Graves Financial Advisory Group

Graves Financial Advisory Group We make wealth work. We are confident we offer great value for the transparent, competitive rates we charge. (“WMI”).

All content on this profile page is my own and does not necessarily reflect the views of CIBC or its affiliates. The information provided herein is meant for Canadian residents only, is general in nature and does not contain any financial, legal, tax or investment recommendations or advice. Following or showing interest in a securities issuer on this site is not a recommendation to invest in such

issuer’s securities. Any commentary that might be construed as an endorsement or recommendation on this site should not be construed as explicitly or implicitly approved by me or CIBC or its affiliates. You agree that you will not communicate any personal or confidential information through this site. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries: CIBC Private Banking; CIBC Private Investment Counsel, a division of CIBC Asset Management Inc. (“CAM”); CIBC Trust Corporation; and CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. CIBC Private Banking provides solutions from CIBC Investor Services Inc.(“ISI”), CAM and credit products. CIBC Private Wealth services are available to qualified individuals. The CIBC logo and “CIBC Private Wealth” are trademarks of CIBC, used under license.

We have two rules when it comes to managing client portfolios.Rule #1: Protect on the downside.Rule #2: Don't forget R...
05/25/2026

We have two rules when it comes to managing client portfolios.

Rule #1: Protect on the downside.
Rule #2: Don't forget Rule #1.

Staying defensively positioned means we sometimes sacrifice during periods of rising markets. We participate in the upside, but not always 100% of it. That's a tradeoff we're willing to make.

A capital base takes years of discipline and patience to build. When it gets permanently erased (not just reduced temporarily, but gone) the recovery is both financial and psychological.

We'd rather give up some of the upside in a strong market than be caught overexposed when things turn. And things always turn at some point.

Protecting what you've built is an active strategy. If you want to talk about how your portfolio is positioned for the downside, send us a message!

05/19/2026

Some succession plans start in the boardroom. Ours started in the delivery room.

What a week at Mount Allison University.Over the past several days I had the privilege to chair our Alumni Board meeting...
05/15/2026

What a week at Mount Allison University.

Over the past several days I had the privilege to chair our Alumni Board meeting, emcee our annual alumni awards banquet, speak at multiple alumni and Convocation events, welcome the Class of 2026 into the alumni community, and help celebrate a record-setting year for 5th Quarter support.

One of the most meaningful moments was the Grace Annie Lockhart pin ceremony marking 150 years since Grace Annie became the first woman in the British Commonwealth to receive a bachelor’s degree. Listening to the stories and accomplishments of the women recognized during the ceremony was incredibly inspiring and a powerful reminder of the impact Mount Allison alumni continue to have in their communities and professions.

Another moment that stayed with me was standing on the Convocation stage and feeling the optimism and hope in the room. Watching graduates celebrate years of hard work alongside proud families, friends, faculty, and mentors was genuinely energizing.

What stood out all week was the willingness of people to give back, support students, and invest in the future of this university. Very grateful for the small role I get to play in a community that means so much to so many.

Congratulations again to all graduates, honourees, and award recipients — and thank you to everyone behind the scenes who made the week possible.

Photo credit: Daniel St. Louis and Rachelle Richard-Leger

In investing, "factors" are the variables a portfolio manager considers when building a strategy. But factors don't just...
05/13/2026

In investing, "factors" are the variables a portfolio manager considers when building a strategy. But factors don't just apply to markets.

Every day, how we feel, what we decide and how we interact with others are shaped by things we may not even be conscious of. A bad night's sleep. An unexpected setback. A piece of news that shifted our outlook.

The same factor can affect two people in completely different ways. We're all carrying different histories, different pressures and different thresholds.

That's why a consistent, long-term financial plan matters so much. One that doesn't get rebuilt every time life introduces a new variable. The people who tend to do best financially are the ones whose plan is sturdy enough to hold up when they're not at their best.

None of us are at our best every day. And that's okay.

If you want to build a plan that accounts for the human side of financial decision-making, send us a message!

Cryptocurrency is one of the most debated topics in personal finance right now, and for good reason.The underlying techn...
05/07/2026

Cryptocurrency is one of the most debated topics in personal finance right now, and for good reason.

The underlying technology is genuinely disruptive. The demand is real. And the global environment, from money printing to the declining use of physical currency, has only strengthened the case for digital assets.

But like any investment, strong conviction isn't the same as being right. No one has a crystal ball.

If you're wondering where crypto fits in your financial picture, send us a message and let's chat!

People from completely different backgrounds can come together and work remarkably well, when there's a clear, shared go...
04/27/2026

People from completely different backgrounds can come together and work remarkably well, when there's a clear, shared goal. Without one, even talented, well-intentioned groups struggle to connect.

We see this with clients all the time. When we understand what someone is genuinely working toward, not just in their portfolio but in their life, everything becomes clearer. The plan makes more sense. The decisions get easier.

A good financial plan starts with knowing what you're actually working toward.

If you're not sure yours reflects that, send us a message.

04/21/2026

Almost 40 years in wealth management teaches you one thing: no two clients are the same.

The algorithms running every social media platform are designed to show you content that lines up with what you already ...
04/15/2026

The algorithms running every social media platform are designed to show you content that lines up with what you already think. Over time, that creates a version of the world that feels legitimate but is really just a reflection of your existing views.

This shows up in financial decisions too. We seek out information that confirms what we already believe about real estate, markets, risk and retirement. When those assumptions go unchallenged long enough, they start to feel like facts.

It's worth making a habit of actively looking for information that contradicts your views. It's uncomfortable, but it leads to better decisions.

Whatever you're reading or watching, consider the source. Consider the motivation behind it. And ask yourself whether you're actually being informed, or just being agreed with.

Term life insurance is one of the most overlooked parts of a financial plan.Most people assume their workplace coverage ...
04/09/2026

Term life insurance is one of the most overlooked parts of a financial plan.

Most people assume their workplace coverage is enough, but most of the time, it isn't.

The math is straightforward. What does your family actually depend on from your income each year? Multiply that by the years you planned to keep earning it. For most people, that number lands somewhere between $500,000 and $1,000,000 or more. That's what's gone when the primary income earner isn't there anymore.

Term insurance is inexpensive relative to what it covers. It's not about profit. It's about making sure your family's financial future stays intact.

If you haven't looked at your coverage lately, send us a message.

Most people in the investment industry measure risk using volatility, which is how much a portfolio fluctuates up and do...
03/26/2026

Most people in the investment industry measure risk using volatility, which is how much a portfolio fluctuates up and down.

The more it moves, the "riskier" it's considered.

The problem is that fluctuation and loss aren't the same thing.

We define risk as the permanent loss of capital, or the potential for it. That distinction changes everything about how we build and manage portfolios for our clients.

If you're not sure what risk actually means in the context of your own portfolio, that's a conversation worth having. Send us a message.

Address

1801-1969 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS
B3J1R6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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