Sidebar Finance exists to help you understand your money and make your own decisions. Here’s exactly what that means.
What I do
Explain how your accounts, investments, and fees work, in plain language.
Give you a second opinion, which means helping you understand what you hold, what it costs, and what to ask about it. Not whether to buy or sell it.
Build projections and scenarios that show where different choices could lead.
Help you compare your options: account types, managed vs. self-directed, pension choices, and how institutions differ.
Walk you through doing things yourself, like opening an account or moving money.
Help you prepare the right questions for your bank, advisor, or other professionals.
What I don’t do
Recommend specific securities, funds, or financial products to buy or sell.
Manage your money or place trades for you.
Sell products or earn commissions.
Give tax or legal advice.
How I stay independent
Sidebar Finance is not owned by, sponsored by, or acting on behalf of any financial institution, dealer, or insurer.
You pay for the conversation. That’s the only way Sidebar Finance is paid.
I also work in the financial services industry. Sidebar is separate from that work, and if an institution we’re discussing is one I’m connected to, I’ll say so before we go further.
About projections
Projections are illustrations, not predictions. They use assumed rates of return, based on the FP Canada/IQPF Projection Assumption Guidelines unless we agree otherwise, and show a range rather than a single number. Actual results will differ.
Your decisions are yours
Every decision about your money is yours to make. When your situation calls for regulated advice, I’ll tell you and help you find the right kind of professional.