Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Blake Abbott

10/11/2026

Many people think financial planning means picking investments, but investing is just one piece of a much bigger picture.

A real financial plan starts with your goals:

• Paying for your child's education
• Buying that dream cottage
• Retiring on your terms
• Leaving a legacy

Those goals are supported by a strategy where seven components work together:

✅ Financial management
✅ Asset management
✅ Tax considerations
✅ Retirement planning
✅ Risk management
✅ Estate planning
✅ Business planning

Alignment across these areas is what turns a strategy into a real plan.

Let’s talk about building a plan that puts you in control of your financial life.

10/03/2026

If you’re preparing to use your Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for post‑secondary costs, understanding the different types of withdrawals is essential.

What seems like one pool of savings is viewed by the Canada Revenue Agency as three separate components, each treated differently for tax purposes. Knowing how they work can help you plan withdrawals in a way that maximizes funding and minimizes tax.

If you’d like support building a withdrawal strategy, I’m here to help.

Reach out to book a meeting.

Understand RESP withdrawal rules and limits. Learn about EAPs, tax implications, and strategies to maximize education savings.

09/24/2026

If you're facing a job transition right now, I want you to know: this is a moment to pause, not panic.

Losing a job brings uncertainty, not just about your career, but about managing the financial pieces too. Questions like:

• When should I file for EI benefits?
• What happens to my health insurance and retirement savings?
• How do I adjust my budget without sacrificing what matters most?

These are real questions that deserve thoughtful answers, not rushed decisions. You have options, and you don't have to figure them out alone.

Life throws curveballs. My job is to help you respond with a strategy that works for you.

Need someone to talk through your options? Send me a message. Let's work through this together.

Here are some financial steps to keep you on track as you carve a new path ahead in your career.

09/24/2026

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)

08/28/2026

A new school year is just around the corner, and for many families that means it's time to start drawing from an RESP.

Julie Petrera, our Director of Financial Planning at Edward Jones Canada, shared some helpful perspective in The Canadian Press on the mistakes to avoid — like taking from the wrong portion of the account first, or leaving too much invested in equities too close to withdrawal time.

We work with media to share insights like these because the families we serve are asking these same questions every day. By contributing to credible publications, we help bring timely, trustworthy guidance to clients and families across Canada — not just in our own communities, but wherever these conversations are happening.

If education planning is on your mind, reach out. We're here to help.

As the school year approaches, families across the country are getting ready to tap into their registered education savings plans.

08/27/2026

Keeping up with the markets takes time, research, and ongoing attention.

Most mutual funds give you access to professional investment expertise. Experienced portfolio managers actively manage the fund by researching opportunities, adjusting the portfolio as markets change, and making investment decisions on your behalf.

You also have the confidence of knowing exactly what you own, with fund holdings available through regular reporting and the fund's prospectus.

Ready to put professional management to work for your long-term goals? Call me to set up an appointment and let's get started.

08/20/2026

You may have heard of active investing and passive investing. But what's the difference?

Active investing means that your investments are managed by professionals who research and select investments with the goal of outperforming an index. While there's no guarantee of better performance, this can offer greater potential for returns and reduced risk.

Passive investing aims to match the performance of a market index. Your investment typically rises and falls with the market and comes with lower fees.

The good news? You don't have to choose just one approach.

Many well-diversified portfolios include a mix of active and passive investments. The right balance depends on your financial goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk.

Wondering which approach makes sense for you? Let's connect and build an investment strategy that fits your goals.

Learn about the similarities and differences between these two popular investment styles.

08/13/2026

Building a diversified investment portfolio doesn't have to be complicated.

Instead of researching and selecting individual stocks or bonds, a mutual fund gives you exposure to a broad mix of investments through a single purchase.

Depending on the fund, that can include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other asset classes—all professionally managed with a defined investment objective. As the fund grows and generates income, you share in its performance and can often reinvest distributions automatically.

Looking for a simpler way to diversify your investments? Let’s book an appointment and explore how mutual funds could fit into your portfolio

08/06/2026

What’s the best type of investment portfolio?

It's a trick question—there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach.

The right investment strategy depends on where you are in life. A portfolio should reflect your financial goals, time horizon, and comfort with risk—all of which evolve over time.

For example, someone just starting their career will likely have different priorities than someone approaching or enjoying retirement. Earlier in life, long-term growth may be the focus. Later on, preserving wealth and generating income may become more important.

As a financial advisor, I often tell my clients: The best portfolio is the one that's built around you.

Do your investments match your life stage? Let's review your portfolio together.

Things you need to consider as you build a portfolio that’s right for you.