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For those who celebrate, Happy Daylight Savings Reader!
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Yes, the mornings are a bit darker, but those evenings though👌🏽. But before we completely zone out 🧘‍♀️ (because of a lack of sleep), let me tell you about my whirlwind weekend adventure!

First stop, Kingston! 👑 I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the Queen's Healthcare & Business Conference, sharing the stage with some seriously impressive healthcare entrepreneurs. Now, I'll be honest, imposter syndrome hit me harder than a caffeine crash after a 12-hour shift of back-to-back clients. These folks were talking about multi-million dollar businesses, groundbreaking inventions, and I'm over here like, "Hey, remember to budget for that new ultrasound machine!"

But then something amazing happened.

As I listened to their stories, I realized that success isn't just about the size of your bank account or the number of awards on your shelf.

It's about the impact you have on the world.

It's about using your skills and passion to make a difference, whether you're treating patients one-on-one or building a global healthcare empire.

And that's when it hit me: I may not be a multi-millionaire (yet 😉- keeping reading these weekly emails and I'll let you know when I hit that status and how i've done it), but I believe I'm making a difference in the lives of healthcare professionals every single day. I'm helping them take control of their finances, build a secure future, and live a life they love and are proud of.

And that, my friends, is worth more than all the money in the world. I got into healthcare because I wanted to help people. I've learned that help can be provided in multiple ways. My goal with this platform is to provide you, Reader, with that help.

After the conference, Katie and I headed to Prescott (her hometown) for a cozy night with her family and friends. It was a great reminder that at the end of the day, the most valuable things in life aren't things at all – they're the people we love and the memories we make.

So, as you sip your evening tea and plan your week, remember this: your worth isn't tied to your net worth.

You are valuable, you are capable, and you have the power to make a difference in the world.

Now, let's get down to business and talk about... a recent Wealthsimple article detailing the state of Canadian finances.

I know, I know, it's not exactly the most thrilling topic. But trust me, ignoring your financial well-being is like ignoring that nagging pain in your shoulder – it's not going to magically disappear, and it'll probably get worse if you don't address it 🤕.

We've all been there.

Staring blankly at our bank accounts wondering where all the money went 💸, feeling overwhelmed by debt 💳, or just plain confused about where to even start with this whole "financial planning" thing.

Let's be real, most of us weren't exactly taught how to manage our money in school. And let's face it, dealing with finances can be about as fun as a root canal or listening to Katie's T-Swift playlist on repeat.

But here's the thing: taking control of your finances isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets.

It's about taking control of your life.

It's about having the freedom to pursue your passions, build a secure future, and live a life you love.

So, how do we do that? 🤔

Well, it starts with a financial check-up! Just like we assess our patients' physical health, we need to assess our financial health.

Financial Triage: Assessing the Damage

Let's take a look at some common financial "ailments" that might be plaguing you. A recent survey by Wealthsimple revealed some interesting insights into the financial health of Canadians:

• Budgeting Blues: According to the survey, a whopping one-third of Canadians admit they can't afford their monthly expenses! Feeling like you're living paycheck to paycheck? Struggling to keep track of where your money is going? You're not alone! A solid budget is like a good treatment plan – it helps you stay on track and achieve your goals. 🎯
• Savings Slump: The survey also found that a surprising number of Canadians (47%!) do not have any emergency savings. Is your emergency fund looking a little anemic? Are you putting enough aside for retirement? Building a healthy savings habit is like preventative medicine – it protects you from unexpected financial emergencies. 🚑

• Debt Distress: One-third of Canadians carry a balance on their credit cards, with interest rates often exceeding 20%! 😱 Are you drowning in student loan debt? Is credit card debt weighing you down? Managing debt is like rehabilitation – it helps you regain control and get back on your feet.

• Retirement: Don't Let Your Golden Years Turn into Fool's Gold: Okay, let's talk about the "R" word: Retirement. I know, I know, it seems like a lifetime away, especially when you're just starting out in your career. But trust me, time flies faster than a kid chasing an ice cream truck, and before you know it, you'll be trading in your stethoscope for a fishing rod (or maybe a fancy set of golf clubs 🏌️‍♂️). But here's the thing: retirement ain't cheap. The survey found that while most Canadians expect to need around $1- 1.5M for retirement, the average Canadian only has < 25,000 saved. That's a pretty big gap!

Treatment Plan: Your Financial Prescription

Here are some resources and tools to help you address these financial "ailments," many of which align with the advice provided in the Wealthsimple article:

Budgeting:

• ​Lunch Money- (budgeting and expense tracking tool)
• ​YNAB (You Need a Budget) -(budgeting software)

Investing:

• ​Wealthsimple: (online investing platform) - Use my referral link for a bonus!
• ​Blossom Social: (social investing platform) - See What I'm Invested In
• ​Fidelity: (investment management and financial planning)

Debt Management:

• Canada: Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada (credit counselling and debt management services)
• USA :National Foundation for Credit Counseling (credit counselling and debt management services)

Tax Planning: Resources:

• Canada: Tyagi Group Accounting, Kevin Mouscos (tax information and resources)
• USA: Internal Revenue Service: (tax information and resources)

Remember: Just like any good treatment plan, your financial plan needs to be tailored to your individual needs and goals. Don't be afraid to seek professional help from a financial advisor or other qualified professional.

Just like regular physical checkups help prevent major health issues, regular financial checkups can help prevent major financial issues.

Make it a habit to review your finances at least once a year, or whenever you experience a major life change (like getting married, having a baby, or changing jobs).

The Wealthsimple article emphasizes the importance of these regular check-ins, highlighting that consistent monitoring is crucial for long-term financial well-being.

I almost forgot to talk about.. cookies! 🍪

Yes, you heard me right, cookies!

Because what's a Sunday without a little indulgence? And let me tell you, I'm a sucker for a good chocolate chip cookie. So, imagine my delight when we stumbled upon 23&Co in Kingston. It turns out that the owner is Katie's father's cousin!

Small world, right? And those cookies? Forget about it!

They were like a warm hug for my taste buds.

Seriously, if you're ever in Kingston, you NEED to check them out.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simple pleasures #cookiesandcashflow

Robin Valadares,

​@financiallyfulfilledphysio​

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