Pat Smits, CFP

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This June, we celebrate love, authenticity, and the courage it takes to live as your true self.

Pride is about visibility, acceptance, and progress. It's about creating spaces where everyone feels safe to plan for the life they envision, whether that's marriage, family planning, retirement, or legacy building.

05/30/2026

Markets closed last week hopeful that a U.S.–Iran peace deal will finally help unwind the shock to global energy markets seen this year, with equities hitting new record highs and bonds rebounding.

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

05/28/2026

Recent market volatility has been unsettling, but this moment can offer strategic opportunities.

Here are three opportunities to consider:

• Earn more income from bonds: Take advantage of today’s higher interest rates to potentially generate more income from fixed income investments.
• Use losses to reduce taxes: Apply investment losses to offset gains you’ve already realized, which can help lower your tax bill.
• Invest at better prices: Add to your long-term investment mix when markets offer more attractive entry points.

I work with clients to ensure their plans stay aligned with their long-term goals, emphasizing quality investments, diversification, and maintaining a long-term perspective.

Let's review your portfolio together and keep your financial strategy on track.

05/28/2026

One of the most common questions about Old Age Security (OAS) is when to start taking it. The standard age is 65, but you can delay until age 70. Each choice affects how much you receive.

Starting at 65 means you begin receiving income earlier. But if you delay, your monthly payments increase by 0.6% for each month you wait, up to a maximum 36% increase at age 70.

So which option is right for you? It depends on several factors unique to your situation. Your current tax rate matters. If you're still working or have other significant income, delaying might make sense. Your total income matters too, because OAS is subject to a clawback if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

If you're approaching 65 and wondering when to start your OAS, reach out. I can help you evaluate your options based on your personal circumstances.

You asked – we answered! Here are the top 10 questions about Old Age Security (OAS)

05/27/2026

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival was a tremendous success! On May 2nd, our community came together at the Okanagan Golf Club for an unforgettable afternoon of exceptional wines, delicious food, and meaningful connections.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our local wineries. Your presence made this second grand tasting of the year truly special. We're grateful to be part of a community that values coming together and lifting up our local businesses.

Looking forward to continuing this tradition and creating more opportunities to celebrate what makes our community extraordinary. Thank you for being part of something special! ✨

05/26/2026

Markets experienced gain in April, bringing new life to diversified portfolios after a volatile first quarter. The broader backdrop has stayed constructive:

• Resilient economic activity in certain sectors
• Rising corporate profits
• Continued opportunity in energy, industrials, and materials for Canadian investors
• Longer-term bonds offering support as yields stabilize

Instead of trying to predict the exact peak of the market, our guidance focuses on a forward-looking approach built around two timelines: a longer-term strategy anchored to your goals, and a shorter-term, opportunistic view for timely adjustments with discipline.

If any of this raises questions, or you'd like to talk through what recent market shifts mean for your portfolio, please reach out. I'm here, and I'm happy to help.

Learn more about your portfolio’s performance, and check out our recommendations for disciplined investors.

05/25/2026

Ottawa's proposed national sovereign wealth fund, the Canada Strong Fund, is generating a lot of headlines. Before drawing any conclusions, it's worth pausing on what we actually know, and what we don't.

The details that matter most to investors are still undefined. Governance structures, safeguards against political influence, liquidity terms, lockup periods and realistic risk and return expectations have not been established. The fund's focus on areas where private capital hasn't stepped in suggests these investments may carry meaningful risk. And unlike Norway's sovereign wealth fund, which invests globally and excludes direct retail participation, the Canada Strong Fund would invest domestically and include a retail investor component. That's a significant distinction.

A strong financial plan doesn't react to headlines. It's built on quality investments, diversification and a long-term perspective grounded in your goals, your timeline and your comfort with risk. Those principles don't change because of a political announcement.

If you'd like to talk through what this means for your plan, reach out and let's talk.

Learn about what Canada's proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund means for your financial plan.

05/23/2026

Stocks continue to climb despite rising rates.

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

05/21/2026

A balanced family budget isn't about deprivation or cutting everything you enjoy. It's about creating a realistic plan that supports your goals and fits your life.

Start with clear, achievable goals. Build in flexibility for unexpected expenses, because life rarely goes exactly as planned. Review your budget regularly and adjust as your circumstances change. The families who succeed with budgeting are the ones who stay consistent, not perfect.

And remember, you don't have to figure this out alone. Working with an advisor means having someone who can help you review your current situation, refine your goals, and create a strategy that can help keep you on track.

If you're ready to create a budget that works for your family's goals, reach out. I'm here to help.

05/18/2026

Edward Jones proudly established a Canadian headquarters in Mississauga in 1994. On behalf of our thousands of associates, happy 181st Victoria Day!

Whether you're firing up the grill, opening the cottage, or simply enjoying a well-deserved break, here's to celebrating community, connection, and the season ahead.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful long weekend!