Financial Questions we Hear Everyday
Financial planning often starts with a simple question. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from individuals, families, and business owners.
BUILD WEALTH
I have $100,000 sitting in savings. What should I do with it? Having money saved is a great starting point, but keeping a large amount in a regular savings account may limit its growth over time and deteriorate with inflation. The right strategy depends on when you’ll need the money, your financial goals, and your comfort with investment risk.
Should I contribute to my RRSP or TFSA? Both can be valuable, but the better choice depends on your income, tax situation, and financial goals. RRSP contributions can reduce your taxable income today, while TFSA withdrawals are generally tax-free. For some people, contributing to both makes sense.
How do I know if I have enough money to retire? Retirement planning isn’t just about reaching a certain savings balance. It’s about understanding how much income you’ll need and where that income will come from. We review your RRSPs, TFSAs, pensions, CPP, OAS, and other assets to estimate your retirement income and identify potential shortfalls.
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS
How much life insurance do I actually need? The right amount of life insurance depends on your financial responsibilities and the people who rely on you. We consider your mortgage and other debts, income replacement needs, children’s future expenses, existing coverage, and estate goals.
I have life insurance through work. Is that enough? Employer-provided life insurance is a valuable benefit, but it may not provide enough coverage to fully protect your family. Coverage is often based on a multiple of your salary and may end or change if you leave your employer.
LEAVE A LEGACY
What happens to my RRSP when I die? In Canada, the value of your RRSP is generally included in your income on your final tax return, potentially creating a significant tax bill. However, certain transfers to a spouse, common-law partner, or other qualifying beneficiaries may allow tax to be deferred
How can I leave more of my wealth to my children? Leaving a legacy involves more than deciding who receives your assets. It’s also about understanding how taxes, investment accounts, insurance, and business ownership can affect what your beneficiaries ultimately receive.
FINANCIAL PLANNING IN ACTION
See How Financial Planning Can Make a Difference.
Every financial situation is different. Explore how our team approaches common financial challenges and brings investments, insurance, retirement, and estate considerations together into one coordinated plan.
THE BUSINESS OWNER - $500,000 in Corporate Savings. What’s the Next Move?
The Situation
A 52-year-old business owner has accumulated $500,000 in their corporation. Their business is profitable, but they aren’t sure whether to invest the money inside the corporation, withdraw it personally, or consider other strategies.
What We Would Explore
We would review their personal and corporate investments, retirement goals, income needs, and existing insurance coverage. Working alongside their accountant, we would compare strategies for investing corporate funds, withdrawing income, and potentially using corporate-owned insurance as part of their longer-term estate planning.
The Value of Planning
Rather than making decisions about corporate savings in isolation, the business owner gains a clearer understanding of how their corporate assets can support personal wealth, retirement income, and their eventual estate.
THE RETIREE - $1.2 Million Saved. Is It Enough to Retire?
The Situation
A 60-year-old couple has accumulated $1.2 million across their RRSPs, TFSAs, and other investments. They’ve worked hard and saved consistently, but they’re unsure whether they can afford to retire.
What We Would Explore
We would review their expected retirement expenses, investment income, CPP, OAS, and any workplace pensions. We would also examine when to begin government benefits, how to structure withdrawals from different accounts, and how taxes and market fluctuations could affect their retirement income.
The Value of Planning
Instead of relying on their account balances alone, the couple gains a clearer picture of their potential retirement income, how long their savings may last, and the financial decisions that could help support their desired lifestyle.
THE LEGACY PLANNER - You’ve Built Your Wealth. How Much Will Your Family Keep?
The Situation
A family has accumulated significant wealth through investments, real estate, and a successful business. They want to leave these assets to their children but haven’t fully considered the potential tax implications.
What We Would Explore
We would review their existing investments, registered accounts, insurance coverage, and business interests to identify potential estate planning concerns.
Working alongside their accountant and lawyer, we would explore strategies to help manage estate taxes, provide funds when they’re needed, and support the transfer of wealth to the next generation.
The Value of Planning
The family gains a clearer understanding of what could happen to their assets, where financial challenges may arise, and how coordinated planning can help preserve more of what they’ve built.
These scenarios are hypothetical and provided for educational purposes. They do not represent actual Clients or guaranteed financial outcomes. Recommendations depend on individual circumstances.
Looking at the whole picture because life and business can get complicated. Our team takes the time to understand your goals to help you make informed decisions.
Proudly serving Fort St. John and the surrounding community, we're here for all the bases life throws your way!
Rob, Bruce and Jesse had the incredible opportunity to head to Portugal. From the incredible food and world-class locations to the unforgettable experiences, Portugal did not disappoint! But what made this trip truly special was the opportunity to learn, share ideas and connect with some great advisors.
The experiences were amazing, the connections were invaluable, and the knowledge gained was worth more than anything else. We’re coming home inspired, energized and grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an exceptional event!
A move above 5% is significant but it doesn’t automatically mean investors need to make changes.
Markets and interest rates move. Your investment strategy should be built with that in mind.
What matters more is whether something has changed for you.
-Are you getting closer to needing this money?
-Has your income, retirement plan or financial situation changed?
-Are you questioning whether your current portfolio still fits your goals?
If the answer to any of those is yes, that’s when we should be having a conversation.
We’ll review your actual plan, your timeline and your portfolio — not make decisions based on a headline.
For long-term investors, time in the market remains more important than trying to time the market.
If something has changed, give us a call and let’s review it.
A move above 5% is significant but it doesn’t automatically mean investors need to make changes.
Markets and interest rates move. Your investment strategy should be built with that in mind.
What matters more is whether something has changed for you.
-Are you getting closer to needing this money?
-Has your income, retirement plan or financial situation changed?
-Are you questioning whether your current portfolio still fits your goals?
If the answer to any of those is yes, that’s when we should be having a conversation.
We’ll review your actual plan, your timeline and your portfolio — not make decisions based on a headline.
For long-term investors, time in the market remains more important than trying to time the market.
If something has changed, give us a call and let’s review it.
What a great way to spend a Saturday. Thank you to the Fort St. John Association For Community Living for putting on such a successful event. We were honored to be apart of raising funds for THRIVR.
Jesse's bail was set to $1000 and we raised for $3000! Just a small part of the grand total. Thank you for the entire community for showing up, we had a blast!
What a great way to spend a Saturday. Thank you to the Fort St. John Association For Community Living for putting on such a successful event. We were honored to be apart of raising funds for THRIVR.
Jesse's bail was set to $1000 and we raised for $3000! Just a small part of the grand total. Thank you for the entire community for showing up, we had a blast!
It can feel restricting or like you don't have money to spend but that doesn't need to be the case. Planning is everything and if you need help starting, that's where we can come in.
How do you budget? Let us know!
Let us guide you through the process. Visit our website to get in touch with our team
Let us guide you through the process. Visit our website to get in touch with our team
Kimberli has been a valued member of our team for nearly 18 years, serving as an Advisor Assistant and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From keeping files organized to making sure every detail is in order, Kimberli thrives in the details and brings calm and structure to even the busiest days — helping our advisors focus on what they do best.
One of Kimberli’s favourite parts of working with our office is being encouraged to lean into her strengths and truly own her role. Her dedication, organization, and steady support make her an incredibly important part of our team. Outside of work, Kimberli enjoys spending time with her husband, James.
We are so grateful to have Kimberli with our office, and love hearing her laughter down the hall!
Kimberli has been a valued member of our team for nearly 18 years, serving as an Advisor Assistant and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From keeping files organized to making sure every detail is in order, Kimberli thrives in the details and brings calm and structure to even the busiest days — helping our advisors focus on what they do best.
One of Kimberli’s favourite parts of working with our office is being encouraged to lean into her strengths and truly own her role. Her dedication, organization, and steady support make her an incredibly important part of our team. Outside of work, Kimberli enjoys spending time with her husband, James.
We are so grateful to have Kimberli with our office, and love hearing her laughter down the hall!
Stacy has been a valued part of our team for the past two years as the welcoming face of our office. As our receptionist, she is often the first person our Clients connect with, while also working hard behind the scenes to help our team stay prepared for appointments and deliver a smooth Client experience.
Stacy loves helping make life easier for everyone around her and enjoys seeing Clients leave our office happy and supported.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her spouse Jason, her family, and making special memories at rodeos with her eldest granddaughter.
We’re so grateful to have Stacy as part of our team!
Stacy has been a valued part of our team for the past two years as the welcoming face of our office. As our receptionist, she is often the first person our Clients connect with, while also working hard behind the scenes to help our team stay prepared for appointments and deliver a smooth Client experience.
Stacy loves helping make life easier for everyone around her and enjoys seeing Clients leave our office happy and supported.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys spending time with her spouse Jason, her family, and making special memories at rodeos with her eldest granddaughter.
We’re so grateful to have Stacy as part of our team!
A TFSA lets your money grow tax-free, and you can withdraw anytime without paying tax.
An RRSP gives you a tax break now, but you’ll pay tax when you withdraw later.
Both are powerful, it just depends on your goals
It starts with a plan.
Using Sun Life’s One Plan, we take a full picture of where you are today—then map out what your future could look like. From there, we introduce strategies and solutions designed to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Your goals matter.
Let’s build a plan to get you there. 💛
It starts with a plan.
Using Sun Life’s One Plan, we take a full picture of where you are today—then map out what your future could look like. From there, we introduce strategies and solutions designed to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Your goals matter.
Let’s build a plan to get you there. 💛
We’re grateful to support organizations making a meaningful impact:
• Women’s Resource
Centre
• North Peace
Fall Fair
• North Peace
Pregnancy Care Centre
• FSJ Hospital
Foundation
Protecting what matters most also means giving back where it counts. 💛
We’re grateful to support organizations making a meaningful impact:
• Women’s Resource
Centre
• North Peace
Fall Fair
• North Peace
Pregnancy Care Centre
• FSJ Hospital
Foundation
Protecting what matters most also means giving back where it counts. 💛
Merin is a valued member of the First Choice team, who just celebrated her two years on May 13th! As a processor, she loves working behind the scenes to help keep things organized and accurate, so our day-to-day operations run smoothly. Many of our clients may recognize her from phone calls or emails, coordinating information and signatures along the way.
Outside of work she enjoys travelling with her husband Agnal, spending time with friends, and spoiling her puppy, Mochi.
We’re grateful to have Merin on the team!
Merin is a valued member of the First Choice team, who just celebrated her two years on May 13th! As a processor, she loves working behind the scenes to help keep things organized and accurate, so our day-to-day operations run smoothly. Many of our clients may recognize her from phone calls or emails, coordinating information and signatures along the way.
Outside of work she enjoys travelling with her husband Agnal, spending time with friends, and spoiling her puppy, Mochi.
We’re grateful to have Merin on the team!
Whether you’re planning for the short term or building long-term financial security, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We work with you to understand your goals, create a personalized strategy, and adjust along the way as life evolves. From saving and investing to protecting what matters most and planning for retirement.
Getting started is simple! Reach out to our office to book a consultation, and we’ll take it from there.
(250) 785-7575
fci@sunlife.com
Whether you’re planning for the short term or building long-term financial security, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We work with you to understand your goals, create a personalized strategy, and adjust along the way as life evolves. From saving and investing to protecting what matters most and planning for retirement.
Getting started is simple! Reach out to our office to book a consultation, and we’ll take it from there.
(250) 785-7575
fci@sunlife.com
In Canada, segregated funds are exclusively offered through life insurance companies like Sun Life.
Why? They're insurance contracts requiring a licensed life insurance advisor.
This is why working with the right advisor matters. Let's connect!
In Canada, segregated funds are exclusively offered through life insurance companies like Sun Life.
Why? They're insurance contracts requiring a licensed life insurance advisor.
This is why working with the right advisor matters. Let's connect!
We offer a full range of services designed to support you through every stage of life, whether you’re just getting started or planning your legacy.
From simple budgeting to more complex financial strategies, we work with you to create a plan that evolves as your life does, helping you feel confident in both the short term and the long term.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about products, it’s about building a strategy that fits your life, your goals, and your future.
We offer a full range of services designed to support you through every stage of life, whether you’re just getting started or planning your legacy.
From simple budgeting to more complex financial strategies, we work with you to create a plan that evolves as your life does, helping you feel confident in both the short term and the long term.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about products, it’s about building a strategy that fits your life, your goals, and your future.
For over 25 years, we’ve worked alongside successful families, business owners, and professionals helping them navigate pivotal financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
From complex wealth structures and business exits to tax-efficient investing and intergenerational planning, our focus is simple: protect what you’ve built and position it to last.
Our vision is clear: To be your family’s financial partner, not just for today, but for decades to come.
Whether you’re scaling a business, preparing for liquidity, or thinking about how wealth will impact your children and grandchildren, we take the time to understand the full picture, then build a strategy around it.
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf solutions.
We believe in thoughtful planning, proactive advice, and long-term relationships.
True wealth isn’t just about accumulation, it’s about stewardship, intention, and legacy.
For over 25 years, we’ve worked alongside successful families, business owners, and professionals helping them navigate pivotal financial decisions with clarity and confidence.
From complex wealth structures and business exits to tax-efficient investing and intergenerational planning, our focus is simple: protect what you’ve built and position it to last.
Our vision is clear: To be your family’s financial partner, not just for today, but for decades to come.
Whether you’re scaling a business, preparing for liquidity, or thinking about how wealth will impact your children and grandchildren, we take the time to understand the full picture, then build a strategy around it.
We don’t believe in off-the-shelf solutions.
We believe in thoughtful planning, proactive advice, and long-term relationships.
True wealth isn’t just about accumulation, it’s about stewardship, intention, and legacy.
Today's segregated funds provide access to well-known investment managers who are building and overseeing diversified portfolios.
Reach out! We can discuss how the combination of flexibility and protection from segregated funds can support your financial roadmap.
Today's segregated funds provide access to well-known investment managers who are building and overseeing diversified portfolios.
Reach out! We can discuss how the combination of flexibility and protection from segregated funds can support your financial roadmap.
Segregated fund contracts help solve unique business challenges:
- Potential creditor protection for your assets
- Succession planning advantages
- Tax optimization
- Tax-deferred or tax-free growth in registered plans
As a business owner, you need sophisticated solutions. Let’s talk!
Segregated fund contracts help solve unique business challenges:
- Potential creditor protection for your assets
- Succession planning advantages
- Tax optimization
- Tax-deferred or tax-free growth in registered plans
As a business owner, you need sophisticated solutions. Let’s talk!
Have questions?
Here to help answer your questions, provide clarity about products and get you started on the road to achieving your goals.
