By Ian Ardill
In today’s world, sometimes it is possible to believe that everything is broken and there is no hope.

I don’t think this is an accurate belief.  Instead, yes:  some things are broken.  But there is hope that we can fix them, and about where our future can take us.

I see fall as a particular time of hope. It is the end of something, but also the beginning of a season in which the crisper air can sharpen our focus on getting things done and making progress. 

Pick something you are dissatisfied with.  It could be your view of your financial future, your work environment, your family life, your marriage, your kids, your grandkids. Anything you want.  What does it look like to take incremental steps in improving the situation, in becoming more hopeful that things will work out as you wish?

As the old expression goes, hope is not a strategy. So, we need to have hope – and then make intentional decisions and steps forward.  It is not about trying to make a metaphorical or actual million dollars instantly, but about making the incremental changes that will achieve, down the line, the results you desire.

It is critical to have the right team along for the journey.  A team that can deliver.  Our core purpose here at Ardill Group is:  To walk with our clients through their financial lives.  And so, we are ready to walk with you, in this season and all seasons.  As a first step, call us.

Watch the short video, a special mini-edition of Money Match.

Ian Ardill, B.A., M.T.S.

Private Wealth Advisor
CEO, Ardill Group 

Direct: 1 905 717 5698

Office: 1 905 907 7000

ian@ardillgroup.com

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A new episode of my video show, Money Match!

During the pandemic, only 16% of total US retail sales were done online. Today it is only 13%.*

That’s just one key takeaway from my conversation with Chris Wood, Founding Partner of Revesco Properties Trust. Chris and his partners had a prior business in which they brought brands like Apple and TJX to Canada. Then, 10 years ago, they started Revesco, to take advantage of those relationships and that knowledge – to buy open-air shopping centres in the US by marrying investors’ money with theirs. Shopping centres they could buy right and add value to.

They’ve done about $600-million in transactions over that decade, with an average return of…wait for it…over 20%.

Intrigued? I sure am. I think this sector has been overlooked; all the money has been flowing toward industrial and multi-family.

BUT retail is not going anywhere.

Check out the full interview about this investment opportunity, in the latest edition of Money Match.

*This and all above statements per the video.  If you are interested in more information, I can send the offering Memorandum if you want to read a detailed overview of the offering.

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This summer I had the pleasure of interviewing John Courtliff, CEO and Portfolio Manager at ICM Asset Management, on my video show, Money Match. 

I really like that ICM gives our clients the opportunity to participate in institutional-grade development projects.*  ICM is an alternative investment manager with more than $2-billion of assets under management. Their investment portfolios focus on real estate, across all property types, in Canada, the US and Mexico. 

One of their interesting differentiators from, say, a REIT, is that they are not buy and hold: they actively look for opportunities to redeploy and reallocate in pursuit of better opportunities to make money.  

Click the video to learn more.  

#JustTheRightMatchForYourMoney

*This and all above statements per the video.  If you are interested in more information, I can send the offering Memorandum if you want to read a detailed overview of the offering.

The post Another New Episode of Money Match! ICM Partners Property Trust first appeared on Ardill Group.

I could not be more pleased to tell you that Alejandra Zambrano, Financial Strategist, is officially our newest advisor!  

Ale (pronounced “Allie”) recently scored a 90% average across four insurance exams. She is currently working on her securities license, which she will receive in the new year. With that license in place, her job title will change to Private Wealth Advisor.

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Ale recalls a beautiful, fun childhood of warm beaches and warm people.  There were physical dangers to avoid, but her loving parents would always make her feel secure, and rooted her in her faith in God.  And there was the financial insecurity that comes from hyperinflation.

Think we have high inflation in Canada? Can you imagine living with 50-60% inflation (as Ale did in the 1990s) or even 1,000,000% (that is not a typo) in 2018?

Read more about Ale’s fascinating story here, in her bio.

Congratulations, Ale!

The post Congratulations Ale! first appeared on Ardill Group.

Many retirees have a difficult time maintaining a purpose in life. I want to address that in this blogpost.

A recent Netflix documentary caught my attention. It is called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” It is fascinating and well worth the watch. You may not wish to live to 100, but I am sure you would prefer to live the rest of your life pain-free, happy and fulfilled.

“Blue Zones” are regions around the world known for their high concentration of centenarians: people who live to be 100 years or older. The five Blue Zones identified in the documentary are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California.

Researchers have studied these zones to uncover some of the secrets to these folks’ longevity and overall well-being. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors are considered crucial.

Here are some of the secrets of the Blue Zones – and, because I am going to create my very own Blue Zone, how I measure up. How do you? Let me know.

1
Plant-Based Diet
Thanks to my wife, Joanne, I mainly follow a plant-based diet, although I still enjoy a good steak once in a while.

2
Moderate Caloric Intake
I’ve maintained a healthy weight and waistline over the years, partly thanks to my determination to defy the typical weight gain associated with aging.

3
Regular Physical Activity
I’ve established a daily routine that includes early-morning exercise. It may not always be easy, but sticking to it brings me happiness and vitality. Pickleball is a significant part of my fitness regimen.

4
Strong Social Networks
Living in a great community has provided me with social connections and the opportunity to engage in activities like golf, pickleball, biking, and skiing.

5
Stress Reduction
I’m working on improving my stress management techniques to further enhance my overall health.

6
Purpose in Life
Sharing my experiences and routines with others is part of my daily life and adds meaning to my existence.

7
Moderate Alcohol
Due to some heart palpitations, I’ve been motivated to cut back on alcohol consumption.

8
Family First
While I love my family dearly, I recognize the importance of making an effort to spend quality time with them, despite their busy schedules.

9
Natural Movement
I maintain an active lifestyle through daily exercise, compensating for occasional indulgences in processed foods (e.g. see my mention of Harvey’s just below…).

10
Limited Processed Foods
Although I occasionally treat myself to a Harvey’s hamburger, I generally avoid processed foods.

11
Sense of Belonging
The active social life in my community ensures that I rarely feel isolated or lonely.

12
Daily Naps
While I don’t take daily naps, I acknowledge their potential benefits for reducing stress and improving overall health.

13
Strong Cultural and Family Traditions
We keep our family close through traditions like celebrating birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and summer pool parties.

So, how did you score / how do you feel about these 13 summary items? About the importance of purpose, in particular? Please let me know.

Thanks for reading,
John

PS. I hope we can get together on our 100th birthdays and share high fives!

John Ardill
Founder and Mentor
Ardill Group

Direct: 1 416 400 5882
Office: 1 905 907 7000
john@ardillgroup.com

The post Have You Seen the Documentary on Blue Zones? first appeared on Ardill Group.