About us

Tusk Financial Services Inc.

At Tusk Financial Services, we embrace today to build a stronger tomorrow. Our energetic team will take you on a journey to help ensure your financial goals are met. We incorporate leading technology and comprehensive retirement, investment and insurance planning tools to help us along the way.

 

The “Tusk” in our name has a two-part meaning and comes from the love Des and his wife Sarah share of elephants. From early childhood, Des was always fond of elephants and in 2013 got to visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Shortly after Des met Sarah she sponsored an elephant as a birthday gift and before long the name Tusk Financial was born. Elephant tusks are known for two purposes; to protect from their prey and to forage for food. At Tusk Financial we look to protect you and your family using insurance strategies while building value for you with our investment products. Whether you are just starting a family, running a successful business, transitioning within your career or planning for retirement, we can help you achieve your financial goals.

As the world becomes automated, individuals bear a greater share of the risk associated with their financial decisions. Our priority is to educate you while we help you plan for a financially secure retirement. We want to help ensure you leave your family financially prepared if you pass prematurely. We work closely with Clients across Calgary and the surrounding region to set ambitious financial goals and then help accomplish them together.


The Tusk Financial Process: Simple, Clear, Concise

We know that working with an advisor can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easy and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us at Tusk Financial Services Inc.:


Step 1: Understanding you


We start with a conversation—no sales pitch, just a chance to learn about you. We’ll discuss:

✔️ Your current financial situation

✔️ Your life goals - both short and long-term

✔️ Any concerns or questions you have


This step is all about listening. We want to understand your priorities before making any recommendations.

Step 2: Creating your personalized financial roadmap

After learning about your goals, we build a customized roadmap tailored to your unique situation. This may include:

✔️ Investment strategies to help grow your wealth

✔️ Risk protection with insurance solutions

✔️ Tax-efficient strategies to keep more money in your pocket

✔️ Retirement planning to help secure your future


We take a creative, out-of-the-box approach to find solutions that fit your life—not a one-size-fits-all template.

Step 3: Walking you through your plan

Once we’ve developed your financial strategy, we’ll sit down and explain everything in simple terms to provide a clear breakdown of your options.

✔️ You’ll know exactly what’s in your plan and why.

✔️ We’ll answer all your questions and make adjustments based on your feedback.

✔️ You make the final decision on what steps to take.

Step 4: Putting the roadmap into action


Once you’re confident in your strategy, we help you put it into motion. This could include:

✔️ Setting up investments and accounts

✔️ Implementing tax and insurance strategies

✔️ Adjusting plans as your life evolves


You remain in control every step of the way, and we guide you through the process to help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step 5: Ongoing support and adjustments

Financial management isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. As your life changes, we’ll be here to:

✔️ Adjust your roadmap to match new goals and priorities

✔️ Help you navigate market changes

✔️ Help ensure you stay on track toward financial security


We’re not just here for today—we’re committed to your long-term success.


Ready to Get Started?


No pressure, no obligation—just a conversation about your future. Contact us today to book a free consultation. We will work together to determine and achieve your goals on your timeline. This is the perfect place for the closer line!

Desmond Nwaerondu

I am an advisor with over 20 years of experience and can give you the insight, support and useful solutions to meet your needs and help achieve your financial and life goals. I take a holistic approach to financial planning and want to make sure your investments match your goals. At the same time, I want to ensure that an unexpected illness won’t prevent you from achieving your dreams.


Knowledge is power and I want to help you understand your options so that you can make informed choices for your future. I can help you build a holistic financial plan that helps you achieve lifetime financial security and freedom.


When I'm not in the office, I enjoy giving back to my community through volunteerism. I currently sit on the board of Kids Up Front Calgary and the Lakeview Community Association. I also love travelling, playing golf, biking, reading or spending time with my wife Sarah and two children, Eleanor and Damien.

Job Title: Financial Planner, Sun Life

Phone: 403-690-0113

Email: desmond.nwaerondu@sunlife.com

Rebecca (Becky) Cottingham

I am an administrative professional with an extensive background in Client service, office coordination and administrative support. I take pride in creating a welcoming experience for Clients and ensuring that details are managed with accuracy and care. I'm known for my organizational ability, reliability and clear communication. I provide steady support that helps give colleagues and Clients peace of mind, freeing them to focus on what matters most.


Away from the office, I enjoy creative, hands-on DIY projects like home improvement, pottery and gardening, as well as chipping away at a lengthy travel bucket list. My curiosity and love of learning has shaped both my personal interests and my professional approach, giving me the adaptability and practical mindset that guide my daily work.

Job Title: Advisor Assistant, Sun Life

Phone: 403-978-1143

Email: rebecca.sturge@sunlife.com

Gillian Schindel

Gillian is an administrative professional with an extensive background in client service, office coordination and administrative support. She takes pride in creating a welcoming experience for Clients and ensuring that details are managed with accuracy and care. Known for her organizational ability, reliability and clear communication, she provides steady support that gives colleagues and Clients peace of mind, freeing them to focus on what matters most.


Away from the office, Gillian enjoys creative, hands-on DIY projects like home improvement, pottery and gardening, as well as chipping away at a lengthy travel bucket list. Her curiosity and love of learning have shaped both her personal interests and her professional approach, giving her the adaptability and practical mindset that guide her daily work.

Job Title: Advisor Assistant, Sun Life

Phone: 368-338-4646

Email: gillian.schindel@sunlife.com

Address: Calgary, AB

Have questions?

Here to help answer your questions, provide clarity about products and get you started on the road to achieving your goals.

Sunlife
We are contracted with Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., a member of the Sun Life group of companies. Mutual funds distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc.