Central Wealth Group of Raymond James Ltd.

08/04/2026

Real estate has always been a big interest of mine.
I find that a home can say a lot about a person—from the architectural style and features inside to the landscaping and details that make it unique.

A $49.9 million oceanfront estate in West Vancouver recently hit the market as part of an estate sale. The views are incredible, the architecture is impressive, and the owner described it as "paradise on earth" after spending decades creating and enjoying the property.

Looking through the photos got me thinking: What would you do if money were no object?

Would you buy an oceanfront estate?
Build a cabin in the mountains?
Start a hobby farm?
Travel full-time?

It's interesting how people's dream purchases often say more about them than their net worth. Some dream of yachts and mansions, while others simply want a quiet lakefront deck, family close by, and a good cup of coffee. The best part – there is no wrong answer!

Personally, I'd take the ocean views—but I'd still need a fire pit, my dog, and somewhere to watch the Oilers game.

What's your version of "paradise on earth"?

https://www.raymondjamesconnect.com/aOuwex

07/23/2026

With SpaceX having recently gone public, and a few other interesting names on deck, here's a great reminder that buying IPOs are rarely a wise investment.

Recall that companies often go public when they think they have already captured the bulk of their growth and can maximize their market price (ie: offload to you).

07/22/2026

A client said something to me recently that stuck:
"I just want to use you as a sounding board to make sure I'm not missing anything."

We weren't discussing markets or portfolios. We were talking through a major financial decision. That's where the real value of advice lies.

It might be deciding whether to take a pension lump sum, helping an adult child buy their first home, paying off a mortgage versus investing, or determining whether a cottage purchase fits within a long-term plan.

Often, clients already have an idea of what they want to do. They simply want someone to ask the questions they may not have considered:

What are the tax implications?
How does this affect my retirement plan?
What happens if things don't go as expected?
Are there better alternatives?

Sometimes the best advice isn't providing an answer—it's helping someone make a more informed decision with greater confidence.

That's a role I'm always happy to play.

07/20/2026

Another great read here from Ben Carlson on what it means to be rich.

Is it the big net worth and a simple lifestyle, or the big lifestyle and simple net worth? What is more important to you?

awealthofcommonsense.com

06/03/2026

May was RJ Cares Month at Raymond James. A month dedicated to recognizing volunteer efforts within the community. This year, along with some great colleagues, I had the opportunity to volunteer here with two incredible organizations.

At the Edmonton Humane Society, our branch participated in a Shelter Takeover Day. We spent the day helping wherever it was needed most—cleaning, organizing their "Costco" supply warehouse, moving furniture, and even making enrichment toys for the animals. And yes… there are always a few furry visits throughout the day (definitely a highlight).

We also spent time at the Veterans Association Food Bank, supporting those who have served our country. Our group helped receive, sort, and pack food - and I'm proud to say we exceeded our targets, packing 180 boxes (60 hampers) together.

Volunteering is always grounding. It's a chance to step away from the usual routine, connect with others in a different way, and contribute to something that really matters—alongside colleagues who genuinely care.

Proud to be part of a firm that lives its values, not just talks about them.

05/26/2026

Perhaps a good time to reshare this classic from one of our favourite personal finance authors, Morgan Housel.

05/18/2026

Have you ever told your child it's not polite to ask how much something costs?

Why?

Is your answer any different than when they ask you to teach them how to ride a bike?

The concept is the same—they need to learn, and they're asking for help.

For decades, money has been one of the most avoided topics in conversation. Many were raised to believe discussing income, debt, or financial challenges was impolite—or even taboo. The result? A "figure it out yourself" approach to investing, buying a home, managing debt… and making costly mistakes along the way.

Money shouldn't be treated as a secret. It's a skillset—one that can be learned and improved through transparency. When we're open about it, we better prepare the next generation for the real cost of life and how it actually works.

Talking about money leads to better outcomes:

1. Faster Financial Learning
Removing stigma accelerates education. Gen Z doesn't just consume financial content—they question it, discuss it, and test it with peers, creating a faster path to financial literacy.

2. Greater Accountability
Open conversations create follow-through. Sharing goals makes people more likely to stick to them—unlike past generations, where financial struggles were often hidden.

3. Reduced Financial Shame
Openness normalizes student debt, early mistakes, and imperfect starts. When shame is reduced, people ask for help sooner—before issues compound.

4. More Informed Career Decisions
Salary transparency is reshaping the workforce. Gen Z is more likely to compare compensation, spot gaps, and negotiate—reducing costly information gaps over time.

The flip side? Not all advice is good advice.

More conversation doesn't always mean better guidance. There's no shortage of:
• Oversimplified strategies
• Trend-driven decisions
• Misinformation posing as expertise
That's why professional guidance matters more—not less. Because clients don't need fewer conversations about money.

They need better ones.

Maybe the real question isn't whether Gen Z is "too open" about money. It's whether previous generations were too quiet.

05/07/2026

🍻 Three years, many hangovers.

Of the major global alcohol producers, only one managed a positive total return over the last three years, while the S&P 500 surged nearly +83%.

Tough stretch for the sector… though at least shareholders can drown their sorrows in company product...