Travis Strain, CFP

Call Directions Website

Travis Strain, CFP Financial Planning, Investments, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and Group Insurance Ltd.

What we do is to consolidate all of your family assets (Investments, Annuities, and Insurances (Life, Critical Illness, Disability, and Group Insurance)) into one balanced program so that you can improve your asset accumulation in less time with fewer risks along the way. Mutual funds and Segregated funds provided by Fund Companies are offered through Worldsource Financial Management Inc., sponsoring mutual fund dealer. Other Products and Services are offered by 1038105 B.C.

One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is treating a mortgage renewal letter like a form that needs to be sig...
10/24/2026

One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is treating a mortgage renewal letter like a form that needs to be signed and returned.

A renewal is really an opportunity to review your options. The rate matters, but so do things like penalties, prepayment privileges, flexibility, and how the mortgage fits with your plans over the next few years.

A mortgage that looks cheaper on paper isn't always the better deal.

If you need a trusted Mortgage Broker to chat with, just ask!

Homeowners may be tempted to take the mortgage rate offered in a renewal letter, but savvy borrowers see it as the start of a negotiation process that could lead to big savings.

One of the most common questions I hear when markets get rough is, "Should I just move everything to cash until this set...
10/22/2026

One of the most common questions I hear when markets get rough is, "Should I just move everything to cash until this settles down?"

What I've noticed over the years is that most successful retirement plans aren't built around predicting the next market move. They're built around matching money to when it's needed.

If money is needed in the next few years, some stability makes sense. If it's for 10, 20, or 30 years down the road, the decision deserves a little more thought than whatever headline happens to be dominating the news this week.

Market swings tempt many near-retirees to move to cash. A financial coach explains when it’s smart planning and what to ask before you sell.

Obesity-related health issues continue to rise globally, and governments are shifting their approach from education camp...
10/20/2026

Obesity-related health issues continue to rise globally, and governments are shifting their approach from education campaigns to policies that influence everyday food choices.

Measures such as warning labels, restrictions on junk food marketing, and taxes on sugary products appear to be changing both consumer behaviour and how food companies formulate their products.

The bigger question is: how much responsibility should individuals carry, and how much should governments shape the environment around them?

As obesity rates rise, governments are moving beyond health advice to restrict junk-food marketing and sales—can tougher rules succeed where persuasion has fallen short?

Old Age Security is back in the spotlight as Canadians debate how government resources should be shared across generatio...
10/17/2026

Old Age Security is back in the spotlight as Canadians debate how government resources should be shared across generations.

Some groups are calling for OAS to remain broadly available, while others argue benefits should be more targeted based on income and financial need. The conversation reflects larger challenges around retirement security, housing affordability, and intergenerational fairness.

No changes have been announced, but it's a discussion worth following. How should Canada balance support for retirees with the needs of younger families?

Canada’s largest seniors’ advocacy group is pushing back on the idea that seniors get too much help from Ottawa.

Mortgage trends are shifting in Canada. More homeowners are choosing short-term and variable-rate mortgages to access lo...
10/15/2026

Mortgage trends are shifting in Canada. More homeowners are choosing short-term and variable-rate mortgages to access lower rates today, but that also means greater exposure to future rate increases and economic uncertainty.

As borrowing decisions become more sensitive to interest rates, housing activity may become more vulnerable to policy changes and external events.

For many families, the trade-off comes down to cost versus certainty. How much value do you place on stability when making long-term financial decisions?

Less than 10 per cent chose five-year, fixed mortgage, long considered industry standard.

Many people assume financial planning is mainly about investment returns. This article highlights something different: o...
10/13/2026

Many people assume financial planning is mainly about investment returns. This article highlights something different: organization, preparedness, and having a clear plan for life's "what ifs."

The author discovered that gathering key documents, reviewing risks, and involving both spouses in planning revealed gaps that had little to do with market performance. Sometimes the biggest value of a financial plan is clarity and confidence, not just portfolio management.

What financial information would your family need tomorrow if you weren't there to explain it?

Handing the financial reins to somebody else can teach you a lot about your blind spots.

One of the most common retirement questions is whether to take Old Age Security at 65 or delay it until 70.Delaying OAS ...
10/10/2026

One of the most common retirement questions is whether to take Old Age Security at 65 or delay it until 70.

Delaying OAS can increase lifetime payments by as much as 36%, creating more guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income later in retirement. But the decision isn't purely about maximizing dollars. Health, lifestyle, family priorities, and how you want to spend your early retirement years all matter.

Retirement planning is often about balancing financial security with enjoying life today. What factors would matter most in your decision?

If you have severe health concerns or a shortened life expectancy, there is no financial argument for delaying.

Retirement planning isn't just about investments. It's also about simplifying your life.Many retirees focus on downsizin...
10/08/2026

Retirement planning isn't just about investments. It's also about simplifying your life.

Many retirees focus on downsizing their home, but there may be other opportunities to improve cash flow and reduce responsibilities. Unused vehicles, rental properties, electronics, furniture, and other possessions can create ongoing costs or maintenance that no longer fit your retirement lifestyle.

A successful retirement plan should consider both your finances and how you want to spend your time. What could you simplify today that your future self would thank you for?

Downsizing in retirement can help simplify your lifestyle, lower expenses and even create extra income. In addition to moving to a smaller home, retirees may benefit from selling unused items, reducing financial accounts, and cutting unnecessary costs.

The TFSA remains one of the most valuable savings and investment tools available to Canadians. Growth and withdrawals ar...
10/06/2026

The TFSA remains one of the most valuable savings and investment tools available to Canadians. Growth and withdrawals are completely tax-free, and any unused contribution room carries forward indefinitely.

If you've been eligible since 2009 and have never contributed, you may have up to $109,000 of contribution room available in 2026. Analysts are also expecting the 2027 annual limit to increase from $7,000 to $7,500, although that hasn't been confirmed yet.

Just remember: TFSA overcontributions can result in penalties, so it's worth checking your available room before making a deposit.

Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) are one of the most popular tools for retirement savings. Since you contribute funds that you’ve already paid taxes on, you’ll enjoy tax-free growth. However, the government places limitations on how much you can contribute every year and overall.

Interest rates may feel high, but history tells a different story.While recent rate increases have created challenges fo...
10/03/2026

Interest rates may feel high, but history tells a different story.

While recent rate increases have created challenges for borrowers, today's rates are still below average levels seen throughout much of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The bigger concern isn't where rates are today, but how quickly they've risen and what they may signal about inflation, global conflict, and economic growth.

A good reminder that market headlines often focus on the short term, while history provides a much broader perspective.

History shows that the markets and the economy flourished when rates were even higher than today’s. But, our columnist notes, those times didn’t last.

Address

#210/9084 Glover Road
Langley, BC
V1M0E6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16043086030

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Travis Strain, CFP posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category