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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. Featuring short reads and videos, this series offers practical financial resources that simplify complex concepts, making them more understandable and accessible to everyone. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just beginning 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 don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Financial Planning

Financial Planning in a Rapidly Changing World

If the last five years have taught us anything, it’s that change is constant. From pandemic shutdowns to geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and an accelerating tech landscape, the world feels more unpredictable than ever. And in this kind of environment, the need for a thoughtful, flexible financial plan isn’t just

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September 9, 2025
Retirement Planning

Retirement Planning: Navigating the New Landscape

Retirement planning has never been more complex—or more critical. In the past five years, changing tax rules, shifting pension structures, and global uncertainties have created new challenges for Canadians nearing retirement. Whether your goal is tax efficiency, wealth preservation, or legacy planning, Connect Wealth is here to guide you through

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October 8, 2024
Canadian Economy

2024 Federal Budget Highlights

The 2024 budget appears to be fairly benign on the surface. And for those who are getting started in life, there are some beneficial helps. For business owners and corporations, the new capital gains inclusion rate has items that we need to be paying attention to.   Capital gains inclusion

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April 18, 2024
Young couple having fun in room on moving day
Tax Planning

Tax-Free Money for Your First Home

Canada’s First Home Savings Account lets you stash away $8,000 annually, up to a max of $40,000, all tax-free in and out. Watch your savings grow tax-free, and if home plans change, seamlessly transfer to an RRSP. It’s a no-brainer for financial success!

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February 13, 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
Retirement Planning

How Much Do I Need to Retire?

One of the most frequently asked questions when meeting with prospective clients is, “How much do I need to retire?”  The simple answer is: it depends. Many varying factors are considered for each situation. The hope is that this article will remove some of the mystery around figuring out how

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June 26, 2023
Canadian Economy

2023 Federal Budget Highlights

There was much speculation on what would be coming in the 2023 Federal Budget. Many economists that we follow predicted that tax increases were not possible based on the current tax levels, but the capital gains inclusion rate was on the table as well as several benefits for lower-income Canadians.

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March 30, 2023
Financial Literacy

What Does the Coming Recession Mean for Me?

The news and economists are priming our country to expect a recession. The article, “‘All but set in stone’: More economists join chorus predicting a Canadian recession” Financial Post, September 19, 2022, outlines predictors for a recession. What does it mean for Canada to go into recession? How will it impact our lives?

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November 30, 2022
Canadian Economy

2022 Federal Budget Highlights

The federal budget released April 2022 is an interesting budget. Many things happened we didn’t see coming and some expected things didn’t. This update will focus only on the main points I think will be of most interest to our clients. First Home Savings Accounts (FHSA) The biggest news is

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April 13, 2022

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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

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

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

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

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

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.