New Year, New Opportunity

Jumping into '09 columnists continue focusing on the negative. Sure, things will get worse (especially in the U.S.) before they'll get better - but certainly, they will get better. What doesn't kill banks and businesses will make them stronger.

U.S. president-elect Barack Obama plans to travel to Canada for his first international trip after he takes office, to speak with Prime Minister Harper. Fingers crossed that Canada won't fumble the Oil Sands ball moving forward and gets off to a good start with the new President.

Its hard to imagine these current economic clouds passing, but when they do we should be left with a stronger and more transparent economy.

Local Picture Says Financial Fear Foolish

By Kerry Diotte
Edmonton Sun, January 8, 2009

"I've stopped looking at the monthly statements on my RRSPs and stocks these days. It's too discouraging. At last check I was down 75% of the actual money I'd put into the portfolio. What the hell: it's a paper loss, right? I'm hardly alone.

Besides, it seems the stock market these days is largely fueled by wild rumors, hunches and superstition. But, on a good note, the TSX has been largely on an upswing since its low in November." READ FULL STORY HERE

Wait-and-See Buyers May Miss Out on Deals

By Jennifer Podmore Russell
Calgary Herald, January 10, 2009

"We have come to the end of another year where real estate is one of the hottest conversations in town. The topic can be heard at the water cooler, in restaurants, at dinner parties and on airplanes. We talk about it because it affects us and because the continued correction in the market this fall was unexpected and driven by non-local factors." GRAB THIS ARTICLE

How to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Lorraine Pirihi, The Productivity Queen

Gail's Story:
"Gail is a friend of mine and she was relating to me for the hundredth time about the situation her brother was in. Gary is a nice enough guy. He's hardworking, honest and a good father. His only flaw is that he is extremely negative. After a five minute conversation with him, you feel like you've been hit by a bus." READ MORE