About Me

My Story

I worked in financial services for over 20 years and grew unsettled by money disempowering people - provoking anxiety, stress and sleepless nights - met by an industry often unable to directly answer straightforward financial questions without a product sale.

My clients had debt management issues, poor credit habits, non-existent retirement plans, misaligned financial goals and a healthy distrust of financial advisors and their institutions. They were confused about savings products and tax tools, concerned about their estates and felt unable to navigate the financial system to their benefit. When I rebuilt my clients’ confidence and financial strength in way that truly recognized their unique needs, I found my efforts were often at odds with an industry that rewards product-driven solutions.

I became an advice-only Financial Planner in 2014, to position myself to act in a way that had the client as my first and only priority. I used my experience and the freedom of my position to address client needs holistically, using education, behavioural change, down to earth reasoning, and unbiased recommendations.

Over time I began to see a significant gap in the advisory landscape for shorter engagements, to solve specific problems or answer direct questions without the need for a larger planning exercise. I liken this approach to needing a handy-person. While I can build my clients house, many just want a job done, efficiently and performed by an expert. The Financial Handyman was born, and with my well-used tool belt, I welcome smaller jobs and provide advice not typically available without product sales or full financial plans.

I believe…

  • Uncontrolled spending, debt, and financial miseducation, create fear, anxiety and stress.

  • What makes sense on paper financially is often NOT the best solution for a client in reality.

  • The psychology of money management can be as important as the implementation.

  • Knowledge and experience improve one’s risk tolerance.

  • People can delegate their investment management responsibilities if desired - NOT abdicate them.

  • It is not how much money a person earns that leads to financial success. It is how they manage it that counts most.

  • Money is a tool to help you achieve your goals.

  • Readiness for retirement is as much a psychological question as it is a financial one.

  • Good money management requires an ability to reconcile the difference between a need and a want.

Testimonials

Anthony was great, and he was exactly what we were looking for in terms of a financial planner. We will certainly be reaching out to him in a few years’ time to determine that we are still on the right path.

-Matt and Laura

People often ask how it’s possible for us to do this, and I always tell them it started by seeing a money coach (you) about 9 years ago. You helped me see my overall financial picture, and set possible scenarios for the future. You didn’t give me unmanageable actions to take to achieve those scenarios, just one-time improvements to my portfolio, or “set it and forget it” monthly savings. A few weeks before we moved I was going through paper documents and scanning what I needed to keep. I found the profile you prepared for me. It was awesome to review, I did each thing you recommended that would get me to “Freedom 50” and here we are at “Freedom 48”, you over-achieved! :D 

Anyway, I wish you all the best in your new business!

Kathy (living her dream abroad)

 

“Before I met The Financial Handyman, I felt like I was spinning my tires. It didn’t matter how much I worked, I couldn’t get ahead. Anthony helped me with a game plan to pay down my debt and to manage my money better. Now I feel so much more in control”

— Susan, Delta, BC