About Me (Anthony Larsen CFP)
My Story: Why I Became The Financial Handyman
After more than 25 years in financial services, I grew increasingly unsettled by how money often disempowers people—causing anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights. Time and again, I saw clients with genuine questions receive answers only in the form of product pitches. The industry seemed more focused on sales than on solutions.
I worked with clients facing debt, poor credit habits, unclear retirement goals, and a deep mistrust of financial advisors. Many were confused about savings options, tax tools, or estate planning, and didn’t know where to turn for clear, unbiased guidance. When I helped clients rebuild financial confidence in ways tailored to their unique needs, I found myself pushing against an industry built on product-driven incentives.
In 2014, I became a fee-only, advice-only Financial Planner so I could do things differently—putting the client’s needs first, always. Free from commissions or product sales, I began offering holistic financial advice built on education, behavioral change, and practical, real-world reasoning.
Bridging the Gap: The Birth of The Financial Handyman
Over time, I noticed a major gap in financial planning services: most firms offered only comprehensive, long-term plans, leaving people with smaller, immediate issues behind.
That’s when the idea for The Financial Handyman took shape.
Just like a handyman is there for quick, skilled help—not a full home renovation—I created a way to offer targeted financial advice for everyday problems. Whether it’s debt, cash flow, retirement questions, or navigating a tax concern, I bring the right tools to get the job done—efficiently, affordably, and with zero product sales.
Honest Help, No Strings Attached
Not everyone needs a full financial plan. Sometimes you just need an expert who can cut through the noise and solve a specific financial issue without pushing a product or locking you into an expensive package.
That’s what I do.
I’m here to offer clear, unbiased advice, tailored to your real needs—whether it’s a quick fix or a deeper financial reset.
My Beliefs: The Principles Behind The Financial Handyman
At The Financial Handyman, everything I do is grounded in a simple belief: financial advice should be human, honest, and helpful—not overwhelming, sales-driven, or out of reach.
Here’s what guides my work:
Financial stress is real—and preventable.
Uncontrolled spending, debt, and financial misinformation are leading causes of anxiety and stress. Sound advice and clear strategies can bring peace of mind.
The best financial solution isn't always the most logical one.
What makes sense on paper doesn't always fit real life. True planning blends financial logic with personal circumstances.
Mindset matters.
The psychology of money management is just as important as the numbers. Habits, behavior, and emotional readiness play a major role in long-term success.
Financial confidence comes from understanding.
With the right knowledge and experience, people make better decisions and build resilience in the face of risk.
Delegation is smart—but ownership is essential.
You can delegate investment management, but not the responsibility. Staying engaged with your finances is key to success.
It's not what you earn—it’s how you manage it.
Income alone doesn’t guarantee financial security. Good decisions, planning, and discipline make the real difference.
Money is a tool—not the goal.
Wealth should serve your life—not the other way around. Money is here to help you achieve what truly matters.
Retirement is more than a number.
Retirement readiness is both financial and psychological. Being prepared means understanding the numbers and what you want life to look like after work.
Success starts with knowing the difference between wants and needs.
Financial health begins with clarity and intention—knowing your priorities and acting on them.
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, Vancouver
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)
“Thank you so much! You provided a TON of information and thought into helping me assess my investments and financial future and some great proposed strategies, which was exactly what I needed.”
— Todd, Vancouver
“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