Bonnie

I’m here for you…if you have a change of address, name change, need an appointment or an update to your beneficiaries please contact me and I can process these for you.
519-332-5050 x 111
b.mcphail@holliwealth.com

Cheering each other on

‘The best kind of friendships are fierce lady friendships where you aggressively believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world.’

‘I wish that more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her does not take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give, the more you receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness but rather from selflessness’ – Selene Kinder

‘The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble’ – Serena Williams

Our team is made up of brave and capable women. Yes, we are kind and caring and thoughtful. But don’t let that fool you, we are smart and strong and fierce. We also take joy in lifting others up. In a world that feels a little crazy let’s all remember to reach out and lift others up. Be anything you want, but most importantly be kind!

-Jodi

Michelle

I’m Jodi’s Executive ASSISTANT and I love my job! And no, she didn’t pay me to say that 😊

I have been in this business for 20 years and with Jodi at Financial by Design for over 10 of them.
I wear many hats in our office and am usually your first point of Contact. Part of my role is to manage our team and make sure everyone’s day is kept on track. I also enter most of our investment trades and work hard, double and triple checking each item to ensure there are no issues. I want to make sure that each client gets the best service possible and I work with intentional effort to make sure our client’s plans stay on track.

I love helping our clients and can answer most of the questions that come up in a day. Basically, contact me first and if I don’t have an answer, I will work hard to get you one. Our clients can feel that we are always working in their best interest and are amazed at how much we care About them. I often hear “thanks for going above and beyond” which is what SEPARATES our team from the service AVAILABLE at other institutions.

It’s about the customization and personal touch that we can provide.

Together our team offers guidance on investments and insurance, basically all things money.
Our real goal is helping our clients plan for, and live out, the LIFESTYLES they dream about.
I work hard everyday and I love my job, because I love our clients and I love seeing them happy and successful!

-Michelle

Team Huddle

Wednesday mornings are typically our “Team Huddle” time. I like to call it that because we approach everything as a team with each member playing a significant part. We follow an agenda but always start out with our goals and intentions for that meeting.
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We then discuss concerns anyone has, followed by any outstanding client issues, upcoming holidays, vacation and events or supplies needed.
My favourite part of this time is the “ideas or suggestions”. I really value Michelle and Bonnie’s input into how we can add things into our processes that work and subtract things that aren’t. As with most people, I assume I only see things through my eyes so it’s great to have an open space where everyone’s input is appreciated and welcomed!
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- Jodi

The TFSA new contribution limit for 2021

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The limit is $6,000, matching the amount set in 2019 and 2020.
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Want to Know your REAL values – take a look at your bank transactions!

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Here’s your challenge. Write down your top 3 core values, things that you believe to be true about yourself. Is it that your health is a non-negotiable and you lead a healthy lifestyle? Are you financially responsible and make savings and looking after your family a priority? Are you socially conscious and pride yourself on giving back?
Now have a look at your bank account transactions. Do those debits match up with your core values?? Is your bank statement showing fast food and coffee shop expenses? Do you see money being directed into a savings or retirement plan maybe a RESP for the kids? Are there any funds being directed to your favorite charity or is it something you’ve be planning to do but haven’t quite got around to yet?
Now write out the REAL values that you have learned from looking at your bank statement. Do they match up with the ones you first wrote down?
If not it’s time to make some adjustments in the way you are living compared to the way you want to live. As they say - It’s time to start putting your money where your mouth (or heart) is!

What is your Favorite Hot Beverage this Winter?

Some folks love a good cup of Coffee. Or maybe even an Expresso. Unfortunately, I don’t love the taste of coffee… I know it’s hard to believe but it’s the truth.
My Favorites are:
Hot Apple Cider
Hot Chocolate mixed with a little Vanilla Hot Chocolate…with Whip Cream of Course!
Chai Latte (Usually during Pumpkin Spice Latte Season)
Tea

I don’t have these Hot Beverages often. Usually it’s after a day of skiing or being outside on a cold day. Sometimes in the winter to warm up while I sit and read and camping in the Spring or Fall can be quite cool, so I will make myself a cup then, to warm up…...then again, I am always cold 😊

What is your favorite Hot Beverage?

Does it Change depending on the Season?
- Michelle

What are you Reading?

Yes, this is one of many of my actual bookshelves. I am a huge self-improvement kind of girl! Have you heard the saying if you’re not growing, you’re dying? By the look of my shelf you can see that I take that pretty seriously!
What are your favorite self-improvement reads?
Jodi

Merry Christmas

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It’s the season to be jolly!

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Jodi Bonnie and Michelle

𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬 - Have you heard of these?

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CE or continuing education credits are points you earn for keeping updated in various areas of all things financial. When you are a Certified Financial Planner like me, then you must earn 25 of these credits each and every year. Even though sometimes I give it an eye roll, I do realize how important it is to stay up to date on the everchanging financial environment, tax laws, privacy acts etc. Each year I am required to earn credits in these areas; Financial Planning, Professional Responsibility, Practice Management, Product Knowledge and Giving Back.

-Jodi

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐮𝐬

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Lessons Learned in Covid

What Covid has taught us is that anything, literally ANY. THING. can happen. Many people have lost their jobs or were forced to shut down their business. Even clients with typically safe incomes like doctors, dentists, chiropractors and business owners were unable to go to work or forced to pivot their work plans. Many people had lots of credit but little or not enough income to make their monthly payments. Tie that in with a falling stock market, it was/is a very difficult time financially for many.

Here’s some lessons to take away:

𝟏. For years we’ve heard about and known we should have an emergency fund however with lots of access to credit and having a steady income many thought that this was an old, out of date idea.
So a massive take away is to build up your emergency fund and keep it in a safe place. Start saving at least 3 to 6 months of your expenses and keep it in a safe spot like a high interest savings account so it’s there when you need it.

𝟐. Figure out your budget and know your expenses. Get familiar with what’s going out each month so you’ll know how you can quickly cut back if the unexpected happens.

𝟑. Review your investment portfolio each year. Super important to make sure you know what you are holding and how much risk/stock is on the table, so you can survive stock market volatility more comfortably.

𝟒. Have cash available for short term purchases. Investments in the stock market require a long time frame. For your short-term needs don’t underestimate the value of having cash.

𝟓. Always have a few extra rolls of toilet paper and paper towel on hand 😉

𝟔. Keep yourself as healthy as possible - make yourself a priority by exercising and eating healthy.

𝟕. Once the world is back to normal don’t put off celebrating. Make sure you take that trip and see your people. You’ll never regret that decision!

-Jodi

Audits Suck

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"𝘼𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙠"
𝐘𝐞𝐬, they do! Who wants to hear that they’re having an audit? In our industry, it’s something that happens EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. That’s why we work so hard to make sure that everything we do is compliant and meets the high standards of not only our governing body but also the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) standards. A typical audit consists of an intensive question period of practices and policies as well as a random check of transactions, notes and updated/current information, documentation and compliance procedures. Throw in money laundering regulation tests and privacy and security checks and it’s typically a full day of deep diving into our practice. We have always ended up unscathed with only minor suggestions on new regulations to start implementing. (I mean they have to find something wrong – am I right?) We try to turn an audit into a positive and use it as a good time to review what is working and what we can improve. Because if you’re not improving then you’re not growing.
A large glass of wine at the end of the day also helps!
-Jodi

Welcome to Series 2 Part 4

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𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Now that you have your business name and logo it’s time to work on branding.

Your branding makes your company distinctly yours. Think of it as your business personality. It’s important that clients see a social post and instantly recognize the company providing it – brand recognition. Think of brands that you love like Starbucks, Amazon or Coke. You know the logo and it makes that company distinctly stand out to you without ever reading a word.

Keep on brand by making sure that your font and colouring and language stays consistent whether it’s in a social post, website, blog or newsletters.
Branding can also help simplify marketing decisions because advertising, events or sponsorship will either fit with your branding or they won’t.
This is also an excellent time to consult with a professional to help ensure you also stay on brand!

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Jodi

Welcome to Series 2 Part 3

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𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐨

This is where you may want to start working with an expert.

Colours can evoke emotional responses from people so think back to who your ideal client is. Also, what colour tones work with the theme of your business. Do you want clients to feel that it is a loud and bold business by using bright colours or is it soft and soothing using more muted colours?

Does the lettering and font match the feeling of the experience you are trying to create?

In business everything matters. Is your business card a standard size or do you want it to stand out by using a fun shape or size? Does the quality of the paper reflect your business and the integrity of the product you are providing? People can form an opinion of your business very quickly by simply looking at your logo. Especially during web searches - is it going to make them want to click and investigate or will they quickly move on to the next company because it doesn’t give them the feeling they are looking for.

Make sure your logo reflects your business and that it’s something your ideal client would love.

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Jodi

Welcome to Series 2 Part 2

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𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 - 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬

Once you have settled on a few names for your business don’t forget this important step…is it available? Do a google search to see if the name is already being used. If it is, is it in a competing market? You don’t want to choose a name that’s already being used by someone in your industry however if it is a completely different industry you still may able to use the name.

The next step is to see if the name is available on social media sites and if the web domain is being used. If everything checks out then go ahead and register your business name and secure the social sites.

You’re almost there!
Next time let’s discuss logos and branding.

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Jodi

Welcome to Series 2 Part 1 of Our Small Business Info Series

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𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

Now that you have that great business idea, it’s time to pick a name – sometimes the biggest roadblock to actually getting started! Here are some tips to get you thinking in the right direction.

First, start with what it is you “actually” do and who is your ideal customer. Let’s say you’re a travel agent for example. Although what you selling are vacations what you are “actually” providing is travel experiences and adventures. Who is your ideal client, who do you enjoy working with and want to attract – get as specific as you can. Is it anyone with extra money or is it women that own their own businesses, who need luxury time away from the office?

Now brainstorm words that would attract your ideal client. In the above example, it may be luxury, spa, getaway, adventure or pampering. What words would make your ideal client feel the service you are providing.
The next thing to consider is to make sure it is a memorable name that is easy to spell. A common mistake is using a word that is easily misspelled and therefore you may not get people to your social sites as easily as possible.

Once you have a few ideas down on paper get a group of friends together to get an honest opinion. Have fun with the process and get creative!

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Jodi