September This and That

New mortality study highlights risks of increasing life expectancy

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - "It's official -- not only are Canadians getting older, we're also living longer. Last week, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) released a draft set of updated mortality tables, used by actuaries to measure pension plan liabilities, or the amount of money needed to pay current and future pensioners. According to the study results, which are based on a review of recent pensioner mortality rates and future life expectancy improvements anticipated by the study's authors, the life expectancy of a 60 year old male today has increased by 2.9 years (from 24.4 to 27.3 years) compared to pension mortality tables currently in use. The life expectancy of a 60 year old female has increased by 2.7 years (from 26.7 years to 29.4 years)."



The good news: Canadians are living longer.
The bad news: they don't have enough money to do so. 

Well that is unless they start saving more now, putting their cash into income generating investments and pair down their spending - all doable depending upon your age.  When you look at the numbers it shows we need to SAVE MORE and SPEND LESS.


Harper Briefing Note Plays Down Low Interest Rate Dangers

OTTAWA - "The prime minister's advisers have dismissed a warning by a respected think tank that ultra-low interest rates need to start rising now to avoid damage to the Canadian economy.

In a paper for the C.D. Howe Institute, economist Paul Masson argued in May that the Bank of Canada should nudge rates higher to forestall real-estate bubbles, excessive household debt, pension-fund woes and other dangers.

But a May 31 briefing note requested by Stephen Harper's office on the controversial paper notes that Masson's arguments are "at odds" with the views of most economists.


I'm particularly interested in this article about low interest rates. Though I'm more concerned about people not paying down debt during times of low interest rates.

Prime Minister Harper may be able to lead the horse to water, but in these 'handholding' times when most folks struggle to be accountable for the pickle they got themselves into, you can't make that horse drink the water.

Scroll down to the slide show that shows debt by province and then by country - that's the real gem in this article.

And what everyone's talking about

Peter Sagan wins prologue of Tour of Alberta -   EDMONTON -- Pre-race favourite Peter Sagan made a little bit of history Tuesday night when he became the first man to wear the yellow jersey in the inaugural stage of the Tour of Alberta cycling race.

The Cannondale team rider took a commanding 13-second lead over his nearest competitor in the opening 7.3-kilometre time trial. Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal sits in 10th, 30 seconds back of Sagan.

"I was trying to do well here," said Sagan, a 23-year-old Slovak rider. "It's the first stage and it's important. I felt very very good."