specific Financial Advice
  • BiggerPockets: Real Estate Investment Community
  • Udemy Course: Actionable Financial Freedom Steps
  • Tim Ferriss Show: Disciplined Wealth-Building Systems
  • Side Hustle School: Practical Income Ideas
  • Mad Fientist: Balanced Approach to Saving
  • NAPFA: Personalized Financial Guidance
  • Morningstar: Diverse Investment Strategies

Prioritize Autonomy over Liquidity

Frameworks that map autonomy before liquidity targets have reshaped how to allocate personal capital. For example, layering $25,000 into private credit offerings that yield predictable monthly payments has more impact on Financial Independence than a $300,000 retirement account you cannot touch for 20 years. This logic came from dissecting how quiet operators generate cash flow without public scale or visibility. Their systems work because they are boring, consistent, and mechanical. That mindset shift pulled me away from chasing numbers and toward protecting hours.

Skip platforms that market freedom as a finish line and look for models that treat Financial Independence as a structural asset class. Follow people who explain how they built repeatable systems with clean numbers: no fluff, no pitch. If someone makes $900 monthly from a vending machine route and spends 4 hours managing it, study that. It might be low-scale, but the math still applies. What I am getting at is this: financial freedom shows up in how your time behaves, not how your balance sheet looks. — Eric Croak, CFP, President, Croak Capital

The Motley Fool: Comprehensive Financial Education

One resource that has been crucial for my understanding of alternative financial paths is The Motley Fool. This site provides wide-ranging content around personal finance, investing, and wealth-building processes, encouraging me to be a more critical thinker regarding the diversification of my financial portfolio. While my experience has centered so far around the precious metals exchange, The Motley Fool‘s observations about stock, bond, and market trends have made my thinking about various ways of wealth-building more comprehensive.

What makes The Motley Fool stand out is that it offers a synthesis of research, educational articles, and investment analysis that contains actionable tips to realize Financial Independence. The ongoing posts about current market conditions and performances of individual stocks have proven particularly useful in judging risk and uncovering emerging opportunities. It has assisted me in streamlining my investment plan and made me comfortable venturing outside my original area of interest in order not to be heavily reliant on a given asset class.

For anyone interested in designing financial liberty, I recommend researching The Motley Fool’s publications. They foster a balanced attitude toward building wealth through a combination of long-term investing and general financial advice. Whether you are a new investor or a professional investor, the site provides simple techniques and information that are easily understandable and implementable into any financial process. The most important thing to take away is to stay educated, diversified, and calculated in your choices. — Brandon Thor, CEO, Thor Metals Group

Investopedia: Up-to-Date Financial Knowledge

One of the most useful resources I have used is the Investopedia website. I recommend that others explore this resource and the various articles it offers, specifically in the personal finance category. This is a website that is constantly updated with new information that is relevant and comprehensive. When learning about alternative paths to financial independence, it’s important to have a source that contains a network of resources covering all financial levels. For some people, this is a site to learn about the basics of finance, while for others like me, it allows us to constantly get updates within the field we work in. — Peter Reagan, Financial Market Strategist, Birch Gold Group

Indie Hackers: Real-World Entrepreneurship Examples

Indie Hackers changed my approach to business and entrepreneurship. The content on Indie Hackers provides examples of how independent creators and small business owners develop digital products, content brands, or niche services that support their independence.

As someone running a blog rooted in curation and personal shopping, it’s given me real-world examples of monetization through affiliate content, digital products, and community building. If you’re even a little curious about earning independently through content or software, I’d say spend a weekend exploring Indie Hackers. — Danilo Miranda, Managing Director, Presenteverso

Reddit: Diverse Financial Wisdom

One of the key resources that has been instrumental in informing my road to financial freedom is the collaborative platform, “Personal Finance Subreddits.” These forums are filled with experiences from individuals at various points in their financial journeys, sharing straightforward advice on topics such as the best investing tips and how to shed costly habits. The diversity of experience gained has served me well in challenging conventional financial wisdom and in innovating more freely toward building wealth.

What is interesting about these subreddits is their emphasis on real-world strategies individuals implement to accumulate wealth. Whether learning to take advantage of tax benefits, following stock market trends, or investing in alternative assets such as precious metals and cryptocurrencies, these communities offer actionable information. I discovered that engaging in dialogue around alternative investments, especially in sectors such as precious metals, has been instrumental in informing Alloy’s financial product approach.

If you are considering venturing into alternative routes to fiscal freedom, I highly recommend exploring these kinds of forums. They have a treasure trove of information at your fingertips, which tends to be backed up by real-world case studies and anecdotes. You’ll find techniques that defy mainstream wisdom and encourage you to think differently about how to build your wealth. The icing on the cake is that all these communities evolve continuously, which means you stay informed about current trends and thinking as they emerge. — Brandon Aversano, CEO, The Alloy Market

X: Direct Access to Wealth-Building Minds

I’ve explored countless resources for alternative wealth-building paths. The platform that has been absolutely game-changing for me is Twitter (now X).

Most people use Twitter incorrectly: they scroll mindlessly or argue about politics. However, when you curate your feed with the right financial minds, it becomes an incredible learning tool that costs nothing but attention.

What makes Twitter invaluable is the real-time access to people who have actually built wealth through unconventional means, not just theory. You get daily insights from entrepreneurs, investors, and creators who are doing the work right now.

For example, I learned about affiliate marketing strategies that helped me scale by following people who were transparent about their successes and failures. No nonsense, just practical advice you can implement immediately.

The beauty of Twitter is that it’s not just consumption: you can directly engage with these people. Ask questions, share your progress, build relationships. That kind of access used to require expensive masterminds or conferences.

If you’re serious about Financial Independence, start by following 20-30 people who have built what you want to build. Don’t just follow the big names: find the practitioners who are openly sharing their journeys. Then actually implement what resonates, don’t just collect information.

Remember though: no platform will make you wealthy if you’re just consuming content. The magic happens when you take what you learn and actually execute on it consistently. — John Talasi, Entrepreneur, JohnTalasi.com

ChooseFI: Practical Financial Independence Strategies

One resource that has really stood out to me is ChooseFI, both the podcast and the broader community around it. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of practical, real-world conversations that challenge traditional ideas of work and retirement. As someone who works in the construction value stream, I appreciate systems thinking, and ChooseFI breaks down Financial Independence like a process: identifying waste, streamlining inputs, and looking for long-term sustainability.

It helped me rethink how I approach personal finance, not just for myself but in advising others on business efficiency and risk. What really makes it valuable is the variety of stories — teachers, tradespeople, small business owners — people who found unique paths to build security and freedom, often without earning six figures.

I’d recommend diving into the early episodes where they lay out the core principles. Even if you’re not aiming for full early retirement, the mindset shift around intentional spending, value-based living, and building flexibility into your life is incredibly useful. It’s not just about money: it’s about designing a life that actually works for you. — Andrew Moore, Director, Rubicon Wigzell Limited

Reframe Expenses in Hours Worked

Reddit’s r/financialindependence has reshaped how I think about money, especially after reading a post where someone broke down the true cost of their car in hours worked, not just in dollars. They added up the loan payment, insurance, and maintenance, then compared it against their take-home pay. It came out to roughly 21 hours a month just to keep the car. That hit me harder than any financial advice I had read before, because it shifted the decision from, “Can I afford this?” to, “Is this worth that much of my life?”

I took that same method and applied it to a few things in my own budget. I started with recurring costs like software subscriptions and monthly meals out. Some of them made sense. Others felt absurd once I saw the time attached to them. That one shift made it easier to simplify without turning everything into a sacrifice. Framing expenses through time instead of just money gave me a cleaner way to decide what stayed. The posts in that subreddit don’t offer perfect answers, but they push you to ask sharper questions. That’s what I keep returning for. — Robbin Schuchmann, Co-founder / SEO Specialist, EOR Overview

Podcasts: Accessible Financial Insights

I’m always on the lookout for tools and resources that offer fresh perspectives, both for my clients and myself. One that has consistently stood out over the years is podcasts. They’re accessible, insightful, and often make complex financial ideas feel surprisingly relatable. Two podcasts I frequently recommend are The Ramsey Show and Odd Lots from Bloomberg.

The Ramsey Show is a great example of how powerful simple financial habits can be. It focuses on helping people get out of debt, live within their means, and build a strong foundation for long-term Financial Independence. It’s full of real-life stories that remind you you’re not alone in trying to figure it all out. Financial freedom doesn’t always require complex strategies; it often starts with small, consistent steps.

Odd Lots, on the other hand, offers a deeper dive into the financial world. It’s ideal for anyone curious about how investing, markets, and the wider economy work. It’s helped me, and many on our team, stay informed and engaged with the broader forces that shape our clients’ financial plans. Continue Reading…

How often should you rebalance your portfolio?

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By Dale Roberts, cutthecrapinvesting

Special to Financial Independence Hub

How often should you rebalance your portfolio? There’s good news on that front as less is more. We’ll take a look at a very telling chart from Frederick Vettese. And I take another look at the very telling perfomance table for the core Tangerine Portfolios. In this post I will also take you through my top observations of the week – by way of my Twitter / X Tweets. That includes – bonds vs GICs, big dividends under attack, my U.S stock portfolio returns, and what’s in store for the Canadian banks.

Courtesy of Fred Vettese in the Globe and Mail, a look at rebalancing a core ETF portfolio.

Here’s the link for those who have a Globe subscription.

On April 1, 2013, $1,000 was invested in each of four exchange-traded funds: a U.S. stock ETF, denominated in Canadian dollars (stock symbol XUS), a Canadian stock ETF (XIC), an international stock ETF (XEF) and a Canadian bond ETF (XBB). The initial asset mix is therefore 75-per-cent equities and 25-per-cent bonds.

Fred’s test showed almost identical results for rebalancing every quarter and once a year. That suggests that you can save yourself some time and effort (and perhaps trading costs) by rebalancing just once a year.

We can also see that when the unbalanced portfolio performed better during a period of robust stock returns. That said, the portfolio risk level has increased.

I have been evaluating portfolios for many years (decades) and more often find that rebalancing once a year often leads to greater returns. It allows a successful asset to go on a greater run before the money is moved to the under performing asset.

You might also consider rebalancing based on thresholds – perhaps when an asset is 5% or more about your target allocation.

The lessons of the Tangerine Portfolios

I had another look at the index-based Tangerine Portfolios. As you may know I was an advisor and trainer with Tangerine for several years. Those are a wonderful solution for those who want lower-fee managed portfolios and investment advice.

You can also have a look at the Tangerine Global ETF Portfolios.

There are many lessons that can be learned or observed from the returns of the portfolio models. I offered some ideas in this Twitter thread.

While you can check out that thread, and yes you should follow me on Twitter / X I will strip out the main lessons (shown below).

Lesson 1: Risk and returns

Investors were rewarded for taking on more risk. The risk/reward proposition.

An all-equity portfolio might earn in the area of 9% annual, while a balanced growth model is more 7%’ish and a balanced model more 6%’ish. Keep in mind that the start dates for the balanced portfolios was terrible – just before the financial crisis in 2008. Continue Reading…

Unconventional Income Streams: 16 Real Stories from the Financially Independent

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Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

Looking for creative ways to generate income beyond the typical 9-to-5? In this article, 16 financially independent people share real-life stories of unconventional income streams they’ve successfully leveraged on their path to financial freedom.

From flipping niche collectibles online to building mobile apps and renting out specialized equipment, these insights offer practical advice and inspiration for anyone seeking to diversify their income and think outside the box.

 

  • Flip Niche Collectibles Online
  • Flip Expired Domains for Profit
  • Develop Useful Mobile Applications
  • Create Online Courses for Therapists
  • Offer Ice as a Subscription Service
  • Provide Emergency Phone Consultations
  • Monetize Drone Inspections Separately
  • Acquire and Improve Underperforming Blogs
  • Sell Niche Digital Products Online
  • Rent Out Specialized Equipment
  • Sell Stock Photos Online
  • Invest in Income-Generating Websites
  • License Valuable Industry Data
  • List Properties on Airbnb
  • Publish Ebooks on Amazon Kindle
  • Embrace Unexpected Opportunities

1.) Flip Niche Collectibles Online

Exploring unconventional income streams is like finding hidden treasures; it’s about spotting opportunities in unexpected places. One such stream I’ve tapped into is buying and flipping niche collectibles sourced from online marketplaces. Initially, I stumbled upon this while pursuing a personal hobby. Seeing the high demand and low supply for certain vintage items, I realized there was potential to turn this into a lucrative side business. The key here is to develop a keen eye for what has high resale value and stay informed about the trends within that niche.

For anyone interested in pursuing this avenue, I’d recommend starting with a category you’re passionate about, as this naturally increases your understanding and interest in collecting items.

Next, it’s crucial to learn the best places for acquiring collectibles at lower prices, whether that’s thrift stores, estate sales, or online auctions. Regularly engaging with communities and forums can also provide insights and opportunities to buy and sell. Ultimately, while this might seem like just a fun hobby, with the right approach, it can become a significant part of achieving Financial Independence.

It’s essential to approach this with a mixture of enthusiasm and caution; start small to understand the market dynamics before fully diving in. Balancing patience with smart, informed decisions can open up an exciting path towards not just financial goals, but also personal fulfillment in seeing your collections bring joy to others as well. — Alex Cornici, Writer, The Traveler

2.) Flip Expired Domains for Profit

One of the most unconventional income streams I leveraged on my path to Financial Independence was expired domain flipping: buying undervalued domain names with strong SEO authority and reselling them at a premium.

A few years ago, I was searching for a domain for a side project when I stumbled upon an auction site selling expired domains. Out of curiosity, I bought one for $15 that had thousands of quality backlinks from reputable sites. Within two weeks, I flipped it to a niche blogger for $750: a 4,900% return on investment. That’s when I realized there was a hidden market for domains that still carried strong SEO value.

After that first success, I developed a system to find, evaluate, and flip domains efficiently:

  • Finding High-Value Expired Domains – I used tools like Ahrefs, SpamZilla, and ExpiredDomains.net to search for domains with strong backlink profiles.
  • Assessing SEO Value – Instead of buying any expired domain, I looked for high-authority links, clean backlink profiles, and past relevance to industries in demand (finance, health, tech).
  • Selling to the Right Buyers – I joined Facebook groups, niche forums, and SEO communities, where bloggers and businesses actively sought pre-aged domains to boost rankings.

One of my best flips was a tech-focused domain I purchased for $120. It had backlinks from major publications and had been a trusted resource in the industry. Within a month, I sold it to a startup for $5,000: because for them, the built-in SEO authority saved months of ranking effort.

If you want to get into domain flipping:

  • Start small – Buy one or two domains and learn the process before scaling.
  • Focus on SEO value, not just catchy names – A strong backlink profile is what makes an expired domain valuable.
  • Network in the right places – Many buyers are in SEO communities, niche blogs, and online business groups.

Expired domain flipping isn’t about luck: it’s about recognizing digital real estate opportunities before others do. If you can spot value where others see nothing, you can build a profitable and scalable income stream. — Ahmed Yousuf, Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime

3.) Develop useful Mobile Applications

I earn well as a CTO, but I want that financial security where I do not have to depend on a single income stream. That is why I started developing mobile applications as an additional source of revenue. Since I am already a software developer, shifting into mobile apps was a natural transition. The technical foundation was there, and I saw an opportunity to build something outside of my daily work.

I discovered this opportunity from a colleague of mine who had been making passive income through mobile apps for years. He built simple apps that solved everyday problems and made money through ads and subscriptions. That conversation changed how I looked at mobile development. I decided to start with something I understood well. My first app was an expense tracker designed for freelancers who struggle with budgeting and tax prep. I kept it simple, focusing on an intuitive interface and automation features. After launching it in the app stores, I introduced a premium version with added features, which turned it into a passive income stream. I earn about $5,000 to $7,000 per month from this app alone, and that number grows as more users download and subscribe.

For anyone interested in pursuing this, the first thing that you need to do is find a common problem that does not have a convenient solution yet. Successful apps do not have to be groundbreaking. They just need to be useful. Start small, validate your idea with a test audience, and make the experience smooth and reliable. Mobile app development is one of the few income streams where effort upfront can turn into long-term financial stability without constantly trading time for money. — Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO

4.) Create Online Courses for Therapists

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and digital nomad, one unconventional income stream I’ve leveraged is the creation of online courses and communities for therapists. It started with “DIY Insurance Billing for Private Practice,” which has attracted over 950 clinicians. This course was born out of my own struggles with insurance billing. By changing my learning into a resource, I’ve tapped into an overlooked need among therapists seeking autonomy and financial stability.

In addition, I founded the “Bill Like A Boss” community, offering a support network and a directory for therapists to find billers and virtual assistants. This not only provided value but established me as a thought leader in a niche market. By addressing this specific pain point, the model created additional revenue while enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.

For those interested in a similar path, identify a gap in your professional area where you possess unique insights or skills. Develop a resource or service that addresses this need, and build a community around it. Emphasize practical support and collaboration to create a product or service that stands out. — Kym Tolson, Therapist Coach, The Traveling Therapist

5.) Offer Ice as a Subscription Service

One unconventional income stream I’ve successfully leveraged is the “as-a-service” business model, specifically in the ice equipment space. Most businesses traditionally buy or lease ice machines, dealing with maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacements. We flipped the script by offering ice as a subscription service-turning what used to be a hassle into a predictable, all-inclusive solution for businesses. Instead of making a significant upfront investment, customers pay a monthly fee for equipment, maintenance, and even backup ice if needed. This model creates steady, recurring revenue while eliminating customers’ most significant pain points.

I discovered this opportunity by recognizing an overlooked challenge in the food service and hospitality industries. Ice machines are essential but notoriously unreliable, and when they break down, it disrupts business. I saw how companies were stuck in a cycle of costly repairs or expensive replacements. We removed customers’ financial and operational headaches by shifting from ownership to service while building a long-term, scalable revenue stream.

For others looking to pursue unconventional income streams, my advice is to rethink how everyday products or services are delivered. Find something businesses or consumers rely on but don’t enjoy managing, then explore how a subscription or managed-service approach could make their lives easier. Stability, convenience, and predictability are powerful selling points. Look for inefficiencies, talk to customers, and see where to add value. Often, the best opportunities aren’t about reinventing the wheel but making it roll more smoothly. — Travis Rieken, Sr. Director of Product Management, Easy Ice

6.) Provide Emergency Phone Consultations

Plumbing work usually brings to mind hands-on labor, but there’s another way to earn: charging for emergency phone consultations. Plenty of homeowners panic over a small leak or a backed-up sink, and sometimes all they need is guidance rather than an immediate service call. I set up a system where customers could pay a flat $50 fee for a quick troubleshooting session, helping them avoid unnecessary expenses while making sure my time was compensated. This worked well for after-hours calls, since many people preferred a lower-cost solution instead of paying $200+ for an emergency visit. Over time, this turned into a consistent side income without extra travel or physical labor.

The idea came naturally after seeing how often customers called with simple problems. I figured if I was already answering questions, I might as well make it an official service. For anyone considering a similar approach, start by identifying where your expertise could provide quick, high-value solutions. Setting up a dedicated phone line or online booking system makes it easy, and promoting it through social media or existing clients can bring in steady business. Turns out, a small shift in how you offer services can add thousands to your income each year. — Caleb John, Director, Exceed Plumbing

7.) Monetize Drone Inspections Separately

Drones were originally just a tool for our roofing business, but it didn’t take long to see another opportunity. Homeowners, insurance companies, and real estate agents needed high-resolution roof inspections even when they weren’t planning repairs. So, we started offering drone-based reports as a separate service, charging $150 per scan. This turned into a profitable source of side income, especially since our AI analysis provided insights that traditional inspections didn’t. Given that a single drone could handle up to 10 inspections per day, this quickly added thousands in extra revenue without major operating costs.

The idea came after noticing that not every roof inspection led to a job, but the demand for assessments was still there. Instead of only using drones for internal purposes, we turned them into a paid service. For those in tech-driven industries, there’s often a way to take existing tools and monetize them separately. Sometimes, the things that support your main business can bring in just as much revenue when positioned as independent services. — Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer

8.) Acquire and Improve Underperforming Blogs

One unconventional income stream that worked surprisingly well for me was acquiring underperforming blogs, improving their content and SEO, and turning them into revenue-generating assets. Most people think of websites as businesses that require years to build, but I realized that buying neglected blogs with decent domain authority and traffic potential was a faster way to scale.

I discovered this by accident. I was deep into content marketing, and while working with clients, I noticed how many businesses let their blogs stagnate. Some had strong backlinks and history but were mismanaged or abandoned. So I started making offers, acquiring them for relatively minor costs, and applying the exact strategies I used for clients: cleaning up the content, fixing technical SEO issues, and creating a long-term content plan. Within months, traffic (and revenue) would grow through ad monetization, affiliate marketing, or even reselling the blog for a profit.

Anyone interested in this should start small. Look for blogs in niches you understand, ideally with decent backlink profiles and some organic traffic. Many are run by hobbyists who’ve lost interest so that you can negotiate good deals. But don’t just buy and hope; have a clear plan to improve the site. SEO, fresh content, and proper monetization can quickly turn a struggling blog into a valuable asset.

This strategy isn’t discussed enough, but it’s a scalable way to create income streams without starting from scratch. Knowing how to spot potential, move quickly, and execute effectively is key. — James Parsons, CEO, Content Powered

9.) Sell Niche Digital Products Online

Selling niche digital products is an unconventional yet highly effective income stream that provides scalability and passive revenue with minimal ongoing effort. Unlike content-driven monetization strategies that require continuous engagement, digital products — such as financial templates, investment research, and specialized e-books — offer a one-time creation model with unlimited sales potential. This approach is particularly useful for professionals who can leverage their expertise to create high-value, ready-made solutions for a specific audience.

My journey into digital products began when I realized that many individuals and small business owners struggled with financial planning and investment tracking. I had developed budget templates, financial calculators, and investment worksheets for personal use, but after refining them for broader usability, I started selling them through platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, and Sellfy. As demand grew, I optimized listings, bundled complementary products, and used SEO-driven marketing to reach more buyers, turning a side project into a steady revenue stream. Continue Reading…

How to Create a Crisis Budget that Supports your Path to Findependence

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Image by Rilson S. Avelar from Pixabay

By Devin Partida

Special to Financial Independence Hub

No one expects a monetary crisis to strike until it does. Some events that might throw you into a tizzy include losing your job, a pet getting ill and needing emergency veterinary services or the family vehicle breaking down.

To stick to financial goals, you must have a plan for when the current one falls to pieces. Creating a budget that allows you to survive a sudden catastrophe while saving for a home, travel or retirement is the secret ingredient to keeping the nest egg you need.

Amid the Storm: Identify and Prioritize Essential Expenses

An annual emergency savings report by Bankrate, YouGov and SSRS found that 59% of Americans are not comfortable with their emergency savings. For millions of people struggling paycheck to paycheck, anything outside their normal costs spells trouble.

The first thing to do when you experience fewer funds than bills coming in is to assess where you are and how much money you need to survive.

Identify Needs versus Wants

Although your favorite treat from the grocery store may seem like a need, you can likely find something less expensive to fuel your body. Some examples of needs include:

  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Heating and cooling

Once you have a list of the things you can’t live without, you’ll be better able to assess your priorities. In the short term, calling creditors or subscription services to pause payments or end plans can free up enough money to get through the predicament or assess how much money you need now.

Renegotiate Bills

The next step is to call each company to see what flexibility you have. For example, you need utilities to cook, heat your home and use the lights. Many local utility companies will put you on a payment plan so the bill remains the same around the calendar year rather than increasing exponentially during extreme weather.

For credit cards or subscriptions, explain your financial crisis and ask how to reduce monthly payments. Remember that delaying them may increase the total interest paid on the debt, so only use this technique to survive a short-term spending mess.

Cut to the Bare Bones

If you lose your income or have an unexpected expense, you may need to slash spending even more. Look to local resources for help. Food banks can provide sustenance when you lack grocery funds. Talk to your local county, township or public trustee about help with power bills and other resources in your area.

3 things to do to prepare for Financial Emergencies and Unexpected Expenditures

Life is filled with surprise charges. One way to plan for any crisis is to budget for it now. Weathering the next monetary tsunami will feel more like jogging up a hill than crawling up a steep mountain when you’re prepared. Here are some things you can do to be ready:

Create Multiple Streams of Income

Prepare for extra expenses like medical emergencies or the added costs of parenthood by finding ways to bring in more income. If the raises at work are lower than inflation, you can pick up a side hustle and join the gig economy to cover emergency funding.

In addition to diversifying your income sources, you can receive education to become eligible for higher-paying roles at work. Get an online certification, take a course through the local community college or enter management training through the workplace.

Add apps that earn you money for doing things like walking, taking surveys or buying things online. Look for creative ways to bring in extra cash, such as selling art you create or selling used items. Continue Reading…

Low-Volatility ETFs for a Volatile World

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Image courtesy Harvest ETFs

By Ambrose O’Callaghan, Harvest ETFs

(Sponsor Blog)

Canadians in retirement, or those nearing retirement, are faced with unique challenges in the present-day market. Interest rates have moved up from their historic lows since 2022. The benchmark rate for the Bank of Canada (BoC) reached its zenith of 5.00% in July 2023. Economic headwinds forced the hand of the BoC in 2024 and 2025. The benchmark rate now stands at 2.75%, with more rate cuts expected before the end of the year. (The BOC stood pat on April 16th).

This downward trend for interest rates means that investors who want a secure investment while outpacing inflation may have to look beyond GICs and other fixed-income products in this changing climate. Market volatility is another headwind investors are now contending with, spurred on by a new and aggressive U.S. administration.

There was enthusiasm surrounding the broader economy and the stock market coming into 2025. The previous GOP administration cultivated a reputation as a market-friendly one in the late 2010s. That momentum ground to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the perception of a market-friendly GOP largely remained.

Investor outlook has soured in the late winter and early spring, in large part due to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. government policy, particularly when it comes to tariffs.

Source: American Association of Individual Investors, Bloomberg, Harvest ETFs. As of March 21, 2025.

This uncertainty has resulted in elevated levels of market volatility. Some names have suffered retracements of 50% or more over the past two months. This market is unique in that the sell-off was not triggered by one significant catalyst. Indeed, it is lingering trade policy uncertainty that is fuelling negative sentiment.

Source: American Association of Individual Investors, CNN (Fear and Greed Index). As of March 20, 2025.

The S&P 500 has dropped 8% in the year-to-date period as of close on Friday, April 10, 2025. A research note from Vanguard recently speculated that volatility was likely to remain due to factors like policy uncertainty, disruptive currents in the economy like artificial intelligence development, and the shifting policy of the Federal Reserve.

Demand for Low Volatility products has increased in this environment. These ETFs offer Canadian retirees a pure low volatility play with exposure to 100% Canadian equities. Moreover, we have introduced Harvest’s trusted option writing strategy to the second Low Volatility ETF. It aims to lower portfolio volatility while generating high monthly cash distributions.

Harvest Low Volatility ETFs:  A smoother Investment Experience

Harvest’s new Low Volatility ETF suite could be appealing to defensive and long-term investors. This approach to equity investing is factor-based, disciplined, outcome-oriented, is designed to mitigate risk, as well as provide long-term growth. Moreover, the suite includes a high-income solution that generates monthly cash distributions through an active covered call writing strategy. Continue Reading…