John Boulton, PFP - IG Wealth Management

01/30/2026

Retirement is often closer than it feels.

If you are within ten years of retirement, the way your investments are structured can make a meaningful difference. The right structure can create smoother, more predictable income. The wrong structure can lead to unnecessary tax and unwanted surprises.

A short review today can help you feel more prepared and more confident about the years ahead.

If you have questions about your own retirement income plan, I am always happy to walk through it with you.

[email protected]
403-253-4840

01/19/2026

📊 Thinking About Taking CPP at Age 60?

Many Canadians feel tempted to start their CPP retirement pension as soon as they turn 60.

Receiving income earlier can feel reassuring, especially during major life changes or early retirement.

However, waiting until age 65, or even delaying to age 70, can make a significant difference in your retirement income for the rest of your life.

Monthly CPP amounts can change depending on when you choose to start.

👉 Age 60: Permanent reduction
👉 Age 65: Full benefit
👉 Age 70: Permanent increase

Note, everyone’s situation is different.
Your income needs, taxes, health, longevity, and other retirement assets all play a major role in choosing the right CPP start age.

If you are unsure when you should begin your CPP, I offer a no obligation 30 minute consultation to help you understand your options and make an informed decision that supports your long term financial plan.

If you would like guidance, feel free to reach out any time.

John Boulton, PFP
[email protected]
403-253-4840

01/15/2026

Have you received a message from CIRO this week indicating that you may have been affected by CIRO's security breach?

Who is CIRO?

CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) oversees investment dealers in Canada. Recently, CIRO experienced a data breach that may have exposed personal information of clients from various firms.

What happened

On August 11, 2025, they detected a cybersecurity threat. They indicate that they took immediate steps to secure the environment, worked with law enforcement, and hired cybersecurity experts to help investigate.

✅ If you received a notification from CIRO, you are eligible for two years of free credit monitoring (take advantage of it).

Why this matters:

This is a good reminder to check your credit report regularly. Reviewing your report helps you spot any accounts or credit inquiries that fraudsters may have opened in your name.

💡 Personally, I received this letter and feel confident because I monitor my credit report on a regular basis and understand this has been ongoing threat for many years (wherever your information is).

CIRO is not the only organization to experience breaches.

Other examples in Canada include:

Desjardins Group (2019) – A major breach affecting millions of members

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA, 2020) – Accounts compromised through credential stuffing attacks

Stay vigilant - Regular monitoring and using available tools like free credit checks can help protect your financial identity.

01/13/2026

It is RRSP season… Are you making these mistakes?
Please make informed decisions prior to making last minute contributions.

12/05/2025

Today, I had the privilege of joining Judd Bisson Private Wealth Management and their associates to help prepare a meal for The Mustard Seed. I was truly impressed by the passion and dedication of the full-time staff who make a difference every day.

10/22/2025

The new JP Morgan tower just opened.

I was in New York a few weeks ago and this was my picture at the top of the Rockefeller tower (67 stories high). The JP Morgan looks a lot bigger from that vantage point.

Nice looking building.

10/07/2025

🚨 New Tech, New Threats: Stay Alert to Evolving Fraud Techniques 🚨

Have you ever received a call from an unknown number where no one speaks after you answer?

During a recent workshop, I learned about emerging fraud tactics that leverage advancements in technology. One particularly concerning method involves recording your voice when you say “Hello” multiple times. This audio can potentially be used for voice recognition fraud.

🔒 Tip: Wait to hear someone speak before responding to unknown calls. It’s a simple habit that could protect your identity.

There were many other valuable insights shared, and I’m always open to discussing ways to safeguard your assets and personal information.

💡 Reminder: Always consult with your trusted advisor before making financial decisions - especially when offers seem too good to be true (like unusually high GIC rates). If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

08/28/2025

Do you know how much you're paying in advice fees within your investment portfolio?

Earlier this week, a new client showed me her bank statement and believed she wasn’t paying any fees. After reviewing her portfolio, I discovered her total Management Expense Ratio (MER) was 2.04%—with roughly half of that going toward advice from the bank.

She was surprised. “I don’t really receive any advice,” she said. “I never speak with anyone.”

At IG Wealth Management, we believe in transparency. That’s why we clearly separate the advice fee and the portfolio management fee on your statements. This client had assumed there were no fees because they weren’t explicitly listed. She thought the bank simply used her investment value as part of their business model—like a GIC.

She’s not alone in thinking this way.

Advice fees should be justified with real, measurable value every year. That value comes from holistic financial planning—strategies that aim to increase net investment returns, reduce taxes, manage risk, optimize estate planning, and more.

If you're unsure how much you're paying for financial planning and investment management (or whether you're getting value for it).

Let’s talk.

07/02/2025

Hope everyone had a fantastic Canada Day yesterday!

It was nice to see everybody enjoying the nice weather and celebrating the spirt of Canada

Did you know that IG Wealth Management is the biggest Canadian asset holder that is not a bank. We are a large financial institution focused on wealth and asset management. IGM Financial, which owns IG Wealth Management, is a leading diversified wealth and asset management company in Canada.

Partner with Canada’s leading Wealth Management team and enjoy peace of mind—so you can focus on what matters most: quality time with your family and friends!

06/18/2025

When considering life insurance option, it's important to understand the key differences between credit insurance and individual life insurance:

CREDIT INSURANCE

1) Purpose: Designed to pay off a specific debt (like a mortgage or loan) if the borrower passes away.

2) Beneficiary: The lender or financial institution is the beneficiary, not your family.

3) Underwriting: Approval is typically done at the time of claim (i.e., at death), which can lead to uncertainty about payout eligibility.

4) Premiums: Often higher and may not decrease even as the loan balance declines.

5) Portability: Not portable—coverage ends if you switch lenders or pay off the loan.

INDIVIDUAL LIFE INSURANCE

1) Purpose: Provides a lump-sum benefit to your chosen beneficiaries, offering flexibility for any financial need.

2) Beneficiary: You choose who receives the benefit—usually a family member or loved one.

3) Underwriting: Approval is completed at the time of application, giving you certainty about your coverage.

4) Premiums: Typically lower than credit insurance for the same amount of coverage.

5) Portability: Fully portable—your policy stays with you regardless of changes in lenders or life circumstances.

Exploring your insurance options now could mean locking in better rates for the future. Let’s connect so you can make an informed decision

06/17/2025

How much is your Estate really worth?

How much will be lost to unnecessary taxes?

Click the link below for more information.

Is there a silent risk in your financial plan? This isn’t about documents. It’s about control. About making sure your wealth flows exactly the way you want, not the way the system decides.
Answer 7 quick questions to uncover silent risks that most families don’t catch until it’s too late.
https://ow.ly/weLa50W7GIC

06/09/2025

Are you curious about declining interest rates?

Did you miss Philip’s last podcast, on why the Bank of Canada put a hold on rate cuts? Listen to find out why this surprised nobody and what it might take to resume them. Subscribe, rate and review now. https://ow.ly/uFVm30sN8wH