Rebekah Earle - Scotia Wealth Management

09/01/2026

There is a conversation many families know they should have, but keep putting off:

“If something happened and you needed help, what would you want us to know?”

This does not need to begin as a discussion about money or inheritance. It may simply mean talking about:

• Where important documents are kept
• Who has been named as power of attorney
• Who the executor is
• Whether account and insurance beneficiaries are current
• What type of help would be preferred if living independently became difficult
• Which lawyer, accountant, or advisor should be contacted

These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but having them early allows everyone to speak openly and make thoughtful decisions. Waiting for an emergency usually makes an already difficult situation harder.

You do not need to cover everything at once. Even one conversation is a meaningful start.

Has your family had this discussion yet, or is it still on the “we really should do that” list?

08/19/2026

Trusts can sound complicated, formal, or like something only very wealthy families use.

But often, the conversation is much more practical.

A trust may be considered when someone wants to protect children or grandchildren, provide structure for how money is used, plan for a blended family, or keep estate matters more private.

It is not something everyone needs, but it can be a useful tool when there is a clear planning objective.

The real question is not necessarily “Should I set up a trust?”

It is “What am I trying to accomplish for the people I care about?”

This article is a helpful starting point if you have ever wondered where a trust might fit into an estate plan:

Read the article:

Trusts have been around for centuries and used in many different circumstances. While there are many types of trusts, they share a common purpose: to help protect your beneficiaries and transfer property effectively.

08/13/2026

One thing that still surprises people is how often I meet clients who have done so much right financially, but still do not have a Will in place.

I see it all the time.

Clients with corporations.
Clients with blended families.
Clients with estranged children.
Clients with significant wealth and complicated family dynamics.

And sometimes, after our first meeting, the most important “next step” is not about investments at all. It is helping them recognize that they need to get a proper Will completed.

My day-to-day work is focused on investment management and financial planning, but a good financial plan also has to consider what happens if life does not go according to plan.

A Will can help provide clarity for your family, reduce stress during an already difficult time, and make sure your wishes are properly documented.

I shared more about this here:

https://rebekahearle.ca/perspectives-podcast-so-what-exactly-is-a-will/

If you have been putting this off, you are definitely not alone. But it may be one of the most important planning items to move up the list.

Estate planning should always involve qualified legal advice, but your financial advisor can help make sure it is part of the broader conversation.

07/15/2026

The Goal Isn't To Be Rich.

It's to have options.

The ability to:
✅ Take a better job, even if it pays a little less
✅ Spend more time with your family
✅ Weather an unexpected expense without panic
✅ Help your children when they need it
✅ Retire on your terms—not because you have to

People often think financial planning is about investment returns.

In my experience, it's really about creating choices and reducing stress.

The earlier you start making intentional financial decisions, the more options future-you will have.

If money wasn't a factor, what's one thing you'd change about your life today?

I'd love to hear your answer in the comments.

For informational purposes only. Not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice.

07/07/2026

Financial planning is rarely about one decision in isolation.

A typical client conversation may start with a question about retirement income or investments — but it often leads into broader planning areas like taxes, estate considerations, family goals, business succession, insurance needs, or legacy planning.

That’s the nature of comprehensive wealth planning: everything is connected.

In my work with clients, I often see the value of having the right professionals involved in the conversation. Where a client is comfortable, that may mean connecting with their accountant, lawyer, banker, insurance advisor, or other trusted professionals so that everyone is working from the same information and toward the same goals.

Collaboration helps ensure advice is not being provided in silos — and that the plan reflects the full picture.

This article highlights why a team-based approach can be so valuable when building a thoughtful wealth plan.

Here are three reasons why collaborating with the right team can help you reach your financial destination with confidence.

06/30/2026

This report really reflects what I see in my own work with clients every day.

The difference isn’t just in returns—it’s in how prepared people feel for the unexpected, how confidently they make decisions, and how they handle uncertainty when it comes up.

That’s the part of financial planning that doesn’t show up in performance charts—but makes a meaningful difference in real life.

VANCOUVER, B.C. and TORONTO, ON – June 29, 2026 – The Financial Resilience Institute, in partnership with FP Canada™, has released its new research and Financial Health and Resilience Index analytics demonstrating the positive relationship between financial planning and improved financial ...

06/26/2026

This is something I think a lot of families can relate to.

Often, conversations about aging don’t happen around a boardroom table or during a perfectly planned family meeting.
They happen in real life.

After a parent has a health scare.
After one spouse starts worrying about being left alone.
After adult children realize they don’t know where anything is — the will, the power of attorney, the account details, the insurance information, the passwords, the plan.

And when those conversations happen during a stressful moment, everything feels heavier.

That’s why I’m such a believer in talking about these things before there’s a crisis.

Not because it’s always comfortable.

But because it can bring a real sense of peace.

A strong wealth plan isn’t just about investments. It’s about income, taxes, estate planning, health care decisions, family communication, and making sure the right people know what to do when the time comes.

I'm sharing a practical checklist to help seniors and their families start thinking through the important pieces.

You can read it here: https://rebekahearle.ca/wealth-planning-checklist-for-seniors/

If this makes you think of your parents, your grandparents, or even your own future planning — it may be a good conversation starter.

Because the goal isn’t just to have a plan.

It’s to give the people you love confidence, direction, and fewer decisions to make in a difficult moment.

The following checklist outlines some common wealth planning considerations to think about as you enter retirement.

06/18/2026

Your financial health matters just as much as other areas of wellbeing. This article shares seven simple and practical steps to help you feel more organized, prepared, and confident about your finances.

Sometimes a few small adjustments — whether around planning, saving, or thinking ahead — can go a long way in creating more peace of mind.

If you'd like to chat about your own plan, feel free to reach out.

https://rebekahearle.ca/seven-steps-to-improve-your-financial-health-now/

06/09/2026

3 tax mistakes I see (way too often) in retirement planning 👇

When onboarding new clients, there are a few key tax planning areas I always review—because small adjustments here can have a big long-term impact.

Here are 3 that stand out:

1️⃣ Taking only the minimum from RRIFs
It feels safe… but waiting too long can actually mean paying more tax later.

2️⃣ Not using TFSA room
If there’s room to move money into a TFSA and it’s not being used, that’s missed tax-free growth every single year.

3️⃣ Not paying attention to where investments are held
Same investments, different accounts = very different tax outcomes.

The big takeaway:
👉 It’s not just about what you invest in…
👉 It’s about how everything works together

A good plan isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about keeping more of it.

Curious—has anyone ever walked you through this side of your financial plan before?

06/02/2026

Have you ever wondered if your estate or legacy plan really reflects your life today?

Women are living longer, building more wealth, and often taking on more financial responsibility — which makes planning ahead more important than ever.

This short article walks through a few key things to think about, whether you're planning for yourself, your family, or your business.

It's an easy read — and might spark a few good conversations at home.

If you ever want to walk through this in more detail, I'm always happy to help.

rebekahearle.ca