18 — Wednesday, July 15, 1998 — North Shore News We IT doesn’t always pay to shop around for the best return on your money. T can’t believe I just said that. But in some situations, you might actually be better off to accept a lower return on your investments or a higher price for a financial product. Let’s say you are parking $5,000 for two months until you need that moncy to buy a car. The place where you now deal has a money mar- ket fund yielding 3.6% while ‘another institution is paying “4.1%, After tax, that’s a differ- ence of only about $2.50. I wouldn’t want to take per- haps halfan hour to open an account at a new place and perhaps that long again to close the account in two months — all co carn an DUNCAN Stephen is: the helm ‘of North ; The’ centre offers a range of free: ‘services to employers north shore news fepee ey 2 extra §2.50. Besides, there might be a service charge for such a short-cerm relation- ship. However, shopping around definitely pays off when larger amounts of money are involved for longer terms and/or there’s a significant difference in the return. That’s especially true in today’s low-yield climate. If . you can raise your invest- ment return to six irom five per cent, that’s an increase be they regular or casual job postings;- referral services or . information on programs and- legislation. For more infor- mation cal]. Stephen at the ‘centre at 666-9198. Duncan ‘Stephen ees The North Vancouver & BUSINESS igh reium against eff of 20%. In the days when you could casily carn 10% on your money, rising your return by one per cent meant a yield increase of only 10%. If you invest $50,000 tor two years, an extra one per cent interest means perhaps an extra $600 after income tax, or an extra $1,000 in a tax shelter like an RRSP or RRIF. That's worthwhile. An unrealized capital gain of an extra One per cent in a non-registered investment also means an extra $1,000. If you work at investing your money in mutual funds, individual secunitics, real estate and so on, you could increase your return several percentage points —- a good reward for your time and effort. You should accept a lower return on investments or pay more for financial products Chamber of Commerce is hosting another lunch and learn session this Monday July 20 from noon to 1 p.m The subject of the session will be sexual harassment in the workplace, What it is and why employers are liable for sexual harassment allegations in the workplace, are among the issues to be addressed. Ken Kaiser will make a presenta- tion on how to deal with this workplace issue. Cost of the session is $10 per person and will take place in the chamber boardroom at 131 East 2nd St., North Vancouver. Call the.chamber at 987-4488 for more information. eee North Vancouver resident and BCIT schoo! of trades counsellor Stu Gibbs reports ri (like 2 Joan or life insurance) only if you receive advice, service or other benefits that more than make up for the lost income or higher price. At least once a year con- duct a cost-benefit review of all your investments and other financiat products. Summer is 2 quiet time financially, an ideal opportu- nity to see how everything measures up —- and to fix any problems. ~~ Copyright 1998 Mike Grenbv Mike Greniy ts a colum- nist and independent f ersonal financial adviser; he'll answer questions in this column as space allows but cannot reply personally — contact him at P.O. Bax 50029, South Slope R.P.O., Burnaby, B.C. V5] 5G3; e-mail mike@grenby.com and see previous columns at Mike’s website, wim grenby.com openings in the school’s pre- apprentice sheet metal pro- ‘gram, According to govern- ment projections, the employment growth rate for sheet metal workers will be better than average through the year 2005. For more information on the program contact Ted Kondo, the program’s chief | instructor, who will consider requests for in-person sheet metal info sessions at the campus at 432-8242. : No Robert Galster ~ ortl re business groups and individuals wishing to submit items to Business Briefs can fax them to the attention of Robert Galster at 985-2104, or via e-mail to robert@nsnews.com Honey, | shot the Lions.” | HONEY, | SNOT GC LIONS. (And the dam. And the lighthouse. And the canyen.) : Break out the Instamatic, your Brownie or your 4x5 Speedgraphics and start shooting! . The North Shore News in association with the North Shore Tourism Committee is sponsoring a summer photo contest open to photographers of all ages. Send us your view of the Nosth Shore and you could win one of these valuable prizes: © Full Day Kayak Trip for 2 peopie including lesson, Junch and guide -- Use of an RV fora weekend ¢ Introductory Kayak Lesson for 2 people 2 hour Kayak Rental for two peopie © Dinner for 2 at Vivace! © Advantix 3200 1X camera Submit your entries to the North Shore News curing the summer, and our judges willbe selecting winning photos in September 1998. Contestants will be judged in three categories, Youth (up to 18), Amateur and Professional, All winning entries will be kept by the North Shore Tourism Committee to help promote tourism and to establish a North Shore photo archive. Photos will be acknowledged with a credit to the photographer if they are used. Norih Shore Tourisny Gomimitice ' north shore. “Deep Cove Kayak & Canoe Rentals Advertising Feature 7 Spe oral Seniors Gaining Extra Cash and income from | Their Homes - without Selling or Mortgaging Them A new program unique benefits for sefiiors: . © Guaranteed home appre (approximarely | 5% per year) Unlike a reverse: mi rtgage, home continues: to. have a Qualifi To qualify forthe 80 years old. (mani You can find out more financial advisor ox writelc MAILTO- Life Estates Program :. 1400 - pigia Street ;,- Vancouver, BC V6G 226 =” Fax to: (604)685-1520 or Call: Nadine Stone (604)687-2446 : Please send me more information on The Life Estates Program Name:. Address:___ "No salesperson u lesperson will visit unless you request it. Please check us out with the Better Business Bureau.