Weekly Round-Up -- June 18, 2026

Good morning! First, thank you for the incredible response to Dave's retirement announcement. We've been reading your emails, comments and direct messages, and we're truly grateful for all the kind words and memories you've shared. Your support over the years has meant so much to all of us.

This week Dave sits down with advice-only financial planner Andrea Thompson for a fascinating conversation on one of the fastest-growing areas of financial planning in Canada. They discuss why the advice-only model is gaining momentum, the challenges that come after receiving a financial plan and how Canadians can get more value from professional financial advice. They also explore cross-border planning, 401(k)s, annuities, term insurance and how young adults should balance saving for retirement with buying a home.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

PODCAST
Andrea Thompson: The Growth of Advice-Only Planning & Cross-Border Tips

Our guest this episode is Andrea Thompson — Founder and lead financial planner of Modern Cents, a virtual, advice-only firm she launched in 2022 after more than 16 years in the financial industry. A CFP who also writes and marks the national CFP exam for FP Canada, Andrea built her practice to serve Canadians who have cash flow instead of assets, making quality financial advice accessible to younger people and those below traditional asset minimums.

In this episode, Dave and Andrea dive into the rise of advice-only financial planning in Canada. They explore why she walked away from the traditional model to build Modern Cents, the factors fueling the model's growth, how advice-only planners find clients and where the pricing sweet spot lands. They also break down one of the model's biggest hurdles, the implementation gap between receiving a plan and actually executing it, along with the question of whether financial planners and investment advisors should stay in their respective lanes.

The conversation also explores Andrea's specialty in cross-border financial planning, including the common mistakes Canadian residents make with their US 401(k) accounts. They discuss the overlooked psychological and financial value of annuities and why so many people resist them, how young adults should balance saving for a down payment against retirement, and the case for term insurance over permanent cash value policies.

Whether you're curious about the advice-only model, weighing the value of professional financial advice or navigating the complexities of cross-border planning, this episode is full of practical takeaways you can put to use right away. Tune in now on our website, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcasting platforms!

RETIREMENT PLANNING
What Are the Go-Go, Slow-Go & No-Go Years for Retirees?

Your retirement spending probably won’t stay level for 30 years. Adam Bornn explains why.

RETIREMENT PLANNING
How to Use Your TFSA in Retirement

Adam Bornn explains why the TFSA can be one of the most flexible tools in retirement planning.

THROWBACK THURSDAY
The Most Overlooked Part of Estate Planning

⏪Throwback Thursday: One of the most important estate-planning documents still isn’t in place for far too many Canadians.

“You must get a will but this document is even more important!”

RETIREMENT PLANNING
Should Your Retirement Plan Include a Cash Wedge?

Adam Bornn explains why many retirees should keep a few years of cash outside the market.

RETIREMENT PLANNING
What Should You Do With a 401(k) if You Move Back to Canada?

Andrea Thompson on why many Canadians should leave their 401(k) exactly where it is.

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