How Much Will CPP and OAS Really Cover in Retirement?
What Canadians Need to Know About Government Benefits, Breakeven Ages, and Balancing Security with Flexibility Government Benefits: A Reliable Foundation, Not the Full Plan A common question clients ask me is, “How much will CPP and OAS cover in my retirement?” It’s a fair question. After contributing for decades, many expect these programs to fund […]
5 Key Tips for DIY Investors Starting Their Financial Plan
Practical Steps to Take Control of Your Financial Future and Build a Solid Plan Without Relying on High-Cost Advisors Starting a financial plan on your own can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, anyone can take control of their financial future. DIY investors, especially those who want to maximize their wealth without relying on […]
Which “Flavour” of Financial Advice Is Right for You?
Which “Flavour” of Financial Advice Is Right for You? Understanding the Differences Between Commission-Based, Fee-Based, Fee-Only, and Advice-Only Financial Advisors in Canada Choosing a financial advisor can feel like choosing an ice cream flavour. There are plenty of options, but which one is the best fit for you? Let’s break down the different compensation […]
Financial Designations in 2025: Which Ones Actually Matter for Clients?
Who Do Financial Designations Benefit? Here’s my Honest Take. Over the years, I’ve achieved a few professional designations: CFP®, CIM®, and FCSI®, to name a few. I even gave the CFA® program a go and passed Level 1 before realizing that my time was better spent elsewhere. Early in my career, these credentials were valuable. […]
Breaking Status Quo Thinking: How To Beat A Tariff Threat
The Illusion of Progress: Why Status Quo Thinking Holds Us Back Just because something is not NOT working doesn’t mean it’s working. The recent tariff threat shone a light on this serious issue of status quo thinking. We often fall into the trap of believing that if something isn’t completely broken, it must be working […]
How Much Do You Really Need for Retirement in Canada? The Case for Personalized Financial Advice
“The financial services industry in…Atlantic Canada, is broken and in desperate need of fixing. ” — David Martin, Eltero Financial Partners Retirement planning is one of the most important financial decisions Canadians face. Yet, all too often, advice on the subject is boiled down to generalizations: “You need $1 million to retire comfortably” or “Save […]
3 Biases That Affect Financial Planning and How to Outsmart Them
“Effective financial planning is 90% mental. The other half is about money.” — David Martin, Eltero Financial Partners Ok. So, I might have stolen and paraphrased Yogi Berra’s famous quote about baseball being 90% mental with the other half being physical. The math might not add up but there’s a lot more correct […]
Why an Investment Policy Statement is your Best Financial Ally
ONE of the 7 key components of your financial plan is your investment portfolio. (If you’re wondering, the other components are goal setting, cash flow, tax, risk management, estate and business integration.) Today, we’ll dive into two crucial concepts that can significantly impact your financial future when it comes to your investments: 1) an […]
Embracing Summer: A Time for Relaxation and Financial Reflection
Who doesn’t love summer? Parks and beaches are full. Cold weather scowls are replaced by warm weather smiles. Flowers have bloomed. Restaurants are busy. The commuter traffic has been replaced with tourist traffic. As the warmth of summer begins to embrace Canada, I hope you take some time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reflection. The sun-filled […]
When to take CPP and OAS
Show me the Money!! Who doesn’t want “free” money from the government? If you’ve ever looked at your pay stub or tax return, you know that the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) pension benefits you might be eligible to receive in retirement aren’t exactly “free”. But that doesn’t stop people from […]
