Explore Our Financial Literacy Blogs

Take charge of your financial future with real-world insights, strategies, experiences and practical tips. From saving and investing to insurance and debt management, our blog is your go-to resource for smarter money decisions.

Start learning today and build the confidence to make informed financial choices.

Felix Diaz Felix Diaz

A Real Client Story: From Drowning in Debt to Rebuilding with Purpose

By: Joan Diaz | Licensed Financial Advisor

When debt made life insurance unaffordable, we didn’t give up—we got strategic. Through a consumer proposal and a personalized financial plan, we helped her reduce debt, protect her income, and build a foundation for long-term security.

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How I’m Beating Taxes and Building Wealth: My RRSP & TFSA Playbook

By: Felix Diaz, P.Eng.

I used to think saving was just about putting money away. Now I know it’s about timing, strategy, and tax efficiency. In this personal guide, I break down how I use RRSPs, TFSAs, and Spousal RRSPs to reduce taxes, grow wealth, and plan for retirement with precision. From smart withdrawal strategies to real-life scenarios, this playbook is designed to help you stop guessing and start designing your financial future.

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5 Money Myths That Deserve a Reality Check

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng.

In Canada’s fast-changing economy, financial advice is everywhere—but not all of it holds up under scrutiny. From the myth that renting is a waste to the misconception that budgeting kills joy, this post breaks down five common money beliefs that deserve a serious reality check. Whether you're navigating debt, investing on a modest income, or trying to save more as your earnings grow, you'll find practical insights to help you make smarter, more strategic financial decisions

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Is "Buy Term and Invest the Difference" Always Best? Let’s Math the Heck Out of It

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng.

Is “buy term and invest the difference” always the smartest move? We break down three popular strategies—TFSA + Term Life, Non-Registered Seg Fund + Term, and Universal Life Insurance—using real numbers, tax impact, and long-term outcomes. Whether you're building wealth or planning your legacy, this deep dive helps you decide what truly fits your financial goals.

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When Everything Stops

By: Joan Diaz | Licensed Financial Advisor

When your child gets seriously ill, everything stops—your work, your plans, your sense of control. Most parents don’t think about insuring their children because they don’t have financial responsibilities yet. But when sickness strikes, it’s the parents who bear the emotional and financial weight. This post explores the real value of child insurance through a heartfelt story and a powerful truth: insurance gives you space to heal without pressure.

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From the Slums to Self-Worth: Why Kindness Outweighs Success

By: Felix Diaz, P.Eng.

“Success without humility is just noise.”
Growing up in the slums of the Philippines, I learned that true wealth isn’t measured in money—it’s found in kindness, resilience, and dignity. While society glorifies titles and possessions, I’ve come to value the quiet strength of those who give much despite having little. This is a story about redefining success—not by what we own, but by how we live and love.

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How Much Do You Really Need to Retire? The 4% Rule: Your Shortcut to Financial Independence

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng. |Licensed Financial Advisor

What if retirement wasn’t about age—but about freedom?

In a quiet moment, one family asked a simple question: “How much do we actually need to stop working?”

That question led them to the 4% Rule—a powerful framework that redefined their future. Not with millions, but with clarity.

This is a story about slowing down, spending with purpose, and building a life where time matters more than money.

If you’ve ever wondered what “enough” really looks like, this blog might just change the way you see your own path to financial independence.

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Roadmap to a $1 Million Home

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng. | Licensed Financial Advisor

Saving for a home in Canada’s high-priced market can feel overwhelming—especially when a $1 million home demands a $200,000 down payment. But with the right strategy, it’s possible. This article reveals how first-time buyers can use the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to build a tax-free savings plan that adds up to $200,000. Whether you're flying solo or saving with a partner, this roadmap could be your key to unlocking homeownership.

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Wired to Work - My Reflection as a Journeyman

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng. | Licensed Financial Advisor

“Wired to Work” isn’t just a job title—it’s a mindset. In this raw reflection, journeyman electrician and licensed financial advisor Felix Diaz, shares the silent toll of injury in the trades and the power of insurance plans built for those who push through pain. For every worker who’s ever clocked in sore, limped through a shift, or feared the cost of slowing down—this one’s for you.

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Skip the Dishes, Not Your Family’s Safety - How One Less Delivery a Month Can Safeguard Family

By: Richard Bautista | Licensed Financial Advisor

We’re all guilty of it—tapping “order now” when cooking feels like climbing Everest. Skipping the dishes? No problem. But what if I told you that for the same cost as your monthly takeout, you could protect your family for 20 years? Term life insurance is simple, affordable, and powerful. And skipping one delivery could be the first step toward lasting peace of mind. This blog breaks down how a small budget shift can mean big protection for the people who matter most.

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Unlocking Homeownership: A Guide to the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng. | Licensed Financial Advisor

Dreaming of owning your first home? The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your golden ticket. Designed specifically for first-time buyers, this tax-advantaged account combines the best features of RRSPs and TFSAs—letting you save for a down payment faster and smarter. Whether you’re planning your purchase next year or just getting started, the FHSA is a powerful tool to turn your keys-to-be dream into reality.

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Understanding, Managing, and Mastering What You Owe

By: Joan Diaz | Licensed Financial Advisor

Debt doesn’t have to be a dirty word. For many Canadians, it’s part of the everyday financial journey—whether it’s buying a home in Alberta, paying off a student loan, or navigating credit card bills. The key is understanding your debt, using it wisely, and making it work for you.

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TFSA Explained: The Smartest Way to Grow Your Wealth Tax-Free

By: Jerome Ordas | Licensed Financial Advisor

Imagine an investment account where your money grows—tax-free. No taxes on interest. No taxes on dividends. No taxes on capital gains. Ever. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)—Canada’s most flexible and underrated financial tool.

Whether you're saving for a rainy day, planning a dream vacation, or building long-term wealth, the TFSA can help you get there faster—and smarter. In this post, we’ll break down what a TFSA is, how it works, and why it deserves a top spot in your financial strategy.

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How Universal Life Insurance Can Make Your Insurance Free Over Time

By: Joan Diaz | Licensed Financial Advisor

I used to own a Term 20 life insurance policy. At the time, it seemed like the most affordable and straightforward option. But over the years, I started to feel uneasy about the fact that I was paying into something that only had value if I passed away—and that’s not exactly the outcome I’m hoping for.

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Bringing Loved Ones to Canada? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

By: Reynaldo Noche | Licensed Financial Advisor

Planning to bring your parents, relatives, or friends to Canada for a visit? Whether it’s for a family reunion, vacation, or to help care for the kids, don’t forget one essential detail: travel insurance. Canada’s healthcare system isn’t free for visitors, and even a minor medical issue can lead to major expenses. In this guide, we share real-life insights and practical tips to help Filipino families protect their loved ones—and their peace of mind—while enjoying their time together in Canada.

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When Critical Illness Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

By: Laarni Mae Bautista | Licensed Financial Advisor

I never thought much about critical illness insurance—until I saw how it changed everything for my friend’s mom. One diagnosis turned her world upside down, but thanks to a simple policy she took out years ago, she had the financial freedom to focus on healing, not bills.

This isn’t just about insurance—it’s about peace of mind, dignity, and being prepared for life’s unexpected turns.

Read her story and find out why critical illness insurance might be one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make.

#CriticalIllnessInsurance #FinancialWellness #BePrepared #RealStories

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Last Will and Testament in Canada: Why I Wrote My Will

By: Jerome Ordas | Licensed Financial Advisor

As a parent, the most difficult but most important decision we had to make was who would raise our minor children if we couldn’t.

Without a will, that decision would be left to the courts. And while judges do their best, they don’t know our family values, our family dynamics, or what our children need emotionally.

By naming a legal guardian in our wills, we can make sure, our children would be raised by someone we trust…

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Double Duty: How I Turned Universal Life Insurance Into a Wealth-Building Tool—and a New Career

By: Ruby Sanoy | Licensed Financial Advisor

As a massage therapist, I’ve always been passionate about helping people—relieving stress, easing pain, and encouraging balance. But a few years ago, I realized I wasn’t giving the same kind of care to my own financial well-being. I had a steady stream of clients, a modest savings account, and a basic term life insurance policy. Still, I felt like I was just coasting—not building anything lasting.

Then one day, during a session with a relatively new client, everything changed.

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Smart Leverage, Real Results - How We’re Paying Down Our Mortgage Faster Without Spending a Cent

By: Felix Diaz, P. Eng. | Licensed Financial Advisor

I’ve always been cautious with money—until my wife, a financial advisor, suggested using our home equity to invest. What followed was a deep dive into strategy, risk control, and a plan that’s quietly grown 34% in three years. This isn’t a story about gambling—it’s about building confidence through education, discipline, and trust.

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