Alain Guillot

Life, Leadership, and Money Matters

Tag: personal finance

  • Why Passive Investing Feels Wrong but Is Actually Right for Your Portfolio

    Why Passive Investing Feels Wrong but Is Actually Right for Your Portfolio

    At one point in my life, I worked as a financial advisor. Supposedly my job was to help people manage their finances, offer advice on investments, and guide them toward financial security. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the financial industry was heavily tilted in favor of institutions and advisors—leaving the…

  • What would You do with $1,000,000

    What would You do with $1,000,000

    Have you ever imagined what you would do if you suddenly had one million dollars in your bank account? One of the first milestones in financial achievement is reaching one million dollars. Although inflation has diminished its value over time, it remains a significant sum. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the security, freedom,…

  • Interest rates: Variable rate or fix rate?

    Interest rates: Variable rate or fix rate?

    Several years ago, I bought a condo. Interest rates were at record lows. The variable rate was 2.25%, and the fixed rate was 3.25%. Which one would you have chosen? The fixed rate guarantees the same rate for five years, providing peace of mind that the interest rate won’t rise above 3.25%. The variable rate,…

  • Are You Insured, Uninsured, Or Self-Insured? Which One Works Best for You?

    Are You Insured, Uninsured, Or Self-Insured? Which One Works Best for You?

    In a previous blog post, I shared how the movie The Godfather influenced my life. Another film that shaped my thinking is Wall Street (1987) with Michael Douglas. Two lines from the movie are particularly memorable: “There is no nobility in poverty dad, one day you are going to be proud of me.” “The point…

  • Lesson From The Godfather: Don’t Be Embarrassed To Talk About Money

    Lesson From The Godfather: Don’t Be Embarrassed To Talk About Money

    My first viewing of The Godfather I was eight years old, playing in the yard when my father arrived. It was always a pleasant surprise to see him because he was rarely around. Oftentimes, when he came back home, he would bring gifts. This time, he didn’t bring anything, but he played with me for…

  • From Financial Hardship to FIRE: My Journey to Frugality and Financial Independence

    From Financial Hardship to FIRE: My Journey to Frugality and Financial Independence

    Today I would like to speak about frugality and why am I so frugal. I have always lived a frugal life, but now as I am transitioning into retirement, I am questioning my frugality. When I came to Canada, as an international student, I experienced financial hardship, like most college students. I was working under…