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How to Live the Life You Want with the Money You Have

Posted on: April 15, 2025

By Sheila Walkington, Co-Founder and CFO

How to Live the Life You Want with the Money You Have

There’s a LOT going on in the world right now, and much of it is out of the control of the average person. At times like this, it can be useful – vital even! – to take a breath and focus on what IS within your control to create a fulfilling, happy life.

Money does not buy happiness. You’ve heard that before. Many studies of happiness have shown that relationships, a positive attitude, working towards goals and helping others, are at the core. Even exercise and pet ownership are considered contributing factors. How much money is in your bank account doesn’t even make the list.

On the other hand, constant struggle and worry about money can certainly rob you of happiness. Luckily, whether or not you struggle with money has less to do with how much you have and much more to do with your mindset. That’s why being a Money Coach brings me so much happiness. I have the opportunity to help people overcome their money struggles and gain mastery over their finances.

I also have the opportunity to dispel the misconception that money mastery is synonymous with giving up all the fun stuff you enjoy and thinking only of a distant retirement or being prepared for a “rainy day.” As a Money Coach, I don’t set your priorities; I help you determine what matters most to you. The approach Money Coaches Canada, co-founder Karin Mizgala and I developed in our book Unstuck, is focused on the concepts: Dream, Plan, Live. Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting and Cash Flow, Money Coaching, Relationship to money


5 tax filing tips to save you time and money as you file your 2024 taxes

Posted on: March 18, 2025

By Noel D’Souza, CFP®
Director, Communications

Save Time and Money at Tax Time

If the thought of tax season makes you squirm, you’re not alone, but being prepared, filing on time and knowing what you can deduct will help you get the job done with more left over in your pocket.

As usual, this year’s income tax filing deadline is April 30th for most individuals. If you’re self-employed you have until June 15th to file (June 16th this year since the 15th falls on a Sunday), but any amounts owing to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) are still due by April 30th.

While a couple of months would seem like plenty of time, the natural tendency to put off unpleasant tasks can leave you in a last-minute scramble to find receipts for children’s activities, medical expenses or other deductible expenses. A lot of tax time stress comes from a time crunch that is avoidable.

If you break the process down into manageable chunks, when it comes time to deliver your documents to your accountant or sit down to file from your computer, you will feel calmer and more organized.

Here are 5 tax filing tips to save you time and money:
Continue reading →

Posted in For your information, Small Business, taxes


Navigating Tumultuous Times

Posted on: February 27, 2025


The current political climate, both domestic and international, is causing many Canadians to feel stressed and uncertain about their jobs, finances, purchases, travel… broadly speaking, their way of life and prospects for the future. A few of our clients have asked their coaches, “What should we do to deal with what’s going on in the world?” 

To our clients, first of all know that you are working with an experienced financial professional who is on your side and works with your best interests at heart. When we say we’re here to help take the worry out of money, we mean it! Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Planning, Money Coaching


5 Investment Strategy Tips for the Soon-To-Be Retired

Posted on: February 18, 2025

By Karin Mizgala, Co-Founder and CEO Money Coaches Canada

Investments

It’s not uncommon for folks approaching retirement to think that retirement planning is finally behind them. They’ve put in the years of saving and investing; now it’s time to Google hotels in Santorini, Greece, right? Well, it is… and it isn’t! There are many decisions about your savings and investments that you need to make to ensure that you can kick back and enjoy retirement. Continue reading →

Posted in Investing, Money Coaching, Retirement savings


What Does A Money Coaches Canada Client Look Like?
Three Success Stories

Posted on: January 28, 2025

By Noel D’Souza, CFP®

There is still a lot of confusion around what a Financial Planner – never mind a Money Coach! – does, what kind of people work with a planner, and how might those clients benefit from the ongoing relationship and advice received.

Years ago, shortly after I started working as a Financial Planner, a neighbour asked me what I did for a living. When he learned I was a Financial Planner, his immediate response was “I wish I had money to invest. When I do, I’ll give you a call.”

Continue reading →

Posted in Money Coaching


Welcoming our newest Money Coach, Jodie Stauffer!

Posted on: January 24, 2025

We are thrilled to introduce our newest Money Coach and Financial Planner, Jodie L Stauffer, CFP®, who joined us in December 2024.

Jodie has built her financial knowledge for over 25 years in a variety of professional roles, with experience in mortgages, insurance, and investments, and as a traditional financial advisor.

In addition, her life experience as a businesswoman, a mother of 3 daughters and a wife, and a woman living with ADHD means she truly understands the pressure and stress her clients often face in their daily lives and can help them navigate complex and difficult financial choices.

Jodie is passionate about what she loves, which includes building long-term relationships with her clients so she can help them make the most of their resources to create the life they want.

Welcome aboard Jodie!!

Posted in Financial Planning, Meet Our Money Coaches, Money Coaching


Celebrate the Holidays without Going Broke

Posted on: December 17, 2024

At this time of year the topic of getting through the holidays without financial stress invariably comes up. In a recent BMO holiday spending survey, over half (54%) said thinking about holiday spending causes financial anxiety.

After enduring several years of relatively high inflation and interest rates, 79% plan to cut back on spending during the holiday season. On average, survey respondents plan to spend $519 on holiday gifts and $1,991 when you include holiday travel, entertainment, and other expenses, though 21% are not confident they will pay off their holiday bills on time.

Here are 4 tips to help you avoid the post-holiday hangover: Continue reading →

Posted in Budgeting and Cash Flow, Relationship to money


The Money Coaches Canada Difference

Posted on: November 12, 2024

By Noel D’Souza, CFP®
Director, Communications

In our last post, we made a bold claim: investing in advice-only financial planning may be the best investment you’ll ever make.

As Canada’s leading provider of advice-only financial planning and money coaching, Money Coaches Canada and our associates go above and beyond to help you reach your goals. Every day, we deliver the clarity that comes from comprehensive financial planning and the peace of mind of having a money coach by your side to guide you along your financial journey. Continue reading →

Posted in 7 Stages of Financial Well-Being®, Financial Planning, Money Coaching


Advice-Only Financial Planning: The Best Investment You’ll Ever Make

Posted on: September 17, 2024

By Noel D’Souza, CFP®
Director, Communications

When someone asks me what I do and I tell them I’m a financial planner, it’s not uncommon to see their guard immediately go up just a little bit. They often assume there’s a sales pitch coming.

This perception of financial “advisors” as salespeople isn’t without some basis in reality. In Canada, the vast majority of financial advice is tied to product sales of one kind or another. This can introduce a conflict of interest and make one wonder: is this advice best for me, or is it best for the advisor?
Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Planning, Money Coaching


Top 5 Money Challenges Faced by Small Business Owners

Posted on: August 13, 2024

By Val Kumagai, BES, CFP®, Money Coach and Financial Planner

Portrait Of Couple Running Coffee Shop Behind Counter

Most people who start a business don’t do it for the sole purpose of making money. There are usually much easier ways to earn a living than to build a business.

At the risk of sounding mystical, it’s more often a “soul purpose” that creates the energy behind entrepreneurial success. People who start businesses are passionate about what they do. But here’s the thing: the people who stay in business, the people who thrive and grow, are also practical about what they can and can’t do.

They know that even if they don’t feel comfortable in the world of profits and losses, debts, taxes, budgets and succession planning, learning how to take control of their money and having a financial plan in place will make them more successful – and allow them to continue doing what they love.

Here are the top five money challenges you’ll face as a small business owner: Continue reading →

Posted in Money Coaching


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