Edward Jones, Financial Advisor Mohamed Emara

06/09/2026

The decision about when to start OAS and how to coordinate it with your other income sources isn't something you should figure out on your own. It's a complex decision with long-term implications.

Many factors influence what makes sense for you. Your current tax rate, your total retirement income, your health, and even your lifestyle all play a role in determining the optimal timing. Some retirees benefit from delaying to avoid the clawback. Others need the income sooner to maintain their desired lifestyle.

The goal isn't just to maximize your OAS benefit. It's to create a coordinated retirement income strategy that supports the life you want to live.

I can help you understand your options and create a strategy that fits your situation.

06/07/2026

When markets feel uncertain, it's natural to want to wait until things calm down before investing. The challenge is that the "right time" rarely feels obvious in the moment, and waiting comes with its own risks.

Think about it this way: someone who waits three years to begin investing gives up three years of potential compound growth. Over a 30-year timeframe, those early years can make a real difference. Time is one of the most valuable tools in long-term investing, and you can't get it back once it's gone.

This doesn't mean you should ignore your personal circumstances. Your financial situation, goals, and comfort level all matter. But if you're waiting for perfect market conditions, you might be waiting a long time.

If you've been putting off investment decisions because conditions don't feel right, let's talk about what's holding you back and what might make sense for your situation.

06/06/2026

Last week's blowout U.S. payroll report underlined the improvement in the U.S. labour market this year, with hiring accelerating and broadening across sectors, signaling a more durable foundation for growth. Canadian employment data were also surprisingly strong, reversing some of the weakness in hiring this year.

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

06/05/2026

One of the most helpful exercises families can do when budgeting is distinguishing between needs and wants. Your mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are essential. They keep your household running.

But wants aren't bad. Dining out, travel, and gifts for family and friends add meaning to life. The key is setting boundaries around them so they don't pull you off course from what's most important to you.

When you prioritize together as a family, you build healthier financial habits. Small adjustments in your discretionary spending can create meaningful savings over time without feeling like deprivation.

If you're looking to align your family's spending with your values and goals, let's talk. We can help you create a budget that reflects what matters most.

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

06/05/2026

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

06/03/2026

Market headlines can be overwhelming. One day it's good news, the next day it's concerning. When you're trying to make sound financial decisions, all that noise can make it hard to know what's right for you.

This is where personalized guidance can make a difference. Your goals, your timeline, and your comfort level with risk are unique to you. A strategy built around your specific situation helps you tune out the daily market chatter and stay focused on what you're working toward.

Working together, we can create a plan that reflects your priorities and helps give you confidence, no matter what's happening in the markets.

Let's build a strategy that's designed for you.

When considering where to invest your hard-earned money, it's natural to wonder: should I wait for conditions to settle before investing?

05/30/2026

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can be an effective way to prepare for future education costs, but it’s important to understand your options if plans change.

RESP rules outline how contributions, earnings and government incentives are treated, and with the right approach, it’s often possible to preserve a significant portion of the savings while managing any tax implications.

If you’d like guidance on how to navigate RESP decisions and protect the value of your contributions, I’m here to help.

Reach out to book a meeting.

You may have been investing for years for your child or grandchild's post-secondary education. But what happens if they decide not to go to university or college? In this article, we outline what happens to your contributions, the government grants and investment growth.

05/30/2026

Markets closed last week hopeful that a U.S.–Iran peace deal will finally help unwind the shock to global energy markets seen this year, with equities hitting new record highs and bonds rebounding.

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

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)

05/26/2026