The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Diversification in low-cost options the key to success continued from p.18 fered by the experts. We have insight on how one such expert and investment icon in the U.S. thinks about investing. One of the most recognized investors in the U.S., he has given us his investment philosophy and has made public what he has written in his will and advised his executor. Warren Buffett, of investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, is known as an astute investor. He has managed his firm by diversifying with good companies and holding them for the long-term. Common-sense investing There are no tricks, no gimmicks and no hot fades; just a good common-sense approach to investing. In his company's Annual Report in 2013, he revealed his wishes on how funds would be managed for his wife in the event of his death. These instructions were written into his will and also given to his executor. Buffet's instructions are to "put 10 per cent of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90 per cent in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund. "I believe the trust's long-term results from this policy will be superior to those attained by most investors -- whether pension funds, institutions or individuals -- who employ high-fee managers," he wrote. What Buffet said is consistent with the evidence of investing and documented in countless academic studies published over the past decades. The key to success lies in good diversification. Avoid the constant buy-and-sell temptation and hold long-term. Manage costs, because we know from research that high-cost funds have inferior returns when compared to low-cost options. Few active managers actually outperform the market in which they invest after their management fees are deducted. Buffet said, "My advice to the trustee could not be more simple." Our recommendation is also simple. Invest in a well-versified portfolio that has low costs and hold that portfolio for the longterm. -- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP , R.F .P ., CIM, FCSI., Certified Financial Planner For the latest news and in-depth coverage of events, visit the Oakville Beaver online at oakvillebeaver.com / insidehalton.com Halton.ca 311 19 | Thursday, March 5, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Region Small Business Centre Upcoming Business Seminars and Programs First Steps in Exporting: Export readiness, market research, export planning and practical issues. Wednesday, March 18 Halton Regional Centre 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. · $25/person Starting a Small Business Seminar: Business structure, registrations, regulations, licences, taxes and financing options. Wednesday, April 8 Burlington Central Library 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. · $25/person Getting Started Information Session: A one-hour overview of all the rules and regulations you need to know if you are starting a business in Halton. Every Tuesday · 9 ­ 10 a.m. Halton Regional Centre ­ Small Business Centre Free (advance registration is required) Starter Company Program ­ General Information Session: Training, business skills development, mentorship and guidance from local business professionals and where eligible, a micro-grant of up to $5,000 for 18 to 29 year olds. Learn how to become your own boss today! 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2015 10 ­ 11 a.m. Halton Regional Centre ­ Small Business Centre Free (advance registration is required) Futurpreneur Canada - General Information Session: If you're a young entrepreneur between 18 and 39, looking to start your own full-time small business, you could get up to $15,000 through Futurpreneur Canada financing program. Start your future today! 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2015 11 a.m. ­ 12 p.m. Halton Regional Centre ­ Small Business Centre Free (advance registration is required) GOT WRINKLES? VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Registration and pre-payment for all seminars is required as seating is limited. For more information on these events including registration details, please visit Halton.ca or dial 311. Get connected at HaltonSmallBusiness.ca If you or someone you know have frown lines between the eyebrows Please email research@dermetics.ca The Board Certified Dermatologists at Dermetics are currently seeking men and women to participate in a clinical research study utilizing an investigational product for frown lines Examination by a Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist All study related products and examination at no cost n Compensation for travel n n Women entrepreneurs celebrating International Women's Day at Make It Happen business event Two professional keynote speakers will inspire attendees at this year's annual business networking event for women entrepreneurs: awardGary Carr winning facilitator, author and entrepreneur Kate Jones of Kate Jones Regional Chair & Associates and Carol Schulte, creator of the Spark your G.E.N.I.U.S.TM Group Coaching Program. Organized in celebration of International Women's Day, the Make It Happen business event is hosted by Halton Region in partnership with the provincial government. The event will be held at the OE Banquet Hall & Conference Centre, Oakville, Wednesday, March 11, 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is $30 per person. To register or learn more, dial 311 or visit halton.ca/businesswomen. Qualified participants will receive: To volunteer please email research@dermetics.ca Please contact us, as soon as possible, if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. 050315