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Improve Your Life By Spending With Intention

/ Jesse Ogloff

One of the most powerful financial concepts has nothing to do with stock picking, market timing, or complex strategies. It’s simply understanding what today’s spending could become if it were invested and allowed to compound and grow over time.

This isn’t about guilt or deprivation, it’s about awareness and intentionality. You should choose to spend money on things that truly improve your own life, while minimizing spending on things that don’t. Everyone is going to have a different answer to what truly brings them joy. It may be the daily coffee, the game on their phone, or spending quality time with the people that we care about. The point of the exercise is to determine what it is for you.

Small amounts may not feel meaningful in the moment, but over long periods of time, they can grow into surprisingly large numbers. At a 10% annual rate of return, money roughly doubles every 7–8 years. To illustrate this, let’s look at what common everyday expenses might be worth 30 years from now, assuming a 10% annual compound rate of return.

A $10 coffee doesn’t feel significant and for many people, it’s a daily ritual they genuinely enjoy. Invested instead, that same $10 could grow to approximately $175 over 30 years. This isn’t a suggestion to give up coffee. It’s simply a reminder that even small, recurring expenses have an opportunity cost and it’s worth understanding what that cost is. Would you still buy the coffee every day if you thought of it like you were spending $175 when you got to the counter?

A $100 dinner with friends or family can be money very well spent if it creates memories and enjoyment. From a purely financial perspective, that $100 could grow to about $1,745 over 30 years if invested. Sometimes the experience is worth far more than the future value and that’s perfectly okay.

A $1,000 purchase may feel like a one-time, justified expense. Left invested for 30 years at 10%, that same $1,000 could grow to roughly $17,449. Larger discretionary purchases naturally carry larger opportunity costs, which is why being intentional matters most when spending more.

One-time purchases are easy to evaluate. Habits are where the real impact occurs — because repetition plus time is where compounding truly shines. Here are two examples, using the same expenses above for a daily coffee during the work week and a weekly restaurant bill.

For our first example, let’s assume that you purchase a $10 coffee, 5 days per week, every week of the year. Let’s assume that you do this over the course of your 30-year career. This would work out to $2,600 per year that you’ve spent on coffee. If that $2,600 were invested annually instead, over 30 years it could grow to approximately $427,000. That number surprises many people, not because coffee is “bad,” but because consistency matters far more than size. If your daily coffee is something you genuinely enjoy and look forward to, it may be money well spent. If it’s simply a default habit, this is where awareness can make a meaningful difference.

Our second example assumes that you treat yourself to a once per week restaurant dinner, where you spend $100. That equals $5,200 per year spent on restaurant meals. Invested instead, over the course of 30 years, that annual amount could grow to roughly $855,000 over 30 years. Dining out can be about connection, convenience, and enjoyment — all valid reasons to spend money. The key question isn’t “Should I spend this?” It’s “Is this spending aligned with how much value it adds to my life?”

This exercise is not about cutting all enjoyment from your life or optimizing every dollar. It’s about recognizing that small amounts add up over time, understanding the opportunity cost of habits, and making conscious decisions about where your money goes. If something brings real joy, meaning, or convenience then spend confidently.

The goal is to reduce spending on things that don’t actually improve your quality of life, and redirect those dollars toward long-term investing or things in your life that personally bring you joy. We rarely regret spending money on things we truly enjoy. We often regret the money that disappeared without meaning. Understanding what today’s spending could become tomorrow gives you clarity, not restriction. Awareness leads to control, control leads to better choices and better choices compound, just like investments do.

Jesse Ogloff, B.Comm, PFP, CFP, CIM, CFDS

Associate Wealth Advisor / Associate Portfolio Manager

CIBC Wood Gundy

Appendix :

Assumes a 10% annual compound rate of return over 30 years

Amount Spent TodayFuture Value in 30 Years
$10~$175
$100~$1,745
$1,000~$17,449

Habit-Based Examples (Annual Investing):

  • $2,600 per year (daily coffee): ~$427,000
  • $5,200 per year (weekly restaurant): ~$855,000

Returns are illustrative only and not guaranteed.

Guiding Through Life’s Transitions: Announcing My CFDS Designation

/ Jesse Ogloff

Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions — emotionally, personally, and financially. Having guided families through life’s many milestones, I’ve often seen how uncertainty about the financial impact of separation can add an extra layer of stress during an already challenging time.

That’s why I’m proud to share that I’ve earned the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS) designation through the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists — a certification that deepens my ability to help individuals and families navigate the financial complexities of divorce with clarity, fairness, and empathy.

What Is a CFDS?

A Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist is a financial professional — often a planner or accountant — who has specialized training in divorce-related financial analysis. CFDS professionals work with clients (and often their legal teams) to evaluate the short- and long-term implications of proposed settlements, including:

•           Division of property, pensions, and investments

•           Tax implications and income planning

•           Household budgeting and lifestyle sustainability

•           Child and spousal support scenarios

•           Retirement and long-term financial projections

By using specialized software and forecasting tools, a CFDS can model different scenarios to help clients see not just what a settlement looks like today, but how it may affect their future 5, 10, or 20 years from now.

Why This Matters

Divorce can feel like standing at a crossroads — uncertain which path leads to stability and peace of mind. The right financial guidance can make all the difference. My goal, as both a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and now a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), is to bring understanding and balance to these complex moments, ensuring decisions are made with both logic and compassion.

Whether it’s protecting future retirement goals, maintaining a home, or rebuilding financial confidence after separation, my role is to help clients see the full picture — and make decisions that support their long-term wellbeing.

Integrating CFDS Into My Practice

My philosophy has always been about treating financial planning like wellness — caring for your financial health through every stage of life. With the CFDS designation, I can now extend that same philosophy to clients navigating divorce, providing the same trusted, goals-based advice — but through a lens of fairness, foresight, and emotional understanding.

If you or someone you know is going through a separation and feels uncertain about the financial implications, know that there are compassionate, specialized professionals who can help.

Life doesn’t move in straight lines. Relationships evolve, families change, and financial plans must adapt. My commitment remains the same: to provide clarity, empathy, and expertise — no matter where you are in life’s journey.

Jesse Ogloff, B.Comm, PFP, CFP, CIM, CFDS

Associate Wealth Advisor / Associate Portfolio Manager

CIBC Wood Gundy

Your Role as a River Keeper : Responsible Stewardship of Your Family’s Wealth

/ Jesse Ogloff

How do you think of your wealth? Do you see it as a dollar value on a screen or something alive and evolving over time.

I encourage clients to think of their wealth as a river – flowing, dynamic, and shaped by generations. Your river may have begun long before you were born, fed by the work and values of those who came before you, or perhaps it began as a small spring during your own lifetime.

Either way, this river – your river – can continue far beyond where we stand today, if it is cared for and tended with intention.  

Headwaters : The Source of Your Wealth

Every river begins with a spring. For many families, that spring was created by the grit and discipline of earlier generations – parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who laid the foundation for everything that flows downstream.

Today’s river, carries not only your financial capital but also the beliefs, habits, and stewardship from your family story. Recognizing these headwaters helps guide your financial decisions with gratitude and perspective.

Tending the River in Your Stewardship Today

Being a river keeper is an immense responsibility. It means acting with purposeful intent to keep the waters clear, balanced, and flowing.

Here’s how :

Remove debris – Protecting your wealth from hidden risks : excessive fees, unmanaged taxes, and unnecessary expenses.

Strengthen the banks – Build safeguards like insurance, wills, and trusts to protect the structure of your financial ecosystem as it moves downstream.

Test the waters – Monitor your financial health, income streams, and spending patterns to ensure your river remains sustainable and high quality.

Being a river keeper isn’t about control – it’s about balance. Your job is to protect the river’s strength while allowing it to nourish the present.

Thinking Downstream : Planning Ahead

The best river keepers stay mindful of today’s conditions but always think downstream. They don’t just react to problems – they anticipate them.

Proactive tax planning, smart estate structures, and thoughtful investment strategies are the tools that will prevent blockages long before they appear.

In Indigenous Culture, the Seventh Generations Principle teaches that the choices we make today affect those seven generations after us. In the same way, you stand as the bridge between your ancestors’ resilience and your descendants’ future.

The Future of Your River

Eventually, your stretch of the river will end – and what happens next is up to you.

Some people choose for their river to flow outward into the ocean, supporting communities and causes through philanthropy. Other’s pass the current on to their children – perhaps as one simple, powerful stream, or one that splits into multiple branches to nourish several new paths.

Whatever form it takes, your river’s future depends on how you guide it today.

Becoming a Responsible River Keeper

Your role as a river keeper isn’t just to manage the flow – it’s to teach others how to do the same.

Just as a carpenter must apprentice before becoming a journeyman, the next generation must learn how to tend to the river : how to prevent blockages, strengthen the banks, and prepare for unseen bends ahead.

If you only focus on growing your wealth but neglect to pass on the wisdom of stewardship, the river’s current may one day run dry.

I make sure that I work with the younger generations of my clients, no matter what stage of life that they may be in, to ensure that they are learning and are equipped with all of the necessary tools for their situation today and for their future.

So remember the Seventh Generation Principle – your river began before you and, with care, will flow long after you. The question isn’t how much can you take from it – it’s how will you tend to it for those who will come next.

From Panic to Euphoria : Where Are You On the Investing Roller Coaster of Emotions?

/ Jesse Ogloff

Markets are once again flirting with all-time highs. For some investors, it feels like the thrilling climb of a roller coaster. For others—especially those still recovering from recent dips—it feels like that slow, anxiety-inducing ascent before the next big drop. But here’s the truth: volatility is not the enemy. It’s part of the ride.

Whether the market is setting new records or pulling back, short-term moves are never the full story. What matters isn’t where we are in the cycle—but how you behave throughout it.

The Market Has Seen This Before

Despite numerous bear markets over the last century—including the crash of 2008, the COVID drop of 2020, and the tech wreck of the early 2000s—markets have always rebounded. Always.

– The 2008–09 crisis saw the S&P 500 fall 57%… and then double in the 48 months that followed.
– The 2020 COVID crash bottomed in March—and by the end of the year, the S&P was up 16%.
– Even in the brutal 2000–02 bear market, investors who stayed the course were rewarded once the dust settled.

Every single bear market has been followed by a bull market. The real challenge isn’t predicting the recovery—it’s staying invested long enough to experience it.

Where Are We Emotionally?

Take a look at the chart below from Russell Investments: The Market Cycle of Emotions.

Right now, many investors are likely hovering between relief and optimism. We’re past the fear and panic of 2022–23, and as portfolios start looking healthier, the temptation to second-guess your plan may creep in:

– “Should I sell while I’m up?”
– “Maybe I should wait for a pullback?”
– “Have we come too far, too fast?”

This kind of emotional second-guessing is exactly what derails long-term outcomes.

Remember: euphoria is the point of maximum financial risk, while despondency is the point of maximum financial opportunity. Most investors act in reverse—buying high and selling low—because they’re reacting to feelings instead of following a plan.

If you want to reach your destination, you need to stay in your seat through the highs and lows. Unbuckling mid-ride rarely ends well.

Volatility isn’t just about losses—it’s also the unpredictability of gains. The biggest up-days in market history often happen during periods of uncertainty, and they tend to cluster closely around market bottoms.

Missing just a few of those days can drastically lower long-term returns. That’s why trying to time the market is more dangerous than staying invested through the rough patches.

Time In The Market > Timing The Market

The most effective investors don’t try to sidestep volatility—they prepare for it. They diversify. They rebalance. They stay invested according to their goals, not their fears.

Whether you’re still accumulating wealth or already in retirement, the key is to have the right money in the right place:

– Long-term investments should stay invested.
– Short-term income needs should be allocated to safer, more stable assets.

This kind of “time segmentation” allows you to stay calm during downturns, knowing your immediate needs are covered while the rest of your money grows.

Final Thoughts : The Real Superpower

Market highs tend to bring out two common emotional mistakes:
1. Chasing (jumping in too late, driven by FOMO), or
2. Fleeing (selling out too early, afraid the top is in).

Avoid both.

The real superpower isn’t predicting tops or bottoms—it’s sticking to your plan through all the emotional highs and lows. Diversification, discipline, and time are your greatest allies. And they work best when you don’t get in their way.

For personalized guidance, contact me at info@financerx.ca.

Finding Calm in Market Storms : The Power of Shinrin-Yoku

/ Jesse Ogloff

When market volatility leaves you feeling anxious, it might be time to step away from the screens and into the trees. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” is a simple yet powerful way to destress and reset your mind.

Shinrin-Yoku is all about immersing yourself in nature, allowing the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest to wash over you. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall mood. In essence, it’s a natural antidote to the stress that comes with market fluctuations.

By taking a break to reconnect with nature, you’ll return to your financial challenges with a clearer mind and a refreshed perspective. Plus, the health benefits of forest bathing extend beyond stress relief, boosting your immune system and enhancing your creativity—both of which are invaluable for making sound financial decisions.

So, the next time the markets get rough, consider swapping your investment statements for a walk among the trees. Your mind—and your portfolio—might thank you.

For personalized guidance, contact me at info@financerx.ca.

What Just Happened? Breaking Down The Last Week.

/ Jesse Ogloff

Markets took a hit after President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements on April 2. The S&P 500 dropped more than 10% over two days, wiping out over $5 trillion in market value. This follows a tough first quarter, where the index was already down 5.6% — its worst start to the year in three years.

As of April 4, the S&P 500 had fallen 17.5% from its February highs, making this one of the fastest corrections in over a century. Investors were caught off guard, not just by the size of the tariffs, but also by the way they were applied. Rather than following typical trade rules, the U.S. targeted countries with large trade surpluses, leading to higher-than-expected tariffs in some areas. The result? Greater uncertainty, rising inflation fears, and talk of potential stagflation.

Some countries, including China, have already started to respond with their own retaliatory measures. In the days ahead, markets will be watching closely to see which countries are willing to negotiate — and which ones push back.

Canada Avoids New Tariffs (For Now)

Canada and Mexico were notably left out of the new tariffs. Trade under the USMCA agreement remains tariff-free, covering roughly 80% of Canadian exports. However, existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos are still in place.

Interestingly, Canada’s stock market has been a bright spot. The TSX gained 1.5% in the first quarter, outperforming the S&P 500 by nearly 6%. With a federal election approaching, there’s growing momentum behind pro-growth policies. Longer term, Canada continues to offer structural strengths: a skilled workforce, rich natural resources, and clean, affordable energy. The TSX is also trading at a significant discount to the U.S. market, despite having similar earnings potential and multiple growth drivers ahead.

What to Watch Next

There are a few reasons for cautious optimism:

• Some U.S. senators are pushing back against Trump’s tariff authority, which could limit future actions.

• There’s a chance some tariffs could be reduced before they take effect on April 9.

• Legal challenges may emerge, as parts of the policy may not hold up in court.

• Finally, March’s employment data remains strong, suggesting the job market is holding up — for now.

When Markets Pull Back, Long-Term Investors Can Step Forward

Volatility and pullbacks can feel unsettling — but they’re often where long-term investors find their best opportunities. When market sentiment turns negative, prices can become disconnected from fundamentals. That creates moments where strong companies or sectors become available at a discount.

If you have a long-term plan and a well-diversified portfolio, downturns like this can be a time to reassess and rebalance — not to panic. Market corrections are part of the investment journey, and historically, they’ve often paved the way for future gains. In times like these, staying focused on your long-term goals is more important than ever.

Strategies for Canadians Amid U.S. Tariff Changes

/ Jesse Ogloff

Another week, another round of tariff talk between the U.S. and its trading partners. If you’re wondering what that actually means for your wallet, your car, or your job—let’s break it down.

The U.S. recently reintroduced tariffs (taxes on imports) on certain automotive parts. There was a one-month pause, but that didn’t lead to any real change. Now, Canadian vehicles that use U.S. parts—or even U.S. vehicles made with Canadian or Mexican components—are at a disadvantage compared to cars from Europe or Asia.

As Canadians, we should all care about this because Canada’s auto industry, especially in Ontario, supports over 100,000 jobs. If tariffs make Canadian-made cars more expensive, that could lead to job losses, higher prices, and economic slowdowns.

There are many options as to how we should respond and I’d like to share some of my thoughts:

• Don’t: Tariff U.S. auto parts we depend on.

That would only raise production costs for Canadian carmakers—and hurt us more than the U.S.

• Avoid: A blanket tariff on U.S. vehicles. It would push up car prices in Canada and invite more U.S. retaliation. Plus, some U.S.-made cars still use Canadian parts.

If we’re smart, there are some alternative moves that we can make:

• Incentives to stay.

Offering tax breaks or credits to carmakers to keep plants in Canada could help soften the blow—as long as it doesn’t look like a subsidy that invites more tariffs from the U.S.

• Careful negotiation.

A new U.S. “reciprocal tariff” plan may be more measured than the previously threatened 25% tax on everything. Canada needs to tread carefully and use diplomacy to avoid escalation.

Canadian nationalism is at a multi-year high right now and we can all help, believe it or not — your choices matter. We can buy Canadian-made products, consider non-U.S. travel destinations whenever we are travelling, and support Canadian retailers and auto dealers.

This “vote with your wallet” approach is already happening—and (most importantly) it doesn’t trigger political backlash. In fact, a grassroots consumer shift could do more to influence U.S. economic policy than tariffs alone.

All-in-all, Canada needs to balance firm negotiation with strategic patience. Tariffs are costly for both sides—but consumer behavior, smart policy, and focused diplomacy might be our best bet to get the U.S. to ease off.

The next time you’re deciding where to buy your car—or even where to vacation—remember: your dollar can speak louder than a tariff.