At Planning Only, we believe everyone deserves clarity in their financial life. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, managing competing financial priorities, or simply wondering if you’re on the right track – we provide the advice you need, without the conflict of interest. No products. No commissions. Just advice.
1
Comprehensive Financial Assessment
Where do I stand financially right now?
Before planning where you’re going, you need a clear picture of where you are. We take a thorough look at your income, expenses, assets, debts, insurance, and estate situation to give you a complete snapshot of your financial health.
Most clients are surprised to discover both gaps they didn’t know existed and strengths they hadn’t fully recognized. This assessment becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
2
Retirement Income Planning
How much will I need – and when can I retire?
Retirement planning is more than picking a number. We help you model your retirement income from all sources – CPP, OAS, pensions, RRSPs, TFSAs, and non-registered accounts – to build a year-by-year income plan that lasts.
We’ll explore different retirement dates, spending levels, and income strategies so you can see exactly what’s possible and make the decision that’s right for you.
3
Investment Strategy Review
Is my portfolio actually aligned with my goals?
We don’t manage investments or sell products – which means our investment advice is completely unbiased. We review your existing portfolio for fee efficiency, asset allocation, and alignment with your time horizon and risk tolerance.
Many clients discover they’re paying more in fees than necessary, or that their portfolio is positioned for a different life stage than the one they’re in. We give you a clear picture and practical recommendations you can act on.
4
Tax-Efficient Planning
Am I paying more tax than I need to?
Tax planning is one of the highest-value areas of financial planning, yet it’s often overlooked. We look at your full tax picture – income splitting opportunities, RRSP vs. TFSA strategy, withdrawal sequencing in retirement, and available tax credits – to minimize your lifetime tax burden.
Even modest improvements in tax efficiency can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime of planning.
5
Cash Flow & Debt Management
Am I making the most of every dollar today?
A strong financial plan starts with strong cash flow. We help you understand exactly where your money is going, identify opportunities to save and invest more effectively, and develop a strategy for managing any outstanding debt.
Whether you’re focused on paying down a mortgage, managing student debt, or simply trying to save more consistently – we help you build a sustainable system that works for your lifestyle.
6
Estate & Insurance Planning
Have I protected what matters most?
A comprehensive financial plan includes making sure the right protections are in place. We review your insurance coverage, beneficiary designations, and estate documents to identify any gaps that could leave you or your family financially vulnerable.
7
Goal Setting & Prioritization
I have multiple financial goals – how do I prioritize them?
Retirement, kids’ education, a vacation property, paying off the house – most Canadians are managing more than one financial goal at once. We help you understand the trade-offs and build a clear priority order that reflects your values.
You’ll leave with a plan that tells you exactly what to focus on now, what can wait, and why – so you can stop second-guessing and start moving forward.
8
Ongoing Support & Plan Updates
What happens when life changes my plan?
A financial plan isn’t a one-time document – it’s a living tool that needs to evolve as your life does. We provide ongoing support to update and revisit your plan when major life events occur: a job change, inheritance, health event, or shift in your retirement timeline.
Our clients value the confidence that comes from knowing their plan reflects their current reality, not just where they were when we first met.
No products. No commissions. Just clarity.
Next Steps