Edward Jones - Financial Advisor Raquel Austin

06/22/2026

Jessica is heading on vacation at the end of this week. If you need to speak with her, please reach out soon so she is best able to help. Then we wish her well as she enjoys some R&R until she's back in the office!

06/21/2026

Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor and celebrate the diverse cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This day reminds us of the importance of meaningful reconciliation. It's about listening to stories, respecting traditions, and supporting Indigenous communities in building prosperous futures on their own terms.

I recently heard, and resonated with, the Indigenous philosophy that encourages individuals consider the impact of their decisions seven generations into the future. It relates not only to my work but all interactions in my community, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn about these perspectives.

06/19/2026

💍 Congratulations! You’ve booked the venue, chosen the dress, and picked the flowers.

But have you talked about your financial goals yet?

With engagement parties, fittings, and seating charts, it’s easy for financial conversations to fall to the bottom of the list. And that’s completely understandable, wedding planning is exciting.

Still, money is one of those topics that can quietly shape a relationship over time. Starting the conversation early can help you build clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation together.

Because planning for your future is just as important as planning for the big day.

👉 I can help guide these conversations and support you as you start this next chapter — together.

It's important to discuss your finances and long-term goals with your significant other.

06/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our AGM on May 20, and a massive thank you to our dedicated Board of Directors. I am so lucky to volunteer with this amazing group of humans and for this wonderful organization. If you aren't yet following the Southern Alberta Art Gallery you should! This year promises to be one of exciting change and evolution.

For more Gallery news, consider checking out the e-newsletter from June: https://mailchi.mp/saag.ca/saag-enews-jun-17662850?e=bce3631329

Or you can follow along monthly: https://saag.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=b6cc5c9e24&u=84840bcf5e618a64ca4e86c5d

06/15/2026

Getting married or becoming common law does not require having everything figured out right away but it's important to be thoughtful about how you start working together financially.

Early conversations about spending styles, saving priorities, and long-term goals can help set expectations and build trust. It is less about agreeing on every detail, and more about understanding how decisions will be made as a couple.

Financial planning can help create shared structure, so each person feels heard and informed as life evolves. Starting with alignment can make future choices feel less stressful and more collaborative.

👉 Reach out and I can help you start these conversations and build a plan that reflects both partners.

It's important to discuss your finances and long-term goals with your significant other.

06/10/2026

The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25%.

Key factors behind the decision:

• Job seekers are unemployed longer with youth most impacted
• A temporary rise in inflation from higher oil and gas prices
• Ongoing risks from CUSMA negotiations and geopolitical uncertainty

If you have questions about how the Bank of Canada's latest rate decision impacts your financial plan, reach out. I'm happy to help.

06/08/2026

The way most people think they spend money and the way they actually spend it can be surprisingly different. You might assume you're only spending a certain amount on dining out or subscriptions, but when you track it, the reality often looks quite different.

That's why the first step in creating a balanced family budget is simply knowing where your money goes each month. Not judging it. Not changing it yet. Just understanding it. Track your income, your essential expenses, your debt payments, and yes, the money you spend on things that make life enjoyable.

Having a clear picture of your spending habits can help you gain more control. And having more control can help reduce financial stress and can help you make better decisions about what matters most to your family.

If you'd like help getting a clear view of your financial situation and creating a plan that works for your family, reach out. We can walk through it together.

These considerations can help you get a handle on how you spend money each month.

06/05/2026

Bringing up a cohabitation agreement doesn't have to feel awkward or transactional. The conversation works best when you start with your shared goals rather than diving straight into the legal details.

Begin by talking about what you both want to achieve.

• Are you saving for a home?
• Paying down debt?
• Planning for a family?

Once you're aligned on the big picture, the practical details become easier to discuss.

From there, get specific. List what each of you owns and owes. Agree on how you'll handle joint purchases and split ongoing expenses. Decide whether you'll keep finances separate, fully joint, or some combination. And plan to revisit this conversation regularly as your circumstances change.

Because a cohabitation agreement is legally binding, it's important to work with a lawyer or legal professional to formalize it. But having clarity on your financial values first makes that process much smoother.

If you're ready to have these conversations and want help connecting your day-to-day financial decisions to your long-term plans, let's talk.

Edward Jones financial advisors are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document that should be created with the assistance of a qualified lawyer or legal professional. We can help you understand how your financial decisions today connect to your long-term goals and work alongside your legal advisor to support your overall financial strategy.

06/03/2026

Many couples assume they'll figure out the financial details as they go. But when one or both partners bring significant assets, a business, or dependents into the relationship, those "figure it out later" conversations can become complicated fast.

This is where discussing expectations early can make a real difference. A cohabitation agreement prevents misunderstandings around spending, saving, and shared costs. It gives you both a clear foundation to work from.

And here's the bigger picture: creating this agreement often leads to the kind of financial conversations that support long-term planning. When you're aligned on how to handle money day to day, you're better positioned to work toward bigger goals together, whether that's buying a home, saving for retirement, or building an emergency fund.

If you're moving in together and want guidance on aligning your financial decisions with your shared goals, reach out. We can help build a foundation that works for both of you.

Edward Jones financial advisors are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. A cohabitation agreement is a legally binding document that should be created with the assistance of a qualified lawyer or legal professional. We can help you understand how your financial decisions today connect to your long-term goals and work alongside your legal advisor to support your overall financial strategy.