Protecting your personal and financial information has never been more important. Every day, cybercriminals look for ways to exploit outdated software, weak passwords, and unprotected devices. The good news is that a few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your digital life safe.

Keep Your Systems Up to Date

One of the easiest — and most effective — ways to protect yourself is to ensure your operating system, internet browser, and applications are always up to date. Updates often contain security patches designed to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Turning on automatic updates helps close the gaps before criminals can take advantage of them.

Other Smart Cyber Habits

• Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager to keep track of them.

• Enable two-factor authentication whenever it’s available for added protection.

• Be cautious with emails and links — if something seems suspicious, don’t click.

• Back up important files to the cloud or an external drive to avoid loss from ransomware or device failure.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is the perfect time to review your habits and take a few minutes to strengthen your digital defenses. Small actions today can help protect your information, your finances, and your peace of mind tomorrow.

The third quarter of 2025 brought several developments that shaped the investment landscape. The Bank of Canada lowered its policy rate to 2.50% in September, helping support borrowing conditions and overall economic activity. Inflation continued to cool, with August figures showing a 1.9% year-over-year increase, keeping price growth within the Bank’s comfort zone. Equity markets responded with mixed results: the S&P/TSX reached record highs late in the quarter, driven by strength in gold and technology companies, while energy was more subdued. At the same time, bond markets benefited as yields eased, providing positive returns for fixed-income investors.

On the global stage, on going tariff disputes have created additional uncertainty. Tariffs raise costs for companies and consumers, and they can disrupt global supply chains. These pressures often lead to increased market volatility and uneven performance across sectors, as some industries absorb higher input costs while others benefit from shifting trade flows. For investors, tariffs add another layer of unpredictability in the short term, but they also highlight the importance of diversification across asset classes and geographies.

For our clients, the effect of these global factors is softened by the investment solutions you hold. Segregated funds provide professional management, diversification, and valuable guarantees on maturity and death benefits that help cushion the effects of market swings. GICs and short-term deposits continue to deliver stability and predictable returns, unaffected by day-to-day turbulence or trade negotiations. This balance of security and managed growth is particularly valuable during historically volatile months like September and October.

Looking ahead, we expect the final quarter of 2025 to be shaped by central-bank policy decisions, corporate earnings reports, shifting bond yields, and ongoing trade tensions. Over the next one to three years, equity markets are likely to deliver more modest growth, driven by company earnings rather than rising valuations, while GICs and high-quality bonds should remain reliable sources of income and stability as interest rates gradually normalize.

The key take away is that while tariffs and global uncertainties may cause short-term noise, your mix of segregated funds and guaranteed investments is designed to weather these periods. Staying diversified helps balance growth with protection and keeps your long-term plan on track.

Q: I have investments with several different mutual fund companies and banks. I consider this diversification, but I’m not sure if my funds are in the right place. I also feel like my tax bill from these investments keeps increasing. Do you have any suggestions?

A: This is a great question. Having multiple accounts doesn’t always mean true diversification. Many funds may overlap and essentially offer the same thing under different names. Here’s what we recommend:

• Review your investments: Your MWFS Account Manager can provide a clear overview of what you own, how it works, and whether it’s aligned with your goals.

   

• Optimize for diversification and tax-efficiency: We’ll ensure your portfolio is structured to manage risk, potentially reduce fees, and improve returns — while also addressing your tax situation.

   

• Add guarantees where appropriate: In some cases, we’ve helped clients achieve the same or better returns with lower fees, improved tax outcomes, and added guarantees for extra protection.

   

• Consider Family Account Grouping: By linking eligible accounts across family members, you may qualify for premier pricing at key thresholds — commonly $250,000, $500,000, and $1 million. This can reduce costs, unlock enhanced benefits, and simplify tracking family wealth.   

  Note: Combined Portfolio Benefits are typically calculated by linking eligible accounts that share the same household address. This allows families living at one address to pool assets for preferred pricing.

It’s also important to remember: what works for a neighbour or friend may not be right for you. Everyone has unique goals, circumstances, and comfort levels with risk.

When was the last time your investments were reviewed? Contact your MWFS Account Manager today to schedule a portfolio review before the busy year-end season.

A postal service disruption may delay delivery of mail. Insurers advise clients to go paperless where possible. Premiums should continue to be paid promptly — online banking and Pre-Authorized Withdrawals (PAD) are available. For claim payments, direct deposit helps avoid delays.

Please contact our office if you are waiting on time-sensitive documents so we can arrange alternatives.