Meagen Knoop - Edward Jones Financial Advisor

09/01/2026

In a recent survey conducted by Edward Jones Canada, younger Canadians are showing renewed momentum in RRSP contributions:

→ 48% plan to contribute to their RRSP this year
→ Up from 41% last year
→ Moving closer to the 58% seen in 2024

This modest rebound signals an important shift in retirement planning engagement among younger demographics.

Starting early can offer advantage. Time allows for market fluctuations to smooth out, growth to compound, and adjustments to be made as goals evolve. But starting early also means building the right foundation: a diversified portfolio that aligns with clear objectives.

For younger Canadians, retirement planning is about establishing a framework that adapts as careers develop, families grow, and priorities change. Regular monitoring, contribution strategies, and the flexibility to adjust along the way can help ensure that early action translates to long-term results.

If you're in the early stages of your career and thinking about retirement planning, this may be a good time to establish a strategy built for the long term. The decisions you make now set the trajectory for the decades ahead.

Ready to start the conversation? Reach out to discuss how we can build a retirement strategy tailored to your goals.

Edward Jones Canada survey finds RRSP contribution intentions remain steady, despite feelings of confusion and uncertainty

08/29/2026

The burden of proof shifts back to AI skeptics. NVIDIA's earnings reinforced that AI demand and spending remain robust, with customer demand continuing to outpace supply and little evidence that the AI investment cycle is nearing an end.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

08/28/2026

A new school year is just around the corner, and for many families that means it's time to start drawing from an RESP.

Julie Petrera, our Director of Financial Planning at Edward Jones Canada, shared some helpful perspective in The Canadian Press on the mistakes to avoid — like taking from the wrong portion of the account first, or leaving too much invested in equities too close to withdrawal time.

We work with media to share insights like these because the families we serve are asking these same questions every day. By contributing to credible publications, we help bring timely, trustworthy guidance to clients and families across Canada — not just in our own communities, but wherever these conversations are happening.

If education planning is on your mind, reach out. We're here to help.

As the school year approaches, families across the country are getting ready to tap into their registered education savings plans.

08/28/2026

Our colleague Julie Petrera, Director of Financial Planning at Edward Jones Canada, recently spoke with The Canadian Press about the RESP withdrawal mistakes families make as the school year approaches.

Why does this matter to us? Because RESPs are one of the most important tools Canadian families use to invest in their children's education, and the decisions around withdrawals can have a real impact on taxes, growth, and whether the money is there when it's needed.

We share our insights with credible media because we want to meet families where they are — with topical, practical guidance they can trust. Articles like this one help us extend our reach beyond our offices and into the homes of families across Canada who are navigating these moments for the first time.

Have a look, and if you're working through an RESP withdrawal, let's talk.

As the school year approaches, families across the country are getting ready to tap into their registered education savings plans.

08/28/2026

Canadian women live approximately four years longer than men on average which creates important planning considerations. A longer lifespan means your retirement savings may need to support 30+ years of living expenses, rising healthcare needs, and the effects of inflation.

According to Statistics Canada, women are also more likely to experience severe disabilities and represent the largest share of long‑term‑care residents in Canada. That can mean higher long‑term‑care and medical costs throughout retirement.

What a 30+ year retirement requires:

• Sustainable income streams – Coordinating CPP, OAS, GIS (for lower-income retirees), private pensions, and investment withdrawals strategically. For context, while the maximum CPP benefit a Canadian can receive at age 65 is $1,507.65 in 2026, the average monthly payment in October 2025 was $803.76.

• Healthcare planning – Accounting for increasing medical needs over time and the possibility of long‑term‑care expenses.

• Inflation protection – Ensuring your purchasing power remains strong over several decades.

• Income optimization – Choosing when to take CPP or OAS and understanding the CPP child‑rearing provision if you took time off to raise children up to age 7, which may remove lower‑earning years from your calculation and potentially increase your benefit.

Keep in mind: any expenses beyond what government and employer pensions cover must come from your personal savings and investments. That’s why it’s essential to have a strategy that aligns your income sources with the reality of longer retirement timelines.

I work with clients to build retirement income plans that consider all available resources, from government benefits to investment portfolios.

Let's review your retirement income strategy to help ensure it's built to last as long as you need it to.

Throughout retirement, you'll continue to need financial strategies to make sure your money lasts.

08/27/2026

Keeping up with the markets takes time, research, and ongoing attention.

Most mutual funds give you access to professional investment expertise. Experienced portfolio managers actively manage the fund by researching opportunities, adjusting the portfolio as markets change, and making investment decisions on your behalf.

You also have the confidence of knowing exactly what you own, with fund holdings available through regular reporting and the fund's prospectus.

Ready to put professional management to work for your long-term goals? Call me to set up an appointment and let's get started.

08/25/2026

Returned to Canada with a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA? Those U.S. retirement accounts now present unique planning considerations like withholding tax implications, transfer restrictions, and complex Canada-U.S. tax treaty provisions. You may also find it difficult find U.S. advisors that can help manage your retirement plans now that you’re in Canada.

You have some options:

🔹 Leave funds in the U.S. (with access and management constraints)
🔹 Withdraw and transfer to Canada (triggering immediate tax consequences)
🔹 Roll into an RRSP (requires meeting specific conditions and managing withholding taxes)

Each approach carries distinct tax implications for both countries. The right strategy depends on your age, account type, financial goals and overall retirement plan.

I work alongside qualified cross-border tax professionals to help clients with U.S. retirement accounts evaluate their options and build coordinated strategies that address both sides of the border.

Let's discuss how to integrate your U.S. retirement assets into your Canadian financial plan.

Edward Jones, its employees and Edward Jones advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.

If you're a Canadian who has worked in the U.S. and returned to Canada with a foreign retirement account, learn more about some of your options for your retirement plan accounts.

08/24/2026

When your child is ready to buy their first home, you might want to help financially. There are several ways to do this, and each comes with different considerations.

Scenario 1: Gift money toward a down payment. This can be straightforward, but you lose control of how those funds are used once gifted. If you're considering this, it's important to keep your own future financial needs in mind first.

Scenario 2: Loan funds with clear repayment terms. This keeps you in more control, but increases your child's debt load, which could affect the size of mortgage they qualify for. Proper documentation is essential to prevent misunderstandings later.

Scenario 3: Co-sign their mortgage. This helps them access better rates or a larger loan without requiring you to access your own capital. But you may be on the hook for the full amount if they can't make payments, and it could limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Each approach should align with your own long-term financial plan. What works for one family might not work for another.

If you're thinking about helping your child purchase a home, let's talk. We can help you understand which approach makes sense for your situation and how it fits with your overall financial goals.

Here’s what to consider

08/22/2026

Upward pressure on global long-term bond yields weighed on investor sentiment, sending stocks lower last week.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.