Knight Wealth Management

08/18/2026

Financial advice is becoming less about investments.

Not because investments don't matter. Because good investing advice has become easier than ever to find.

If you Google "how should I invest my money?" or ask one of the popular AI tools, you may get some decent advice. It's also easier and cheaper than ever to implement that advice on your own.

Where things become more difficult is everything that comes after that.

There have been some great studies on this over the years, including Vanguard's Advisor Alpha, which looks at where advisors create value. Areas such as:

➖ Tax-efficient withdrawal and spending strategies
➖ Asset location decisions (TFSA, RRSP, corporation, trust, etc.)
➖ Retirement readiness planning
➖ Estate and executor preparation
➖ Behavioural support (not just when markets fall, but also when trends and fads become tempting)
➖ Major life decisions, such as selling a business, supporting family, or charitable giving

Advice isn't for everyone.

But when your situation becomes complex enough that mistakes, missed opportunities, or inaction become costly, you may be at the point where you're getting more value from advice than it costs.

If the primary value your advisor provides is investment selection, that's becoming harder to justify with each passing year.

08/05/2026

Good markets can mask bad behavior. That applies to both DIY investors and professional advisors.

When markets are rising and account values are growing, it becomes harder to identify where the risks are. Good outcomes can make us believe every decision is a good one.

For DIY investors:
Strong markets are a good time to review your process objectively. Stick to the guidelines you've established for yourself and resist the temptation to chase returns, concentrate positions, or increase leverage simply because recent investments have worked.

For clients working with an advisor:
Don't let strong returns lower your expectations. Good advice is about more than performance during a bull market. You should still expect thoughtful planning, ongoing guidance, and conversations around risk, taxes, cash flow, and whether your financial progress is sustainable.

07/29/2026

Trusts can be great planning tools. For families looking to transfer wealth thoughtfully, protect assets, or create flexibility for future generations, they can offer significant benefits.

The right trust structure may help address questions like:
• How will family wealth be managed for children or grandchildren?
• How can you ensure assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes?
• How can a trust help facilitate an efficient transition of a business to the next generation?

A trust isn't always the right solution, but when it is a fit, it can be an important part of your estate and succession plan. The key is making sure the legal, tax, and investment strategy all work together.

National Bank has published an overview of family trusts and some of the situations where they may be worth exploring.

Find out about family trusts, the benefits they offer, and how to create one.

07/20/2026

Dying is expensive. Morbid, I know. But one of the largest expenses many Canadians will face is the tax bill that comes due at death.

A common estate planning mistake is focusing on probate reduction without considering where that tax bill will be paid from.

I've seen situations where assets are structured to pass outside the estate, only to discover the tax liability remains behind with limited liquidity available to cover it, leaving the executor in a very difficult position.

That's why effective estate planning is rarely just a legal exercise. It often requires coordination between a lawyer, accountant, and financial planner to understand both the legal structures and the financial consequences.

Estate planning isn't exciting, but a few hours spent planning today can save your family months of stress later.

07/06/2026

Do you have an investment process, or just a collection of investments?

The "prudent investor" standard is typically discussed in the context of trustees, executors, pension committees, and other fiduciary roles.

But the principles behind it don't just apply to people managing someone else's money.

At its core, the standard asks a simple question:

Would a reasonable and informed person consider this investment approach prudent given the objectives, risks, time horizon, and need for diversification?

That framework can be valuable for almost any investor.

Rather than chasing predictions, concentrating bets in a handful of positions, or relying on recent performance, prudent investing emphasizes:

• Clear objectives
• Appropriate diversification
• Risk management
• Cost awareness
• A disciplined, repeatable process

The goal isn't to eliminate risk, but to take risks that are deliberate, understood, and aligned with your long-term objectives.

Whether you're managing an estate, overseeing a family trust, or investing for your own retirement, the same question is worth asking:

If I had to explain every investment decision I've made, would my process be defensible?

For many investors, the difference between speculation and investing is having a process that can be explained, repeated, and defended.

06/23/2026

National Bank Financial (NBF) ranks #1 in client satisfaction (J.D. Power) and #1 in advisor satisfaction (Investment Executive), and I’ve seen why.

When I was deciding what firm I wanted to build my practice with, it was important it was somewhere I felt I could spend the next 30+ years. For that to happen, I needed to feel like I could truly put clients at the center of every decision and give them access to everything they might need.

After a lot of conversations, NBF felt like the right choice. But you never really know until you make the move.

18 months in, I’m not surprised by these results. I’ve been able to focus exclusively on what matters most to my clients and their success, backed by the support and resources needed to give them the time and attention they deserve.

Canadian investors have a lot to think about right now. Rising costs, more complex tax rules, and a changing global backdrop.

You don’t have to make financial decisions alone. If you feel like you’re not getting the support you need, or are curious what a different advisory experience can look like, let’s connect.

The entrepreneurial mindset defines his leadership as president of National Bank Financial – Wealth Management (NBFWM), where advisors are empowered to be independent, while keeping clients’ needs at the forefront.

06/19/2026

A lot of estate plans focus on what happens at death. But for many families, one of the most effective ways to transition wealth is during your lifetime.

Helping a child with a home purchase. Funding a business. Supporting them when it actually matters. Simple in concept, not always simple in ex*****on.

If you don’t clearly define a transfer, it can create confusion later. Is it a gift, a loan, or an advance on inheritance?

Done properly, lifetime gifting can:
- reduce friction for executors
- create fairness across beneficiaries
- ensure your intent is carried out

Done casually, it can lead to disputes, or even lawsuits between family members.

The goal isn’t just to give. It’s to give in a way that protects both you and your heirs. Attached are some things to consider:

06/12/2026

Taking care of kids & parents at the same time? The sandwich generation is going through it right now, spending hours each day taking care of both ends of the family.

If this is you, and you're looking for some support, book a Family Plan Review. We can take 30 minutes to identify a few areas where you can systematize or delegate and help create more time in your week for yourself.

If this sounds like someone in your life, feel free to share this with them.

Book here:
KnightWealthManagementProspectBookingPortal@cbncnbccs.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/KnightWealthManagementProspectBookingPortal@cbncnbccs.onmicrosoft.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

06/04/2026

Received a nice surprise at this weeks National Bank Financial conference - a personalized letter showing survey results from my clients about what they value most in our work together.

It’s easy to assume you know what your clients care about, but seeing their actual feedback is validating.

Here is what they highlighted as most valuable to them:

1. Being readily accessible when they need to get in touch.

2. Sharing relevant financial content tailored to their situation.

3. Strengthening their confidence that they're on track to hit their financial and life goals.

Thanks to those who took time to do the survey, and for anyone who feels their current advisor relationship is missing the mark in these areas, reach out!

06/02/2026

Trusts aren't just for "rich" people.

Here is a good overview of some situations when a testamentary trust might make sense, especially around protecting beneficiaries and controlling how assets are moved to the next generation.

A testamentary trust can help you protect your estate and your heirs. Here's how it works.