Simard & Associates Wealth Strategies

05/19/2026

Ever discover a hidden talent about someone that completely catches you off guard? That happened to us today when Jeffrey showed off his skills in the kitchen.

He put together fruit cups for clients that not only taste great, but look incredible too. Safe to say we were all impressed!

05/07/2026

Last week it was Smile Cookies, this week it was McDonald’s for McHappy Day — definitely worth a few extra calories to support two incredibly impactful organizations.

We’re very grateful to be able to support the wonderful families at McDonald House SWO.

Speaking of, we'll be back at RMHC in a couple weeks for another afternoon of baking, keep an eye out for that post coming soon. 👀

05/01/2026

As we near the end of Smile Cookie week, we wanted to share a few photos our team took along the way.

We're so grateful to be able to support such a wonderful organization, Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services. If you haven’t had a chance to grab a cookie yet, there’s still time! Be sure to stop by a Tim Hortons this weekend so you don’t miss out!

04/21/2026

In many of our recent meetings with new clients, we've noticed a growing number of people who still haven't completed a will

Most know they should have one, but it often gets pushed aside until it’s forgotten altogether. Unfortunately, delaying this decision can create unnecessary costs, delays, and stress for the people left behind.

Having a will can help:
• Ensure your assets go where you intend
• Appoint someone you know and trust to handle your estate
• Simplify the estate process
• Reduce confusion or family disputes
• Provide clarity during an emotional time

If you own a home, have children, have savings, and want a say in what happens after you pass, creating a will should become a priority.

If you need guidance on how to get started or to make sure everything is completely properly, reach out to us and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

04/17/2026

We're thrilled to once again sponsor the Kids Run at the 15th Annual Tim Hortons Night Run on August 15th!

As longtime supporters of Maryvale, we're proud to continue to support the incredible work they do for young people and families in our community.

Whether you're running, walking, or cheering on your little ones, we look forward to seeing you there as we come together to support a great cause.

Register here: https://raceroster.com/.../111446/tim-hortons-night-run-2026

Congratulations to The Running Factory and The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County for another successful Spring Thaw!

Looking to get in on the fun?

🗓 Join us Saturday August 15th for the 15th Annual Tim Hortons NIGHT RUN 👟 🏃 🏁 🧁

🔗 Register early and save: https://raceroster.com/.../111446/tim-hortons-night-run-2026

Ground Effects LTD // ENWIN Utilities // Simard & Associates Wealth Strategies // Willis Business Law // Town of LaSalle // CSN J&J Dominion // Hyena // AM800 // The Running Factory

04/08/2026

Do you have open accounts at the bank? If so, when was the last time you checked to see what you’re invested in?

Something a lot of advisors (ourselves included) will tell you is to not check the balance of your investments. Set it and forget about it so you don’t risk making impulsive decisions during downturns.

And generally that’s a good idea, as long as you know what you’re invested in.

Two weeks ago, we met with a new client with no investments aside from his group pension. When we took a closer look, we saw it had been defaulted to an overly cautious portfolio.

Last week, we had a client come in who had been with the bank for the past two years over which she never checked her portfolio. After reviewing her statements, she was shocked to find out her TFSA had been invested in only cash.

The result for both? Years of missed growth.

Do you know what your accounts are being invested in? Bring us a statement for a second opinion.

03/31/2026

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

All of us have goals we hope to achieve someday – buying a home, traveling more, or retiring at a certain age. But without a clear action plan, the timeline and feasibility of those goals often remain uncertain. That’s where financial planning comes in.

For many, creating their first budget is eye-opening. Projections rarely match reality at the start – and that’s completely normal. A budget isn’t meant to be perfect; it’s meant to create awareness. When you know where your money is going, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions that support your future.

What you will find is after a few months of tweaking and sticking to your budget while prioritizing essentials like living expenses, debt repayment, and an emergency fund, something amazing happens. When there’s money left for the things you want, the guilt disappears. You can enjoy those purchases confidently because you know they fit into your plan.

Budgeting often gets a bad reputation. Many associate it with restriction, guilt, or time-consuming spreadsheets. But budgeting doesn’t have to look like that. With consistency and a mindset shift, it becomes one of the highest-return financial habits you can build.

Want to get started on your budgeting journey? DM us and we’ll send you a free budgeting template.

03/26/2026

Ever wonder where your money goes each month?

A common concern across all income levels is the feeling of being behind or stress at the end of the month once all your bills are paid. Very often this isn’t an income issue, but rather a cash flow issue.

Cash flow planning is simply understanding:

• When money comes in (paychecks, side income)
• When money goes out (bills, subscriptions, spending)
• And whether the timing works

When you plan your cash flow, you can ensure bills are paid on time, avoid overdrafts and last-minute stress, and feel more in control of your money.

Once you know the timing of your inflows and outflows align, the next step will be to manage these expenditures through a budget.

Next week, I’ll share the next step: how creating a budget makes cash flow planning actually work.

03/19/2026

Worried about how you’ll afford your child’s future education? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it alone either.

Post-secondary education is expensive. Between tuition, books, housing, and transportation, it’s easy for future education expenses to feel overwhelming. That’s where Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) come in.

RESPs are designed to help families save for education. They offer flexible saving options, tax-deferred growth, and help from the government. You can contribute up to $50,000 per child over the lifetime of the plan, and the money grows without being taxed while it stays in the RESP.

In addition, the government helps boost your savings through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). The grant matches 20% of your annual contributions, up to $500 per beneficiary per year. Any unused grant room can also be carried forward to future years.

If you’re unsure where to start or want to make sure you’re maximizing the benefits of a RESP, reach out to us and let’s create a plan that works for your family.

03/10/2026

Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel on Monday for the first time since 2022 as the war in Iran continues.

Naturally, many people are wondering what this means for them.

Simply put, when oil moves, everything moves. In the short-term, higher oil prices lead to rising fuel costs, increased market volatility, and pressure on industries such as airlines and transportation. Over time, elevated energy costs can work their way through supply chains, contributing to higher grocery prices and increased inflation.

With headlines like these, many investors wonder whether they should be making changes to their portfolio.

For most long-term investors, the answer is no.

Periods of adversity reinforce the importance of diversification. Different sectors and regions react differently to global events. While some industries may face pressure, others – such as energy – will likely benefit.

That’s why we build portfolios that are diversified across industries, countries, and asset classes. While volatility can occur during periods of uncertainty, it’s a normal part of investing. History has shown that markets have consistently recovered and grown over time despite wars, recessions, and geopolitical events.

It’s natural to feel the urge to react during times like these. However, the most effective approach is to block out the short-term noise and stay focused on your long-term plan.

If you’d like to review your portfolio or discuss how current events may affect your financial plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to go through it together.