Kevin Moniz Financial Advisor

Exciting news! Welcome Madison to the Vida Team! 🎉
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We are super thrilled to introduce Madison Samms, our new Client Experience Specialist, who recently joined the family. Madison comes with a wealth of experience in delivering top notch customer service. Her passion to help others, attention to detail and roll up her sleeves work ethic, all help us to continue to grow and thrive in achieving our quest of delivering a second to none client engagement experience.
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Madison will be supporting our day-to-day operations, helping streamline client interactions and bringing overall fresh energy to the office. Feel free to reach out to Madison for assistance or just to say hello.
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Welcome aboard Madison! We’re all excited to have you as part of the team and look forward to working on great things together!

Tasks and to-do lists can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re faced with a ton of them. Instead of allowing yourself to become paralyzed by the sheer volume of work, trying breaking your tasks down into smaller, bite sized, manageable chunks. Focus on completing one task at a time, celebrating your progress along the way!
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So you’re faced with a task. One that feels huge and you don’t know where to start. The longer you look at it, the more it stresses you out. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The good news is there’s a way to break things down into manageable chunks and it’s super quick.
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1) Look a the big picture. Start by breaking down the task. Write down the basics. What you need to deliver, due date, who it’s for, etc.

2) Think small. What smaller steps or subtasks are needed here to get this done? Write each one down

3) Review each step or subtask and set timelines or calendar those items.

4) Make it specific. Try not to generalize. Be specific with your words and intentions. Try writing down “meet with my team to brainstorm now flyer” instead of just writing “meet with my team.” Details matter.

5) Assemble the team. Who else do you need to achieve this task? Is there an approval you need or input you require? Make sure to factor that into the equation.
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Now that you’ve done all that, it’s time to turn this into action. Once you have this all laid out, determine how much time you’ll need for each and give yourself some deadlines. You can also try combining subtasks that go well together. The point here is to give yourself smaller pieces of work that are actually achievable as opposed to tackling everything all at once. You’ll be amazing at what you’re actually capable of completing in a work day, with some proper organization and direction.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. Remember, it’s progress, not perfection!

With the modern era of work from home still in effect post covid, I know firsthand, that it could be tempting to sit there in our home office chairs wearing our comfy’s all day and think we’re still being productive. And for some, that might be true. However, what we wear can influence our thought process and demeanour, be it for a business meeting, social gathering or even our personal time off. Hence the expression “dress to impress” might actually hold some weight.
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The way you dress can have a significant impact on your mindset and productivity. Instead of reaching for the most comfortable loungewear you own, consider dressing up a bit for the day ahead. Putting on some professional attire that makes you feel savvy, can help shift your mindset from weekend mode to work mode and boost your confidence as you tackle the day’s tasks. Nowadays, there are tons of business casual options that are actually crazy comfortable! There’s a few in particular for me that have become staples in my wardrobe and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
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Now, I’m not saying for you to try this based on what others think. No no, this is completely and entirely for you. I don’t put stock in what others think and I don’t suggest you to do so either. My outfits are driven by what I’m in the mood for and the message that I’m trying to convey to myself. I do this for me. It’s a reflection of how I want to be seen by myself and by others. Not all superheroes wear capes. Some of them wear lulu ABC trousers and golf shirts!
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Just remember, dress to impress, first and foremost, for yourself!

Waking up early can be a challenge. I for one struggle with staying up too late or hitting that damn snooze button far too often. However, while it may be tempting to hit the snooze button and stay in bed a little longer, getting up early can be a great way to set a positive tone for the day.
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Using this extra time to engage in a calming morning routine that energizes you for the day ahead, beats the hell out of dreading that upcoming meeting or stressing about being late. But naturally, that’s how my mind wants me to think. By waking up early with intention and immediately taking action - I’m able to quiet these morning demons and get my butt in gear!
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So I use this time to engage in calming morning routines that energize me for the day ahead. Whether it’s meditation, exercise, a nice cup of coffee or all of the above, you have to find what works for you. Personally, I think all of these are great, but I always have my coffee there as my sidekick.
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What I really try to avoid at all costs, is starting my day with junk. And by junk, I’m not talking about junk food. I’m talking about checking social media or emails first thing. If I’m checking social media first thing in the morning, I’m starting my day off worrying about other people’s lives rather than my own. That’s a no no. You want to use your mornings to focus on YOU!
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Here’s a bunch of suggestions that I recommend instead to put you in a better state of mind to tackle your day:
- journal
- write a gratitude list
- write a goal list for the day
- read something developmental or spiritual
- work out

Now, these are just tools that allow you to start your day in a positive more intentional state. It gives you time to focus on you, so that you can set up your day for physical, mental and emotional success. Focus on the good stuff. It doesn’t have to be something you dread. It’s all a matter of mindset.

If I can do it, you most certainly can too!

Mondays often get a bad rap. They mark the end of the weekend and the beginning of yet another workweek, and for many, they symbolize the struggle to get back into the groove after a couple of days off. I often have people ask me how I do it week in and week out as a business owner. How do you stay motivated when you have no one to be accountable to, other than yourself? The truth is I don’t really believe in motivation. To me, it’s just a series of disciplines and consistencies that need to be a part of my day, my week and my month to ensure I’m always moving the needle in the right direction.
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It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. To me, Mondays also present an opportunity for a fresh start. A chance to set the tone for the rest of the week. With the right mindset and a few strategies in place, you can turn Mondays into a day of unmatched productivity which can propel your week to new heights. Over the next few days, I’m going to do my best here to share some of the ways that I keep myself quote unquote “motivated.”
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The first way I personally get started is to set my intentions for the week Sunday or Sunday night. I combat the Monday morning blues by setting intentions for the week ahead. Try taking some time on a Sunday evening to reflect on your calendar, goals and priorities for the upcoming week. Write them down and try visualizing yourself accomplishing them. I’m not going to lie, this concept can feel extremely foreign at first. But like most things, practice makes perfect. Doing this simple act can help you kickstart your Monday workweek with a clear and defined sense of purpose. The key here is don’t overcomplicate it.
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Give it a try and let me know how it goes for you. If there’s something you do to kickstart your workweek, don’t be shy, feel free to share!

Where does the time go? I’m so proud of the person you’ve become, and the person you make me want to be. We’re all made better by having you in our lives babe. I’m so lucky I get to live this life alongside you. Happy birthday my love

Why ignorance isn’t bliss!
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In a world filled with instant gratification and constant distractions, the thought of delving into the realm of finances might seem like a daunting task. The truth is, most of us find comfort in ignoring financial responsibilities, choosing to live in the moment rather than facing the potential stress associated with money matters. However, avoiding it altogether can have serious consequences that can extend far beyond the comfort of ignorance.
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Without a roadmap for your financial future, you leave yourself wide open and susceptible to too many unexpected events. It only takes one big impact to completely derail your financial future.
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It’s not only about saving, saving, saving. It’s about making your money work for YOU! By not doing this, you miss out on the chance to capitalize on opportunities and time that might pass you by.
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Not to mention DEBT. Without eyes on this topic constantly, you can easily succumb to impulsive spending habits, leaving you in a perpetual cycle of debt that can feel next to impossible to break. Before you know it, you’re so far in it, that you can’t even afford to save for your kids education.
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Guess what the leading cause of strain on relationships is? You probably guessed right. FINANCES! Understanding it, talking about it and planning for it can alleviate tension and even improve the relationship. This can avoid a ton of misunderstandings and disagreements on spending and saving.
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Don’t limit your financial freedom. Not taking action sooner, can have lasting effects like delaying retirement and putting it off altogether. Don’t compromise your retirement out of avoidance.
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I know the allure of avoiding finances might be giving you temporary relief but the truth is, it’ll still be waiting there for you when you least expect it. Dealing with it head on and creating a PLAN can empower you to finally take control of your destiny and proactively have some say in the matter instead of having to be reactive.
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So talk about it, share about it, plan for it and start shaping the life you truly want and deserve!

If you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, your first reaction is to instinctively assume that having government health insurance means you don’t have to worry about medical bills. However, that’s not exactly true. This is a common assumption. But, if you take a closer look, the realities may surprise you.
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There’s no question that a critical illness can impact your life. But, if you’re prepared for this curveball, you can spend less time worrying about having to pay the bills, and focus on getting back on your feet. After all, you’re nothing without your health. Remember, your most valuable asset is YOU and your ability to earn an income! If you can’t earn a living because you’ve been diagnosed with something horrible, who’s coming to save you? Better yet, what’s the plan? If there is no plan, well then, that tells you, you have some work to do with that team of yours that I keep referring to.
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Remember, it’s not just the costs of medical bills. There’s a whole slew of costs that don’t even cross our minds from big to small, such as; hospital parking, travel for treatments, home nursing, alternative treatments, modifications to your home, or even treatments or surgeries outside of Canada. How about if you had to hire a permanent caregiver? Where does the money for that come from?
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The good news is, like most unexpected events, you can plan for them in advance. Yes, it’s the lottery you don’t want to WIN! But like the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe, than sorry!”
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So first things first, check if you have adequate coverage or any coverage at all through work. Find out exactly what your insurance covers, and for how much. You can then assess your options. Remember, your expenses may be higher while you’re recovering.
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Secondly, do you have a partner to care for you if you become sick? They may need to take a leave of absence from work to help. In that case, you’ll have to consider that your household income could be reduced drastically.
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Lastly, speak to your advisor about options. I know you think you’re invincible, but the truth is you’re not. There are 4 main types of health insurance coverage that can help save the day in times like these.

If your parents are getting into their 60s and 70s, you might be wondering whether or not they’ve got enough in the bank to retire. And rightfully so. This is one of the most common money fears among adults. Let alone, the stress it could impose on a marriage.
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Supporting elderly parents is quite common in some cultures. After all, our parents did put up with us for all those years. Some might say it’s only right that we should look after them in their later years. However, I won’t sugar coat it. Having to financially support your parents can definitely cause financial stress, especially if you’re not prepared for it. That’s why it’s important to create a plan! The earlier the better.
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Get the whole gang together, both siblings and your parents and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their retirement plans. Make sure to ask the hard questions about how much they’ve saved, how they plan to spend it and how long it’s going to last. At best, you’ll be surprised to find that they have more set aside than you thought. At worst, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against and who they need to see to put a retirement plan in place. Again, having a solid team makes all the difference.
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The good news is that there are some government programs that can help if your parents really don’t have enough savings to retire. Either way, putting together a retirement plan with a Financial Planner is a must. And they’re never too late to start. Remember, the key here is the sooner, the better!
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Doing the work up front, eliminates the need for guess work. Ask the hard questions, because failing to plan, is planning to FAIL!

You don’t have to be a millionaire to help those in need. ✨
A lot of us worry that we aren’t being generous enough with our money. Some of us think that we have to be millionaires to make a real impact. That’s just not true. Giving any amount that you can afford can be enough to help someone else in need or a cause you truly care about. There’s also strategies that you could use that are super affordable and super impactful with the help of an insurance advisor, that you’re probably not aware of. These solutions can even help fend off the TAX man!
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There are a ton of ways that giving to others can totally enrich your life. It can help you to develop a healthier relationship and better appreciation of money, deepen ties within your community, and help you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Plus, giving away some of your money can help to prevent you from becoming too cheap! 😆
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Luckily, like most money fears, this one comes with an easy fix by putting together a giving plan!
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It all starts with a commitment to give a certain percentage of your income, or volunteer a certain number of hours of your time. You can work this into your budget by creating a giving category. Come up with a goal to work up to. Like most things, it doesn’t just happen over night. Whatever your target number is, you can work your way up to it by starting small and ramping up over time.
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Again, having a team to lean on for advice on these matters is crucial. There’s strategies that can be used today and tomorrow that could help!

Another one of the most common money fears many folks deal with is worrying that in the unfortunate event that they were to pass away prematurely, their families won’t be able to get by without their income. And rightfully so, as that’s the case for most Canadians.
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It’s a no brainer. If you have a family or spouse that depends on your income, you want to make sure they are covered in the chance that you’re no longer around. However, you might need less coverage than you think and it’s probably a lot cheaper than you think! This is another example of where having the right people in your corner, can make a huge difference.
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The great thing about term life insurance is that it can cover you for a number of years, provide you with a large amount of coverage and it’s much cheaper than opting for a whole life insurance policy or a mortgage insurance policy. Don’t even get me started on mortgage insurance. That’s a completely different topic for a different day. Hopefully, by the time your coverage expires, your children will be adults and they won’t need that money to survive. And you will have saved up enough money that your spouse will be able to use that to get by and now you can use permanent insurance to address your needs for later on in life. The best part of using strategies like these, is that the money pays out to your loved one’s TAX FREE! Yes, you read that right, TAX FREE!
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Plus, you might not even need a high dollar policy if you’re able to self insure through savings, investments, and passive income. That’s where your team needs to do some rigorous analysis for you.
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Having life insurance is a smart money move. But getting the right coverage from a term policy is likely cheaper than you think. Remember, life insurance isn’t for you, it’s for the ones you leave behind.

Sometimes, it can feel like you have to open up an RESP plan the minute your kid is born. However, that’s just not the case. You actually don’t have to save for your kid’s college at all! Your love for your kid is in no way determined by how much you invest for them into their education. However, if being able to provide your child with the gift of education is important to you, I’d suggest you start planning sooner than later.
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Don’t get me wrong, helping your kids to get through post secondary is a really nice gesture, if you’re able to, but it’s crucial to make sure that your own retirement is already being funded before you start socking away tuition money for them. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
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There are plenty of ways to lower the costs, like scholarships, staying local or college vs University. However, there aren’t scholarships for retirement! Again, that’s why it’s important to sit down with a PRO and put together your list of financial priorities.
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There’s also no guarantee that your kid will even want to go to college! More and more young people these days are opting to go to trade school, start businesses, or even just start working in a field they enjoy right after high school. That still doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan for it regardless. Remember, there’s free money here available to us with the right advice that we can take advantage of.
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On a plane, if the oxygen masks drop down, the first thing you need to do is put on your own mask before helping others. Don’t put the cart before the horse. Focus on saving for your own retirement first. If not, your kids might graduate without student loans, but they’ll feel the pain later on when they have to financially support you in those later years.

With housing costs consistently rising in Canada in years gone by, it’s no wonder that one of the most common money fears I hear from my clients, is the fear of getting priced out of the housing market for good.
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If you sound like someone who has this same fear on their mind, take a second to remind yourself that just because rising prices were normal over the past few years, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be like that forever. 2020-2023 doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s just one piece of the puzzle. Case in point, I can tell you from recent experience, that due to the current interest rate climate, amongst other factors, housing prices have come way down from recent years.
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The good news is that the housing market is hyper-focussed on area. Remember, you’re not buying the whole housing market, you’re buying a specific home in a specific area. Just moving from one street to another can have vastly different price points. Good deals are still out there if you’re patient, flexible, and willing to do a little hunting! That’s where choosing the right team of professionals comes in handy. Again, it might be time to start assembling that team if you haven’t already.
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The best way to tackle this fear, is by working with your advisors to put together a home buying strategy that’s right for you. And even more important, is sticking to it. If buying a home is still a few years out for you, make sure to start saving and investing now for your down payment. Having a solid investment strategy can help you chip away at that down payment, which can ultimately make that goal happen sooner. It can also help to hedge against some of the inflation and rising costs while you continue to save.
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It’s tough out there but with the right team in your corner, you have nothing to fear!

Back 2 back 2 back!
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3-peat!
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3rd times a charm with this crew!
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3 sessions ⚽️⚽️⚽️ 🟰 3 Championships 🏆 🏆🏆
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Perfect way to” maybe” finally hang up these cleats for good!
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Tennis 🎾 anyone???

The Bank of Canada has once again decided to hold its key interest rate at 5.00%. This breathes a sigh of relief for many who have been affected by the rate increases prior to this 7 month pause.
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That being said, my take is that I expect to see an uptick in the real estate market as a result. Especially if you’re in the market right at this moment, now could be the time to take advantage of lower home prices before lower interest rates drive people back out there once again!
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I can’t see rates dropping over night. However, hopefully a steady decrease could be insight gradually in the coming months.
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This could be a good opportunity to get together with your team of advisors, such as, your financial advisor, your mortgage broker and your realtor to evaluate your options and strategy.

This is as good a time as any to crunch the numbers. These are the times, where having the right team of professionals around you can make all the difference in the world!

Another one of the most common money fears about retirement is running out of money and being forced to back to the workforce in older years. I get it, life is uncertain, and this is a totally rational fear, especially given the fact that as we get older, we’re potentially that much more unemployable or the skills that made us useful before, have now become obsolete.
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The good news once again, is that there are plenty of steps you can take to mitigate this risk.
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As I mentioned in an earlier post, retirement can cost less than you think. Lowering your expenses now can have a significant impact on how far your money will stretch in those golden years. Plus, keep in mind that in retirement, one of the biggest line items in your budget will no longer be necessary which is saving for retirement itself. You won’t need to save for it, because you’ll already be living it!
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It might also be a good chance to reframe the way you view work. If you’re able to find work that you enjoy and that pays you fairly, would working a little bit in retirement be the worst thing ever? Might even help to occupy some of your time with something productive.
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Retirement doesn’t have to be a one size fits all. It can mean different things to different people. If not having enough really worries you, you can create always try working a few hours weekly to earn some extra income. That’s why trying to stay current and brushing up on your skills is always important. Plenty of retirees still work part time jobs they actually enjoy. It can be an incredibly rewarding way to stay active and feel productive in our later years.

If you’re like me, your social is filled with a ton of so called financial marketers pushing their get rich quick financial products and strategies to you constantly. From shouting out which stocks you should be buying this week, to the latest crypto or real estate scheme, it’s no wonder that a lot of people find investing to be an intimidating and daunting task. However, intelligent investing can actually be quite simple when you tune out the noise and consult the right resources. There’s a lot of good out there, you just need to be picky when looking.
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Another reason why some people put off investing, is because they’re afraid of losing their hard earned money. There’s no doubt that 2022, for instance, wasn’t a fun year for investors. My self included. However, if you’re investing for the long term, there’s really no need to worry about down years all that much. Especially, when time is on your side.
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If you’re worried that you won’t pick the right stocks, why not just buy them all? For example, if you invest in an S&P 500 fund, you’re essentially buying stock in 500 of the top publicly traded companies. Smart right!
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Creating an investment plan with a professional and sticking to it, can help to safeguard you from investing emotionally. This can help to prevent decisions based on what’s happening with the market at that moment in time, and can allow you to take a more educated approach to watch as your wealth grows slowly but surely over the years!
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Dips happen. Remind yourself that this is totally normal. In fact, 10-20% declines in the S&P 500 have occurred about once every 2.5 years. To boot, corrections of 5-10% tend to recover in the first month or so. Even severe drops of 20-40% which are typically associated with recession, have an uncanny ability to recover. It’s typically back to business as usual within the first 14 months.
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The longer you keep your money invested in the market, the less likely you are to lose money. Get the right people and the right resources in your corner and most importantly, get started!

Another one of the most common money fears I come across is the fear of not saving enough for retirement or running out of funds and needing to return to work in older years. After all, we spend the greater portion of our lives working. It would be a shame to reach retirement and not have anything to show for it. I get it, life is uncertain, and this is a totally rational fear.
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The good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to mitigate this risk. In my opinion, the day you start working, is the day you start planning for what life will be like when you stop.
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In actuality, retirement doesn’t have to be that expensive. In fact, the more you’re able to lower your living expenses, the less money you’ll need to have saved up to retire comfortably.
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If you’re still worried about having enough money to retire, as most are; the best thing that you can do right now is just to get started on investing. Even if you can only find a few extra dollars to invest each month, it will make a sizable difference in the long run thanks to the magic of compound interest. Now investing can be a whole slew of different things to different people. Stocks, mutual funds, bonds or even real estate are all great options among many. The key is diversifying your portfolio. Having a little bit of everything can go a long way. That’s why having a strong team of advisors is a must in this arena.
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One great way to alleviate common money fears around retirement is by investing even just a little bit. Find one item in your budget that you can eliminate and invest that money in a retirement account instead. Again, small differences in how much you’re able to contribute can amount to huge amounts of money over a 10, 20, or 30 year span. It’s ok to start small, but you need to start.
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Lastly, another tip is by paying yourself first. Save into your retirement account at the beginning of the month, before you’ve had a chance to spend it. You’ll find a way to spend less on things you don’t need if you only have a certain amount of money in your bank account!
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Call your people and start investing ASAP!

Let’s get real for a moment. More and more Canadians have been grappling with the fear of never being able to afford a home.
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The housing market can feel like a daunting maze and the financial hurdles can sometimes seem insurmountable. But guess what? It’s okay to feel scared or uncertain. After all, we’re all navigating this crazy ride together.
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The market fluctuations, rising interest rates, mortgage jargon and the sheer magnitude of the investment itself, is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. The good news is, you don’t have to tackle this on alone. Taking one step at a time, educating yourself and surrounding yourself with the right team of professionals can make all the difference in the world.
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Devising a mortgage specific investment plan to help with the down payment, getting pre-approved for your ideal spend, finding an ideal neighbourhood within your budget and lastly, protecting this massive investment that you’ve worked so hard to achieve, are crucial steps that need to be handled with care along the way.
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Bottom line is saving for home ownership requires discipline, strategic planning and commitment. You don’t need to be part of the statistic. Practical tips like creating a budget, automating savings, cutting expenses, cutting debt and investing wisely are all great tools to start. But discipline, keeping your eye on the prize, planning and building your team can make all the difference.
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Lastly, saving for a home is a big deal. It’s a gradual process. Stay committed, be flexible in adjusting your plan as needed and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way!