I keep a photograph in my home office of my grandparents from over 65 years ago, taken shortly after they arrived in this country. They came with little more than two suitcases and a determination to build something meaningful. They raised two sons, created a life rooted in community, and lived with intention despite having so little.
What strikes me most isn't what they had - it's what they prioritized: family, community, and being present for what mattered. They didn't wait for ideal circumstances to live purposefully.
That photograph reminds me daily that wealth isn't measured by what we accumulate—it's defined by how we live and what we choose to prioritize.
This has me thinking about a question I'd like to ask you: What are you delaying today because you're waiting for a number in your account?
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The Trap We All Face
We tell ourselves: "When I hit that savings target, I'll retire." "When the portfolio reaches X, I'll finally relax." "Once the markets recover, I'll take that trip."
But here's what happens: we sacrifice today for a tomorrow that keeps shifting further away. We spend our energy worrying about market volatility we can't control and second-guessing past decisions we can't change.
Meanwhile, the moments we're really searching for are slipping by.
A Broader View of Prosperity
What if we thought about abundance differently? Wealth encompasses health, knowledge, time, and relationships alongside financial assets. When we embrace this perspective, our entire approach to planning transforms.
Money becomes what it should be: a mechanism to support the life you want, strengthen the bonds you value, and express what matters to you.
When financial accumulation becomes the center of everything, it can actually undermine well-being. It creates stress, defines our identity in shallow ways, and can distance us from the people and experiences that bring genuine fulfillment.
What Really Matters in Your Plan
Let me pose another question: If markets dropped 20 percent tomorrow, what in your life would actually change?
If the answer is "everything," we should talk. Because sound financial planning means volatility doesn't dictate your daily reality.
A comprehensive financial plan does more than track investments - it creates a complete framework for confident decision-making:
Investment Strategy Aligned with Your Timeline
Asset allocation matched to when you'll actually need the money
Diversification across markets, sectors, and geographies to smooth volatility
Rebalancing discipline that removes emotion from buy/sell decisions
Tax-loss harvesting to improve after-tax returns
Cash Flow Planning That Reflects Real Life
Detailed projections showing sustainable spending levels
Stress-testing against market downturns, inflation scenarios, and longevity
Strategic withdrawal sequencing from registered and non-registered accounts
Emergency reserves sized appropriately for your situation
Tax Optimization Throughout Your Lifetime
RRSP contribution strategies that maximize deductions when they matter most
TFSA utilization for tax-free growth and flexible withdrawals
Income splitting opportunities with spouses or family members
Timing RRIF conversions and withdrawals to minimize lifetime tax burden
Corporate structure considerations for business owners
Estate Planning That Honors Your Wishes
Beneficiary designations aligned with your intentions
Charitable giving strategies that maximize impact and tax efficiency
Succession planning for family businesses or properties
Wealth transfer approaches that balance fairness with individual circumstances
Powers of attorney and healthcare directives when you can't speak for yourself
Risk Management That Protects What Matters
Life and disability insurance calibrated to actual needs, not sales pitches
Critical illness coverage for families with health concerns
Liability protection appropriate to your net worth
Long-term care planning conversations before they become urgent
Ongoing Guidance When It Counts Most
Behavioral coaching when headlines trigger fear or greed
Second opinions on major financial decisions
Coordination with your accountant, lawyer, and other advisors
Regular check-ins as life circumstances evolve
The objective isn't outperforming someone else's portfolio or chasing benchmark returns. It's building stability and confidence so you can focus on living purposefully today.
The Real Questions Worth Asking
We're constantly bombarded with financial headlines designed to trigger anxiety and capture attention. But here's what research tells us: most clients now prioritize sustainability goals and legacy objectives over simply maximizing account values.
People are recognizing what genuinely matters. Perhaps it's time to consider:
What would "enough" look like for you - not financially, but personally?
Which aspects of your life do you want more of, and could financial resources help enable that?
How do you want your children or grandchildren to remember you?
When you make spending choices, what kind of life are you building?
How We Approach These Conversations
Over the years, I've learned that the best financial relationships aren't built on quarterly reports - they're built on genuine understanding. That means taking time to truly listen before offering solutions.
We believe in developing deep, long-term relationships with clients where we understand not just your financial situation, but your aspirations, concerns, and what keeps you up at night. This means asking questions that might feel unconventional: What does a fulfilling retirement look like beyond the numbers? What family dynamics should we consider in estate planning? What causes or values do you want your wealth to support?
These conversations evolve over time. Your priorities at 45 with children heading to university look different than those at 65 planning retirement, or at 75 focused on legacy. We're here for all of those chapters, adapting strategies as your life unfolds.
That's why we schedule regular reviews - not just to discuss performance, but to ensure your plan still reflects who you are and what matters now. Life changes. Markets change. Your plan should change with them.
From Accumulation to Intention
Many of you have spent decades building financial security. That phase is complete. Now comes a different challenge: transitioning to purposeful use of those resources, supporting others meaningfully, and being present for what's happening right now.
This isn't about abandoning goals or lacking ambition. It's about being intentional -embracing your path while staying grounded in your core values.
Consider these practical shifts:
Optimizing retirement income – Are you leaving money on the table by not maximizing TFSA contributions? Could income splitting with your spouse save thousands annually?
Clarifying estate plans – Have you had the sometimes difficult conversation with adult children about your intentions? Clear communication prevents confusion and conflict later.
Investing in experiences now – What if you took that trip while you can still enjoy it, rather than leaving a larger inheritance? There's no perfect answer, but there should be an intentional choice.
Let's Have a Different Conversation
I'd like to invite you to a meeting focused on different questions. Not quarterly performance or allocation adjustments, but rather:
What matters most to you at this stage of life?
What does "enough" mean to you personally?
What are you waiting for - and does that waiting serve you?
Your financial strategy should enable you to live fully now, not keep you perpetually anxious about an uncertain future. It should serve your purpose, not become your purpose.
True peace comes from living aligned with your values, knowing you're protected against reasonable risks, and understanding that how we use our resources defines us far more than how much we have.
Let's ensure your plan reflects that understanding.
I'm here whenever you'd like to explore these questions together.
This document is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal, legal, accounting, tax or investment advice, or construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any entity or security discussed.All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Leveraged ETFs and other complex investment vehicles may not be suitable for all investors and should only be used with a full understanding of their risks. Asset class performance varies over time, and diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Every effort has been made to ensure that the material contained in this document is accurate at the time of publication. Market conditions may change which may impact the information contained in this document. All charts and illustrations in this document are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended to predict or project investment results. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding any particular investment. Investors should consult their professional advisors prior to implementing any changes to their investment strategies. The opinions expressed in the communication are solely those of the author(s) and are not to be used or construed as investment advice or as an endorsement or recommendation of any entity or security discussed. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through De Thomas Wealth Management, a mutual fund dealer registered in each province in which it conducts business and a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO).