Edward Jones - Financial Advisor Raquel Austin

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 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.

05/29/2026

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

How does Old Age Security (OAS) interact with all your other retirement income sources? What affects how much OAS you actually keep? Here's what to know: OAS benefits may be reduced if your income exceeds certain thresholds. This is called the OAS recovery tax or clawback. Keep in mind that income is comprised of a variety of potential sources (pension income, RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, investment income, part-time work, or even a one-time higher income year due to the sale of a rental property for example).

It's important to know OAS doesn't exist in isolation, and understanding the details helps you make smarter decisions about your overall retirement strategy. If you want to understand how your OAS will work alongside your other retirement income, let's have a conversation.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4e806lq

05/25/2026

Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the most common sources of retirement income for Canadians but understanding how it works isn't always straight forward.

Here's what matters: OAS is based on how many years you've lived in Canada as an adult, not your employment history. That means you can qualify even if you've never worked or if you're still working. The amount you receive depends on how long you've been a Canadian resident, when you start taking it, and your income in retirement.

OAS also adjusts quarterly to reflect cost of living changes, and payment amounts can vary based on your total retirement income. Higher income may reduce your benefits through what's known as the OAS clawback.

Understanding these basics helps you plan more confidently for your retirement income needs. It's not just about when you become eligible. It's about knowing how OAS fits into your bigger financial picture.

If you have questions about how OAS will work in your retirement plan, let's talk. I can help you understand what to expect and how to plan accordingly.

05/23/2026

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

05/21/2026

Before you commit to helping your child financially with a home purchase, it's worth understanding how this decision might ripple through the rest of your financial picture.

1. Your retirement and savings: Large gifts or loans can influence your long-term savings or retirement goals. If you need to liquidate investments to provide a gift, there could be tax consequences you'll want to plan for.

2. Your credit and borrowing capacity: Co-signing affects your own credit and borrowing ability. It shows up on your credit report and could limit what you can access for your own needs or to help other children down the road.

3. Fairness across your family: If you have multiple children or a blended family, you'll also want to think through fairness considerations. How will you ensure equal treatment over time? What happens if you pass away before you're able to help all your children equally?

4. Documentation and protection: Regardless of which approach you take, clear documentation helps avoid family misunderstandings later. This is especially important if you're loaning money or if there's any possibility of a relationship breakdown in your child's future.

If you're considering helping your child buy a home, reach out. I can help you understand the full financial impact and help make sure this decision supports rather than compromises your own future.

Here’s what to consider

05/19/2026

Helping your child buy a home is meaningful. For many parents, it's a natural extension of supporting their children through major life milestones. But it should fit within a sustainable plan that protects your own financial future.

Before you commit, review your retirement needs. Can you afford to part with this money without affecting your lifestyle in retirement? What about emergencies or potential caregiving needs down the road?

Consider how this support today affects your other goals. Are you delaying something important for your own future? Could this impact your ability to maintain your home, travel, or cover healthcare costs as you age?

Planning ahead helps you balance generosity with financial security. It means you can help your child in a way that doesn't create stress or limitations for you later. A structured approach provides clarity for both you and your child about what's possible and what expectations make sense.

If one of your goals is to help your children financially, let's plan for it. I can help you understand what you can comfortably afford while protecting your own long-term security.

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!

05/15/2026

Inheriting money often brings a mix of emotions, gratitude, grief, and sometimes pressure to make the “right” decisions.

If you’re unsure where to begin, taking time to reflect on your priorities can help you move forward with confidence. I can walk you through strategies that support both your immediate needs and long‑term goals.

Reach out to book a meeting.

Have you thought about what you'd do if you received a lump sum inheritance?

05/14/2026

Are you an advisor in the Lethbridge or Calgary area who wants to "Get-to-know Edward Jones"? Local Edward Jones financial advisors are hosting an event May 26th where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about:
• Our practice models, training, support, compensation, and culture
• How advisors and professionals build sustainable, long-term careers
• How Edward Jones compares, and more
Enjoy light appetizers and take the time to explore what might be next for you.

Event Details
• Location: Hotel Arts, 119 12th Ave SW, Calgary
• Date: Tuesday May 26, 2026
• Time: 5PM – 8PM
• Register by email: [email protected]

RSVP by: May 22, 2026