Matthew Sheppard-Brown, CFP, RRC - IG Wealth Management

September is the new January.

This is the ideal moment to rethink and refine your financial strategy. Whether it’s optimizing your investments, enhancing your tax approach, or securing the right insurance, now is the time to act.

This September, ask yourself:
- Are your investments working as hard as they could?
- Is your tax strategy optimized for maximum benefit?
- Have you reviewed your insurance to ensure it meets your goals?

Don’t wait for the new year—make this month your financial turning point. Let’s discuss how to elevate your wealth and secure your future.

Head over to my website to book a meeting.

Here are five benefits commonly associated with capitalism, and why the system can help companies, economies and investors. https://advisorstream.com/read/5-ways-investors-and-the-economy-can-benefit-from-capitalism/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwODUyNTU1LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzEyNzA2MCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.xVe4R6mZCv4jSNWtKTCUjyRDx2Hp2VvE82NiTY1_2mM

"I'm not going out of my way to predict the end of the world when I don't see the end of the world." https://advisorstream.com/read/big-short-investor-steve-eisman-explains-why-he-refuses-to-predict-another-financial-crisis/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwODM2OTU4LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzExNDU5NiwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.kKfweNBkpnAJl5AiWkXDwFAZD8w6rfaVbiONMv1GYFs

Discover practical tips and strategies to reduce your utility bills and save money on electricity, water and heating costs. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/10-realistic-tips-to-save-on-utilities/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwODIxNTE5LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzEwNDA0NiwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.EMNNXwYo3_D6WKpQcXdwgFNo69MoNiIPenCK2xgEYPo

The first step to managing your debt may be avoiding it in the first place. But for those who can’t, here are some suggestions for getting out of trouble. https://advisorstream.com/read/using-credit-cards-more-often-heres-how-experts-say-you-should-manage/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwODEwODMxLCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzA4NjkwMCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.LZXCDev-9WLP7pYyOzrp2ogxjvtibqSf0LxlEyb8Gwg

Stop worrying that you’ll be a burden on your children; instead, spend the time it takes to prepare solid plans that your kids can follow. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/4-steps-retirees-can-take-now-to-prevent-being-a-burden-on-their-children/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNzcxMzE3LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzA1Mjk4OCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.FLoN9zD7kEk-30LcH5qiM8bhLjCO5If-PoAYIomr0LU

A phased retirement is an attractive choice for several reasons, especially among employees who have spent decades developing work-related knowledge and skills. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/why-more-people-are-trying-a-phased-retirement/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNzUzODg2LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzAyNzA3NywicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.rmVqfle_q2hiwYogT3YdbMPurSAZTZIw3SRADGeRTbE

Finally….

I’m please to share that I have successfully received my Certified Financial Planner designation.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification is the most widely recognized financial planning designation in Canada and throughout the world and is considered the standard for the financial planning profession. CFP® professionals have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, experience and ethics to provide holistic financial planning strategies and solutions at the highest level of complexity required of the profession, and work with their clients to build a financial plan so that they can Live Life Confidently™. CFP professionals must hold themselves accountable to FP Canada for their professional conduct.

What it takes to earn CFP certification:
1. Complete FP Canada-approved Core Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum programs.
2. Pass the FP Canada Institute Introduction to Professional Ethics course and CFP Professional Education Program.
3. Achieve a passing grade on the CFP examination.
4. Complete 3 years of qualifying work experience.
5. Commit to abide by a code of ethics, practice standards and the rules and regulations of FP Canada.

Canadian parents are expected to spend more than $700 on back-to-school shopping this year, but there are many clever ways to get that number down. https://advisorstream.com/read/smart-strategies-to-help-you-save-hundreds-on-your-back-to-school-budget/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNzQwNTY5LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMzAxNDMxNywicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.knpNZvlmRHGodEYhC0VYaWsYffZ1sQSTcvZ8A6QXQ7g

This is very exciting. More protection product options to offer my clients as part of their holistic financial plan. Protection against the ‘What if?’

How do you protect against the unknown that could disrupt you and your family financial wellbeing?

How to use permanent life insurance to protect your estate’s wealth: In this article, we’ll discuss three of the main concerns when it comes to efficiently protecting your estate’s wealth. Read More: https://ow.ly/vuNw50T4FBg

Answers to infinite money questions are available from financial planners using specialized software available just to them. https://advisorstream.com/read/the-secret-weapon-financial-planners-can-use-to-settle-all-your-retirement-worries/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNzA0OTY2LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjk3NzE5MSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.jWVnFu0VvWgX-ytreGJgsNMm0NYD9vqLGRwZpbfR5t8

A significant U.S. economic slowdown would migrate to Canada, and the financial markets’ latest tumult sent a message that Americans have suffered high interest rates long enough, David Olive writes. https://advisorstream.com/read/a-cry-for-help-among-americans-as-recession-fears-heighten/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNzAwODQ5LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjk3MDk3MiwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.B61p0I23cMrhsC8faL86e5z9HB0WuZtoI1zFOcfzlGU

Long-term investors shouldn’t be spooked by a one-day rout or the market’s churning. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are still up more than 11% on the year. https://advisorstream.com/read/the-stock-markets-wild-week-was-a-wake-up-call-what-to-do-now/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNjUwNTQ5LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjkyNzQxNCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.so7GhhV59K43oYHtdB66UGzYxYYJfT8oOl_x4ZcgazM

Calling on industry professionals or if you know someone existing in the financial services industry looking to make a change and may be a good fit for my practice

www.linkedin.com

Watch Philip Petursson explain how iProfile Private Discretionary Portfolios, managed by teams of experts, can provide you with confidence and enhance your financial plan. Learn more: https://ow.ly/JMGN50SUW3p

Can happiness be taught in a classroom, like math or history? Researchers, emboldened by new insights in psychology, hope to show how it could be done. https://advisorstream.com/read/school-of-joy/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNjA0MzE2LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjg4Mjk2NCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.E_dGHZZHZBUBjpMnmLMJs0EsqL76g-U7Y6WSWeUHB00

Stabilizing portfolio performance, even if it means temporarily lagging during major market rallies, can lead to higher wealth accumulation over the long term. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/navigating-market-volatility-strategies-for-long-term-investors/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNTY5MDQyLCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjg1MzcxOCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.VYAhKAxiTZg7n3tiFx2EKLXvaUMy92rJn5LpkzVF4pY

Wealth Advisor Andre Jean-Pierre discusses how home ownership is a sound option in building wealth for families and young professionals. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/owning-your-future-how-homeownership-is-a-stable-path-to-wealth/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNTYxMTYxLCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjg0MTI5MywicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.VQkjqWS8Hcj5FXDJR2LaPAMxbSajVTXP7kZgOX2tz5g

Gina Martin Adams hosts last week's 'Equity Market Minute' by Bloomberg Intelligence. https://advisorstream.com/read/video-bloomberg-intelligences-equity-market-minute-7292024/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNTU4MzA1LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjgzNjM4MSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.5YgLODI6KbkfiteEk9LPIMzrHZcU74R5nz5DkbeL1yQ

The Bank of Canada lowered its key interest rate for the second time this year to 4.5 per cent. Here’s what the decision means for the Canadian dollar. https://advisorstream.com/read/heres-what-the-bank-of-canadas-rate-drop-means-for-the-loonie/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNTQwMDUyLCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjgyMzg2NywicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.vzFgJWjnjr6jCXcpS_u99NQS4t0Pc0E1GTIvBhdRiXg

Meaning is more important than money and significance is more important than success. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/money/the-main-concern-of-most-people-approaching-retirement-is-not-money/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNTIxNTA1LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjgwMjcyMywicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.xvr5C-4E7FPS5Ht0Fy3qBeDvpl426jKIPGHN13UTvNU

Even as inflation has eased, car insurance rates are rising by double digits. But drivers have some options for reining in premiums. https://advisorstream.com/read/how-to-rein-in-rising-auto-insurance-rates/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNDc4NzE1LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjc2NDkxNiwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.PP6aGWw6H8ftGSdIlUSpq-hEXECV7GkoP4JUQx4etpw

Hubris is an extreme, harmful pride characterized by an exaggerated belief in one's capabilities and significance. It severely threatens a leader’s long-term effectiveness. https://advisorstream.com/read/forbes/leadership/how-to-avoid-hubris-your-long-term-success-is-at-stake/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNDcxODY0LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjc1NDcwMSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.kM6vV79z-2c4PIQowWZPhaieLE2-qC2T_2QHqmOvL8U

Achieving lower inflation without a significant slowdown is ‘the No. 1 thing’ keeping the Fed chair up at night. https://advisorstream.com/read/whats-behind-powells-latest-shift-on-rates/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNDYwNDA4LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjczNzA2NSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.cFZLV8GaYQsmUYIVFSeua_wlXgwA3zrt8lyDG5j52h0

Unlike an emergency fund, which is used to fund something unexpected like a job loss, a sinking fund is for costs you know are coming. https://advisorstream.com/read/why-a-sinking-fund-is-a-major-win-for-your-finances-and-a-step-by-step-guide-to-creating-one/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwNDI1NTg5LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjcxNzA2NSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.KGKTqx-slOImsI2uQvJbdnRSGchUVvAhXDGOSfN7dE8

Sky-diving, concerts, classic cars: A peek inside Georgetown, Texas, the fastest-growing city in the U.S. It’s largely thanks to the baby boomers. ‘We have more fun than our daughter.’ https://advisorstream.com/read/were-not-dead-yet-baby-boomers-good-times-drive-the-economy/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwMzc4MjQwLCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjY3MDY0MCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.2hkLyr2wR69bBNE2Ru4GUtTAJIVM0bUsU2RPxEgKA8E

Organizational resilience and effective change management thrive on interdependence and clear communication, akin to a rainforest ecosystem. https://advisorstream.com/read/how-entrepreneurs-can-navigate-change-by-creating-an-ecosystem-of-resilience/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwMzcxODU2LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjY2MDU2OSwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.r_FZZYSpNlgK_t1l2SKiZEN9GxF8pP2kSVrmW72rhdw

If US stocks do not slot back into their smooth upward glide soon, it is easy to imagine gnawing doubts over intense market concentration, and reminders of the unsustainable nature of fads and trends https://advisorstream.com/read/ai-glitter-is-flattering-markets/?c=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJub2RlX2lkIjo5OTM5MywicHJldmlldyI6ZmFsc2UsImNvbW1faWQiOjEwMzY0MTM4LCJkZXN0X2lkIjoxMjY0OTQ2NCwicmVhZGVyX2lkIjpudWxsLCJwZXJzb25hX3ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlfQ.5gowSblpERWvfgM747b566lyivVtuHvjKZOk48XLj_w