Let’s start by addressing a common misunderstanding about annuities. The debate about whether or not they make sense in a low-interest rate environment has nothing to do with short-term interest rates (like the overnight rate, for example). Short-term rates don’t drive annuity prices, long-term rates do. This is because it is long-term rates that determine the return on investment annuities providers – like my employer – can earn to pay the holders of their annuities.

Financial Literacy Month has triggered a healthy debate about the role of Canada’s financial services industry in developing and presenting financial literacy programs. Three important pieces stand out: one by Rob Carrick of The Globe and Mail, one by Barrie McKenna at the same paper and a third by Jonathan Chevreau at the National Post.

Canada’s shrinking economy, signs of recession in the U.S. and the price of sending them back to school.

More market losses, the dangers of recession and the benefits of a fake alien invasion.

The U.S. debt crisis in depth, portfolio options for risky markets and the meaning of financial independence.

Unemployment steady, sovereign debt politicking and trying to keep our cool.

An IMF upgrade for Canada, a new plan for Greece and another way to look at your emergency fund.

Real estate alarm bells, Roubini’s new perfect storm and the health benefits of early retirement.

Profits up, the euro crisis and a new tech bubble.

I attended FORUM in Vancouver last week, presented by the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute. I’m going to share two reports from the conference. The first features David Chilton, famous for his self-publishing success The Wealthy Barber.