With all the media talk about US / Canada trade tensions these days it’s a good time to discuss some wise strategies for times of economic uncertainty. Whether you’re still saving for retirement or already enjoying it, negative economic news can shake confidence. The good news? A solid plan can help you stay on track. Below are some tips for keeping finances steady.

If You’re Still Saving for Retirement

Economic uncertainty might make you want to pause or delay saving, but patience is key. Here’s what you can do:

Stick to Your Plan – If your investments decline in value stay invested and trust that markets historically recover. If you pull out early, you might miss...

Nobody wants to think about it, but what if you get seriously ill? We all like to believe it won’t happen to us – cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke – are things that happen to other people. And we might assume that if something does happen, the healthcare system will take care of everything. Unfortunately, that’s just not the reality.

Let’s look at some real-life scenarios. Take Darren, for example. He battled cancer for nearly three years, undergoing countless rounds of chemo. His wife, Jolene, had to shoulder most of the financial burden during his recovery. Even after Darren beat the cancer, he couldn’t go back to his old job. He had to take a lower-paying position, and they struggled to make ends meet while also trying to pay off debts. It was incredibly stressful for them both.

Then there’s Sean. He owned a small business and was in great shape. So, his cancer diagnosis came as a complete shock. He needed to...

Okay, let’s talk about what happens if you suddenly find yourself a million dollars richer. Imagine an inheritance or maybe you invented the next big thing. It’s a life-changer, right? Suddenly, early retirement isn’t just a dream, it’s a possibility. But here’s the catch: a lot of people who suddenly come into money aren’t prepared for it. They might celebrate a little (and who wouldn’t?), but that "little” can quickly spiral out of control. Before they know it, the money is almost gone. So, how do you make sure this windfall lasts?

The absolute most important thing you can do is talk to a financial advisor. Seriously, this is non-negotiable. A qualified advisor has the expertise to help you manage large sums of money. Even if you’re usually good with finances, dealing with this kind of money is a whole different ballgame. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t try to fix a bad tooth without a dentist, right? The same goes for your finances. A good advisor will help you...