Why You Need a Solid Financial Strategy
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In recent years, the FIRE movement–short for Financial Independence, Retire Early–has gained traction among Canadians looking to leave the workforce decades ahead of the traditional retirement age. While the dream of stepping away from work in your 40s or 50s is exciting, it also raises a big question: how do you make your money last when you could be retired for 30, 40, or even 50 years?
Over the past century, Canadians have seen their lifespans stretch–many now live well into their 80s–yet the age at which they stop working hasn’t shifted much. That extended retirement phase can put a serious strain on your finances.
According to a recent Reddit survey, Canada’s average expected retirement age is around 64, with nearly half planning to retire before 65–but many also lack confidence in...
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The Smart Way to Weather Life’s Storms
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We all know the saying: nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. But there’s another truth we tend to forget–life is full of surprises, and not all of them are good ones.
A sudden job loss. A medical emergency. A serious accident. Even the loss of a loved one. When you think about how many ways life can throw a curveball, the odds of facing at least one major financial shock are high. Many Canadian families are just one missed paycheque away from real trouble. The real question isn’t if something unexpected will happen–it’s when.
So, why don’t more people prepare for it? Often, it’s because we think we’ll have time "later” or...
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Debt-Free Retiring: From Mortgage Stress to Freedom
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Feeling weighed down by debt while trying to save for retirement? You’re not alone. Many Canadians are juggling mortgages, lines of credit, and family expenses while still hoping to retire comfortably.
The numbers tell the story. According to Statistics Canada, the household credit market debt-to-disposable income ratio reached 173.9% in Q1 2025–the second-highest level on record. That means Canadians owe about $1.74 for every dollar they take home. Even though debt servicing costs are stable at around 14.4% of disposable income, the sheer size of household debt can feel overwhelming.
Sam and Marsha, both in their mid-40s, have a 17-year-old daughter, Alicia, who’s gearing up for college. They’ve always been...
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
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Aristotle
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Advantage Securities is a trade name of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI) used for investment business. ACPI is regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (www.iiroc.ca) and member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (www.cipf.ca). The information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Aligned Capital Partners Inc., its affiliates or any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. All opinions expressed in this communication are as of the date of this publication, are subject to change without notice and are provided in good faith but without legal responsibility. Nothing in this publication constitutes legal, accounting or tax advice or individually tailored investment advice. This material is prepared for general circulation to clients and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Products or services referenced may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult your advisor if you are in doubt about the suitability of such investments or services. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investment products are provided through ACPI and include, but are not limited to, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. All non-securities related business conducted by Ryan Peterson of Advantage Financial Services is not in his capacity as an agent of ACPI. Non-securities related business includes, without limitation, fee-based financial planning services; estate and tax planning; tax return preparation services; advising in or selling any type of insurance product; any type of mortgage service. Accordingly, ACPI is not providing and does not supervise any of the above noted activities and you should not rely on ACPI for any review of any non-securities services provided by Ryan Peterson. Past performance is not indicative of future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Every province in Canada has their own laws regulating the types of securities and other investment products which may be offered to their residents, as well as the process for doing so. As a result, any securities discussed in this report may not be eligible for sale in some jurisdictions. No matter contained in this document may be reproduced or copied by any means without the prior consent of the author or ACPI.
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Advantage Financial Services Inc.
3222 Fairway Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1K 8A3
Ph: (403) 381-9195
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