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The Money Minute Blog

Join us on an exciting journey into the world of financial planning with our Money Minute blog series. Our series consists of short reads and videos that simplify complex financial concepts, making them more understandable and accessible to everyone. Whether you are an experienced investor or just starting your financial journey, our content is tailored to all levels of expertise and investment interests. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting with one of our advisors, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Financial Planning

Navigating Financial Goals with your Partner

Financial harmony is a cornerstone of any strong relationship. By openly discussing your individual financial situations, from income and debts to spending habits and savings goals, you create a solid foundation for shared financial success.

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February 10, 2025
Financial Planning

Intergenerational Homeownership: Risk or Reward?

With housing costs soaring, joint property ownership can help young adults and their parents achieve homeownership together. By sharing mortgage responsibilities, expenses, and building equity, both generations benefit financially. However, careful legal and financial planning is essential.

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November 8, 2024
Brown A framed cabin in a green forest
Financial Planning

What Happens to a Vacation Property After a Death?

Losing a loved one is hard enough, but the future of your cherished vacation home can add extra stress. This blog post offers clear steps to navigate this situation, helping you understand ownership transfer, management, and potential tax implications.

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September 10, 2024
Man in business suit talking with a client
Financial Planning

5 Things a Great Advisor Will Do to Support You

Feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions? You’re not alone. But what if there was a guide by your side, helping you navigate your financial goals and develop a plan for the future? A great financial advisor can do just that, and here are 5 ways they’ll support you on your financial

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August 13, 2024
Silhouette of a super hero standing on a large pile of coins
Financial Planning

Segregated Funds: Superhero or Overpriced Sidekick?

Today we’re diving into the world of Segregated Funds, also known as Seg Funds in the insurance world.

Seg Funds have been getting a lot of buzz lately, often portrayed as the invincible heroes of the investment world. But before you jump on the bandwagon, let’s take a closer look

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July 16, 2024
Couple pointing to a clipboard
Cassandra San

Combining Finances: A Key Step for Your Relationship

Combining finances with your partner is a significant milestone in any relationship, whether you’re getting married, moving in together, or starting a family. This decision requires careful consideration and open communication to ensure a smooth transition and mutual understanding. In this blog post, we’ll explore three essential aspects to discuss

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June 18, 2024
Father handing adult son cash to represent a gift or loan.
Financial Planning

Gifting vs Lending: How to Help Your Adult Kids

As parents, we always want to support our children in any way we can, including financially. However, deciding whether to gift or loan money can be a complex decision, and it’s important to carefully consider the implications of each option.

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April 10, 2024
Lessons learned concept with light bulbs
Financial Planning

Things I Would Tell My 18-Year-Old-Self

The first thing I would tell my 18-year-old self: get a haircut. Oh my, what was I thinking? When my boys turned 13, I reached out to men in our circle of friends and family and asked them what they would have said to their 13-year-old selves. It was fascinating

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December 13, 2023
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Michelle Jones

Administrative Assistant

Michelle, an Administrative Assistant focusing on insurance products and services, aims to provide high-level customer support and build strong client relationships. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and has been working in the financial services industry since 1993. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, baking, reading, and enjoying nature.

Melanie Tessarolo

Melanie Tessarolo

Office Manager

Melanie entered the financial services industry in 2007 and joined our team in 2012. With extensive administrative experience, she ensures the client services team operates smoothly and efficiently. Melanie is dedicated to excellence, ensuring all team members have the resources they need to excel. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time at hockey rinks, riding rings, baseball fields, or camping with her husband, young kids, family, and friends.

Lori Smigel

Lori Smigel

Administrative Assistant

With nearly 20 years of experience in administrative support in the financial services industry, Lori enjoys being part of a team and working with her husband, Mark, to support clients. She is organized and excels in building strong client relationships. Lori is excited to be part of the professional team at Connect Wealth. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, long walks, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Kathe Atkinson

Kathe Atkinson

Bookkeeper
Kathe joined our team in September 2015, bringing her extensive experience in bookkeeping and administration from the travel, legal, and accounting industries. She handles company-related bookkeeping and administrative duties, and also provides administrative services for some of our group clients, facilitating enrollment, withdrawals, and addressing member and employer inquiries. Kathe enjoys working with numbers and is dedicated to supporting the Connect Wealth team. In her free time, she loves planning her next travel adventure, seeking sunshine, and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Kathe is passionate about accounting, accuracy, and looks forward to continuing to serve our clients with excellence.
Eddy Choi

Eddy Choi

Administrative Assistant

Eddy coordinates account openings, transactions, and information updates, ensuring client inquiries are promptly addressed. With experience in various financial companies and a financial planning course from BCIT, Eddy values customer care and efficiency. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her mom, and working at Connect Wealth. Eddy finds satisfaction in completing tasks timely and making clients happy.

Brittany Potter

Administrative Assistant

Brittany is part of our administration team, coordinating investment account needs and ensuring timely and accurate communication. With over 13 years of experience in the investment and financial planning industry, Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and being creative through arts and crafts. Brittany is dedicated to providing helpful and friendly service.

Suzanne Jacob

Suzanne Jacob

Financial Advisor

With a successful management career at New York Life and Canada Life, Suzanne transitioned to financial advising. Her 20 years in management have given her a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of financial planning. Suzanne is passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals and securing the necessary safety nets. She is actively involved in her community, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations. Suzanne enjoys the support of her spouse, Gaynal, and her four-legged friend, Sunny, who handles public relations. Suzanne believes it is never too late to start a conversation about your financial plan.

Corey Barker

CPA, Financial Advisor

Corey is a CPA with a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting from the University of Calgary. He began his career in 2018 at MNP LLP, where he completed his CPA articling and later became a tax specialist and manager. Corey has extensive experience in tax planning, reorganization engagements, and corporate finance. He joined MNP Corporate Finance Inc., serving as a financial advisor to clients in business sales and acquisitions. Committed to helping clients achieve their financial goals, Corey focuses on areas such as tax minimization, maximizing shareholder value, and implementing succession plans. Outside of work, he enjoys physical activities and spending time with his wife, continually seeking knowledge to benefit his clients.

Mark Smigel

BA, BEd, CFP®, EPC™
Certified Financial Planner®, Elder Planning Counsellor

Mark is dedicated to educating clients and assisting with wealth creation and protection. He serves business owners, professionals, and young clients beginning their financial journey. Known for making complex financial concepts relatable, Mark is a valued resource within the accounting community. When not working, he enjoys volunteering, playing hockey, cooking, and reading. Mark resides with his family, serving on various volunteer boards.

Julia Friesen

BSc, CFP® – Certified Financial Planner®

Julia is a Certified Financial Planner with a background in actuarial science, providing her clients with valuable analytical and technical expertise. She holds a BSc in Physics, an LLQP designation, and a CFP® designation. Julia excels at helping clients develop plans that align with their values and achieve their goals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, playing and writing music, and connecting with her husband and three children. Julia looks forward to continuing to add value for her clients and supporting the team at Connect Wealth.

Joey San

Financial Advisor

Having been in the financial planning industry since 1990, Joey specializes in Risk Management and Estate Planning. He holds a Life and Segregated Funds License and has extensive field experience. Joey joined Connect Wealth in 2019 to work with his daughter Cassandra, creating the ultimate father/daughter team. Born in Fiji and relocated to Canada at 12, Joey is married to his high school sweetheart, Rita. They have three children and a grandson, Trysten. In his spare time, Joey enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his grandson. Joey is passionate about providing clients with the best financial advice.

Vince Olfert

MBA, CIM, CFP® – Certified Financial Planner®

Vince specializes in helping business owners and their employees build and protect their wealth. With his years of experience, he understands the financial and emotional issues that come with managing wealth. He was highlighted in Advisors Edge magazine for his work with pensions and group retirement services. Vince continually strives to find new ways to communicate complex financial concepts so they are easy to understand for our clients.

He spends his spare time with his wife and kids, coaching community sports, and volunteering with local youth programs.

Cassandra San

BA, CFP® – Financial Planner

Cassandra San, a Certified Financial Planner, is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. A University of Idaho graduate with a B.A. in Business, she started her career in finance in 2016 alongside her father, emphasizing the importance of accessible financial advice for everyone. Cassandra’s practice takes a holistic approach, ensuring clients receive tailored guidance. Outside of work, she enjoys eating delicious food, working out, and spending quality time with her young family and friends.

Mike Erickson

Mike Erickson

Qualified Associate Financial Planner™

Mike, who joined Connect Wealth in 2013, has a natural ability to connect with clients on both professional and personal levels. He entered the financial planning industry to give clients the confidence they need for their financial futures. Mike oversees the Group Retirement Plan Division, working with companies of all sizes and assisting clients in both saving for retirement and managing decumulation. A graduate of Trinity Western University’s School of Business, Mike holds multiple designations including LLQP and QAFP®. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his sons’ baseball teams, spending family days at the beach, and volunteering in his community. Mike resides in Abbotsford, BC, with his wife Amy and their two boys.

Vince Olfert

MBA, CIM, CFP® – Certified Financial Planner®

Vince specializes in helping business owners and their employees build and protect their wealth. With extensive experience, he understands the financial and emotional challenges of managing wealth. Vince has been highlighted in Advisor’s Edge magazine for his work with pensions and group retirement services. He continually strives to make complex financial concepts easy to understand for clients. In his spare time, Vince enjoys spending time with his family, coaching community sports, and volunteering with local youth programs.