It’s not about perfection; it’s about perspective. Understanding where you stand today and shaping the life you want tomorrow gives the numbers meaning. When the pieces start to come together, your story begins to take form and the goals you’ve imagined start feeling real. We’ve watched it happen time and again. When people commit to the process, goals become reality.

Here are ten questions to help you step back, see the big picture and get the most out of the process.

1. Can I retire when I want and still enjoy the lifestyle I envision?

Dreaming about retirement is one thing; knowing exactly when it’s possible is another. A financial plan helps you understand not only the timing, but also the freedom your income can provide. Whether you’ve built wealth through career success or saved diligently with a vision in mind, clarity around the numbers gives you confidence while helping you balance the things you value most.

2. Is there a risk I could run out of money?

With pensions becoming increasingly rare in today’s workplace, most Canadians will need to rely on their personal savings to fund retirement. Wealth can be eroded by unexpected market shifts, and longer lifespans only heighten the risk. The concern is clear: will your money last as long as you do? Working with your financial planner helps you make informed decisions and explore options that can strengthen your financial security over time.

3. What happens if the unexpected happens?

Life is rarely predictable. Preparing for uncertainty is what separates a good plan from a great plan. Whether it involves a temporary lifestyle adjustment or a broader reorganization, we can help you understand what a potential disruption might look like. By modelling different scenarios in advance, you gain awareness of how your plan responds under stress, giving you the insight to make thoughtful decisions with greater confidence.

4. Am I missing opportunities to reduce my tax bill?

Being an expert in your field often means there’s little time left in the day to keep up with every tax change. A financial planner can help by reviewing the strategies available to you, weighing the pros and cons alongside your trusted accountant, and helping you take advantage of opportunities that may reduce your tax bill over the long run.

5. Will supporting my children jeopardize my own future?

Parents often want to ease the challenges their children face and support them in achieving more. But with today’s growing hurdles, many wonder if helping their kids will affect their own ability to enjoy the retirement they’ve worked toward. When gifting money early, another concern arises: how do you protect those funds from ending up in the hands of a divorced spouse? A financial planner can help you think through and model these scenarios, creating a plan that works for everyone.

6. Should I pay off all debt before leaving work?

The level of debt each person carries is deeply personal and shaped by many factors. While debt can be used strategically to create advantages, challenges arise as we age. Peace of mind becomes more important, and renewing credit without employment income can be difficult. Working with a financial planner who has strong knowledge of credit can make a meaningful difference and help ease those concerns.

7. What’s the smartest way to transfer assets to my heirs?

For those with a sizable estate, planning for inheritance can feel like a daunting task. These conversations can be uncomfortable and, at times, lead to family discord. Working through scenarios with your financial planner helps put the possibilities into context and frame a clear path forward. With the numbers supporting a solid plan and the guidance of a coordinated team of professionals, you increase the likelihood of achieving both tax advantages and family harmony.

8. How do I align my charitable giving with my legacy?

Building wealth creates the opportunity to give back through philanthropy. If this is important to you, deciding when and how to give is a conversation worth having with your financial planner. Should your giving take place during your lifetime, or be directed through your estate? Are there tax advantages you can use? Working with a financial planner can help you explore the timing and strategies that make your generosity both impactful and efficient.

9. What level of risk is “enough” to meet my goals?

Protecting your capital is essential after working hard to build wealth, but are you also earning enough to achieve your goals? With the guidance of a financial planner and a strong investment team, the goal is to balance growth with security in a way that fits your stage of life. By managing downside risk and tailoring the plan to your circumstances, you can pursue peace of mind without taking on more risk than necessary.

10. How should I manage excess cash in my corporation?

Many Canadians hold corporations for a variety of reasons, and deciding whether to wind them down or keep them active involves many considerations. A financial planner can help you understand how to put the cash that has accumulated to work through tax-efficient strategies designed to help reduce costs over time. The right strategy can turn idle corporate funds into a powerful tool for building long-term wealth.

At QV, we know every story is unique, which is why each plan is designed to align with your goals. Our Wealth Advisors and Investment Counsellors work with you to bring clarity today and confidence for tomorrow. Above all, we believe the foundation of a strong plan is a trusted relationship, one built on understanding you and working together over time.

If you’re ready to explore how these questions apply to your own situation, we’d be happy to connect and start the conversation.