Six Steps to Financial Wellness

1. Have a Plan
2. Mind Your Money
3. Build a Safety Net
4. Pay Down Your Debts
5. Pay Yourself First
6. Bless Others

These are the six steps to financial fitness, which I have taught to my clients, and I will now teach to you.  I made this lens because 3 out of 5 of us live paycheque to paycheque.  Additionally, 7 in 10 of us do not have a financial plan.  Wealth hardly matters - I have coached doctors, dentists, and successful business owners who were stretched thin by money management problems.  This isn't an accident, and it's not because people are irresponsible by nature.  I believe it's because the financial industry is primarily focused on product sales, rather than education. 

Despite industry shortcomings, this is the wrong time to avoid planning.  Statistics concerning our financial affairs generally trend worse each time they're compiled.  Despite recent efforts from the Canadian government and the financial industry (e.g. Investor Education Fund, Financial Planning Week), people are having a more difficult time managing money.

The purpose of this blog is to provide a platform for education.  I may talk about specific investment products and strategies from time to time, but  site is here to give you a starting point for getting yourself financially fit.

I work with clients ranging from new university graduates just beginning their careers, to retirees looking for the most effective ways to manage their income.  I've helped people dig themselves out of what looked like impossible debt, to becoming debt-free and mortgage free.  I understand how difficult it can be to keep up with financial matters through life's transitions, and when life's unpleasant surprises pay a visit.  So keep coming back to this site for the information and tools you'll need to get yourself into financial shape.