Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: James Shellborn, CFP, CIM, CEPA

06/13/2026

Don’t build a portfolio; build a system that builds the portfolio. Focus on process first, then product.

06/13/2026

Part of a financial planner’s role is to act like noise‑canceling headphones for all the nonsense that can distract you from your goals. Our minds are tuned to gather novel information, which can work against us. Achieving your goals is more about avoiding mistakes and doing simple things with boring consistency, not chasing an information edge.

06/08/2026

How symmetrical is the win/loss payoff for that shiny, speculative thing you’ve been tempted to add to your portfolio?

Not in terms of total return, but in total life impact.

If the upside is unlikely and incremental, while the downside introduces real tradeoffs in retirement, that’s not a very balanced bet.

06/08/2026

You don’t need a financial planner to build a sensible, evidence-based portfolio. We exist to serve a broader set of needs than just portfolio implementation. Financial planning brings alignment between your financial resources and the outcomes that matter most to you. It helps you make high quality decisions, faster, so you can get on with enjoying your life, with a clearer sense of your trajectory.

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)

05/21/2026

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!

05/14/2026

Many couples don’t talk about money until they have to. A cohabitation agreement can help you answer the uncomfortable questions early:

Who pays for what? Who owns what? What happens if things change?

It’s like a pre-nup, but for common-law couples. It can help you define expectations, avoid misunderstandings, and make decisions more easily.

If you’re navigating these conversations or want guidance on how financial planning fits into your relationship, reach out. I’m happy to talk through your options and help you feel more confident moving forward.

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.

05/13/2026

Financial planning starts with goals, constraints, and trade-offs—not products. A portfolio is a tool to execute the plan, not the plan itself. If they can’t explain the specific goal an investment strategy is solving for, it isn’t advice—it’s a pitch.

05/09/2026

While geopolitics continue to dominate headlines, markets have increasingly refocused on underlying economic and earnings fundamentals, pushing U.S. equities to new record highs.

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