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Deep in the heart of tax season - I've already done a large bunch of tax returns and know there are many more to come in April. A few reminders when you are packing up your papers to bring or send to me:
tuck last year's notice of assessment with this year's tax data
students do not need receipts for books
you need the receipts for public transit pass credits
remember the children's fitness tax credit receipts
include your annual statements for non-registed investment accounts because they show any capital gains or losses for the year
if I eFiled for you last year you will not receive a Netfile code in the mail and that is fine since I have a master eFile code
A perspective on investment history - I recently dedicated some time to writing down the major conclusions to be made from a study of long term investment assets. In his book "Stocks for the Long Run" (latest version published in early 2008) Professor Jeremy Siegel produces a chart of returns since 1802. If you wish to read the whole book I have copies to lend, but if not the essays below represent a condensed version.
Lessons from investment history part 1: money and value
Lessons from investment history part 2: that which glitters
Lessons from investment history part 3: the debts of society
Lessons from investment history part 4: the assets of society
After writing these four I realized that while they were good summaries of investment history they did not provide commentary on our current position within long term trends. After having many "back of the napkin" discussions with clients I formalized the message and have provided it for all to read. If you do nothing else besides your tax returns this month, please read
Stocks - the most undervalued asset class
to understand why I say stock markets offer the bargain of a lifetime these days.
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