When you were young, saving up for something exciting might have been as simple as putting your allowance in a jar until you had enough money to buy that awesome Lego set (or maybe a new bike, if you were dreaming big). As adults, we have the same fundamental desire and goals—to earn and save money in order to get the things we want in life. It’s a little more complicated now—instead of a Lego set, you may be saving up for your child’s education or a house—but with expert guidance and dedication to your goals, it’s entirely possible.
Financial advice isn’t one-size-fits-all because we all dream differently, but also because our goals change throughout different stages of life. This is sometimes referred to as the generation gap—essentially, the difference in priorities and approach between different age groups or generations. It’s not a bad thing—it just means having to evolve (and working with an advisor who understands how to connect your personal evolution to the evolution of your financial plan).
Here’s a brief overview of how your priorities may change over time and how Interior Savings can help support the evolution of your career, family and financial goals. To learn more or for personalized financial advice, please contact us! Our advisors would be glad to hear from you.
What younger Canadians are saving towards
If you’re a new grad, young professional or other individual in the early stages of your career and/or family life, you are likely looking ahead to a future that involves the following:
- Home ownership: Saving for a down payment on your first home? This may include investing in a TFSA or the new FHSA, and/or using funds from an RRSP as part of the Home Buyer’s Plan. Talk to our team to get personalized advice that reflects your goals and financial situation!
- Debt reduction: If you have debt, reducing and eventually eliminating it should be a high priority in your financial plan. Younger individuals may have student debt or a car loan in addition to any consumer debt they’re holding. Our team can help you create a budget that addresses your debt and strengthens your financial position.
- Saving for a child’s education: Raising children isn’t cheap—diapers alone should be a budget line for new parents!—but the cost of having a family doesn’t end with formula, groceries and extracurricular activities. If you’d like to support your child’s post-secondary education, talk to an Interior Savings advisor about RESPs and other investment options. We can also provide guidance related to paying for daycare or private school.
What older Canadians are thinking about:
Once you’re well-established in your career and your family is more mature, your goals will evolve. Here are some common objectives among older Canadians. Remember, “older” doesn’t mean old—you may be thinking about these things in your thirties or forties, and definitely should be thinking about them if you’re 50 or older!
- Retirement: Whether you’ve put off retirement planning or have been thinking about it for years, our team is here to help you plan for this exciting stage of life. This may include an RRSP, TFSA and other investments as well as insurance policies.
- Helping dependents purchase a home: With an increasingly competitive housing market and a high cost of living in many parts of the country, a lot of Canadian parents are interested in helping their adult children buy their first home. If this is a goal you’ve been thinking about, ask us for personalized advice.
- Caring for aging parents: As Canadians age, they may incur unexpected healthcare costs (private care to support aging in place, medical equipment, moving into a nursing facility, etc). Whether you’re paying for your own medical care or supporting an aging parent, these costs (or potential costs) should be considered.
- Estate planning: If you’ve been able to enjoy a great career, save and invest your money, own property and retirement (or come close to retirement), it may be the right time to think about estate planning. This comprehensive part of your financial plan allows you to design the legacy you want to leave behind one day, whether that’s intergenerational wealth, a meaningful philanthropic impact or both.
Interior Savings is here to help
Skilled financial advice is beneficial to Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life, and it can help you live the way you want and enjoy peace of mind. If you’d like to know more about financial planning and investment management services from Interior Savings, please contact us. Our team of knowledgeable, dedicated advisors is here to help identify your goals and develop a plan to reach them, and to strategically amend those goals and plans over time. Thanks for reading—we look forward to working with you!