Financial planning: Tips for every season of life

How do you help people connect long-term financial goals with their day-to-day decisions?

When I talk to successful clients about what wealth means to them, I often hear themes like time, family and legacy. At the same time, most people don’t have a fulsome plan in place, such as a written financial plan, up-to-date will and powers of attorney; and for business owners, how to efficiently pay themselves, optimal corporate ownership structures, business valuation and succession planning.

I work with high-performing professionals, artisans and creators who generally don’t see themselves as finance experts but are aware that important issues need attention. They often don’t know where to start, which leads to things being put off. On my extended team, I have a former accountant and an estate lawyer in-house, so we can coordinate and ensure no stones are left unturned in financial, tax and estate planning.

Once a client brings their why to the surface and we help get their house in order, they often feel more confident. That sense of safety can change their perspective and, in some cases, their relationship with money.

What are the top mistakes you see mid-career professionals make about retirement planning?

The tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to mind when it comes to retirement planning, the balance needs to be “just right.” In terms of diversification, some clients over-diversify, owning everything from private investments and angel investments to real estate and hedge funds, while others might be fully concentrated in only one area, like real estate. At the same time, many clients unknowingly have investment accounts and savings plans scattered across multiple institutions, which can create overlap and inefficiencies, such as multiple pensions, a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) or employer group savings plans. If the investments aren’t reviewed regularly they may no longer align with a client’s current objectives. 

It doesn’t have to be overcomplicated — the best outcomes I’ve seen are where clients are appropriately diversified relative to their net worth. Looking at the full picture can help clients realize they have a sizable portfolio. Bringing accounts together can simplify managing things and underpin an investment strategy aligned with a retirement plan. Over time, this can allow for higher returns and reduced fees, making a meaningful difference when compounded.

What’s one practical action alumni can take now to strengthen their financial future?

Net worth planning sounds basic, but it’s the cornerstone of manifesting a strong financial future. A simple exercise everyone can do is putting pen to paper and jotting down their net worth (assets minus liabilities). This is an easy first step and should be thought of often, even daily. The idea is to foster a habit of thinking about it regularly, rather than treating it as a task done once and shelved. This can start to change your way of thinking about all financial decisions, small or big, which will start to tilt in favor of asset accumulation.

How did your time at TMU help you in your career?

For me, academics were a requirement, but there was an entrepreneurial undertone in TRSM’s culture. Extracurricular involvement also provided leadership opportunities that helped me hone my emotional intelligence (EQ) and people skills.

Two faculty members, in particular, took me under their wing and became true mentors. Alumni who knew the late Dr. Neil Wolff and the late Dr. Dale Carl will understand just how special they were. They helped set me on the right path and showed that you can be hyper-competitive while also being kind, genuine, caring and generous on the road to success.

How can people leverage career changes, side hustles or community projects to grow financial security?

Career changes, side hustles and community projects can all be powerful tools for financial empowerment when approached with intention. A career shift can help align your income with your skills and values, a side hustle can provide a bridge to stability or evolve into a future business, and community work can open doors to partnerships, funding and social capital. The key is to use income from these efforts strategically, directing it toward savings, investments, debt reduction or business development so each step contributes to long-term security rather than short-term survival.

What barriers to financial literacy do you see most often, and how can they be overcome?

The biggest barriers aren’t just a lack of knowledge; they are emotional, cultural and systemic. Many people carry shame, fear or guilt about money, and may have limited access to education or mentors who understand their experiences. In many communities, conversations about money are avoided, leaving people disconnected from the tools that could empower them. Overcoming these barriers requires a trauma-informed approach: normalize discussions about money, provide culturally relevant education and teach people how to build from where they are, not where the system expects them to start.

What’s one bottom-up financial planning tip everyone should know?

Start with your “why” before focusing on the “how.” Understand what financial security means to you — whether peace of mind, freedom, legacy or stability — and build a plan around three pillars: protection, which safeguards what you have; growth, which helps your money work for you; and freedom, which creates habits and systems that provide choice rather than constraint. A plan rooted in your values is both sustainable and empowering, giving every dollar purpose.

How did your time at TMU help you in your career?

Studying social work at TMU was a meaningful part of my journey, and I would not be where I am today without it. The program taught me to really see people, not just their challenges but their strengths, stories and the systems shaping their lives. I gained a deep understanding of human behaviour, trauma and social inequities, lessons I now apply every day in my work in financial education and planning.

Even though my career eventually moved in a different direction, the principles I learned at TMU remain at the heart of my approach. They remind me that money is not just about wealth, it is about well-being, and that true financial literacy must address the emotional and systemic barriers people face, not only the numbers.

How can someone take a career break without derailing their financial stability?

The key is to plan ahead and give yourself time. It took me 18 months to plan for my first career break, and that preparation made all the difference. Start by getting clear on your goal, then look for ways to increase your income, save money and manage what you already have with more intention. Build a “Freedom Fund” that covers essentials and the things that bring you joy, and consider setting up a dedicated savings account to track your progress. It’s also important to keep a three- to six-month emergency fund in case anything comes up before or after your career break.

How do you balance ambition, personal fulfillment and financial security?

I used to think ambition meant constantly climbing the ladder and saying yes to every opportunity. Now I see it as being intentional about what I’m working toward and why. Balance means knowing what matters most in each season and letting that guide your decisions. For me, personal fulfillment and financial security go hand in hand. I plan for rest the same way I plan for income, because both are investments in long-term success. My advice: stop chasing goals that don’t feel aligned and instead focus on goals that support the life you actually want to live. Define success on your own terms.

What’s one tip for budgeting or planning a career break that readers can start today?

Start tracking your spending. You can’t plan for a break if you don’t know where your money is going. For one month, write down or use an app to track every expense and look for patterns. Then identify what’s essential, what’s habitual and what could be redirected to your savings for your career break.

How did your time at TMU help you in your career?

I studied Media Production at TMU, where I learned the storytelling, editing and content creation skills I now use to grow a community of more than 45,000 across platforms. TMU also taught me how to collaborate, think on my feet and bring creative ideas to life with limited resources. Those lessons have been key in building Liberty Leave and turning it into a brand that helps people change their lives.