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In the last post, I introduced the idea of building a financial team.
Now let's talk about how.
Because most people agree they need help — and then do nothing about it. They don't know where to start, who to trust, or whether they're even ready.
So they wait. And waiting costs more than people realize.
So let's talk about how to actually get moving.
Start here: shift your mindset
You're not just looking for the nicest car in the parking lot.
You're looking for people you trust, who can help you make decisions.
That's it.
Early on your financial life isn’t complex but decisions can feel heavy. The right advice at the right time will help with the weight.
You don't need the whole team on day one
Build your team the same way you build wealth: one step at a time.
Buying your first home? Start with a lender and a realtor.
Got a new job with a higher salary? Now may be a good time to sit down with a financial planner.
Taxes getting more complex — self-employed income, investments, a side hustle? Now an accountant earns their fee.
Don't overwhelm yourself by building the full roster before you need it. Focus on the right person for the decision that's right in front of you.
Build your team the same way you build wealth — step by step.
Know What "Good" Looks Like — Starting with the Right Person
Let me be upfront about my bias here.
If I had to tell someone to start with one person on their financial team, I'd say start with a financial advisor.
But first — I need to explain what a "financial advisor" actually is. Because in Canada, that term covers a lot of ground.
What Is a Financial Advisor, Really?
Financial advisor is a broad term, especially in Alberta and may come in many forms.
Financial Planner. Investment Advisor. Wealth Advisor. Insurance Advisor. Portfolio Manager. The list goes on.
The difference between most of these roles often comes down to the products they’re licensed to offer, but also their training, credentials and type of advice they’re qualified to provide. Different licenses, different toolboxes.
This is why trust matters so much. You need to know that the person sitting across from you is recommending what's actually in your best interest — not just what they’re able to offer directly. The best advisors will educate you on your options, even when something outside their scope may be worth exploring. They'd rather point you in the right direction than keep you in the wrong product.
This topic deserves its own post — and we'll get there. But for now, let's get to the reason I'd start here.
Why Start With a Financial Advisor?
Two reasons. Both of them matter.
Reason one: they should be your quarterback.
Yes, my football background is showing. And no, I was definitely not a quarterback.
But here's what I mean by that. A good financial advisor isn't just one person — they're an instant network. They've spent years building relationships with mortgage specialists, accountants, lawyers, insurance professionals, and other experts. And if they're doing their job well, those aren't just names in a contact list. They're people your advisor has worked with, and trusts based on experience.
That matters more than most people realize.
When I connect a client to someone — whether it's a home builder, a specialized lawyer, or an accountant — it's because I've seen how they work and I don’t make those introductions lightly. That's a very different thing than Googling someone and hoping for the best.
A great advisor doesn't just manage your investments. They help you navigate broader aspects of your financial life by putting the right people in front of you at the right time.
Reason two: the relationship.
When a financial advisor takes you on as a client, the first job isn't to sell you anything right away.
It's to understand you.
Your goals. Your timeline. What you're working toward and what keeps you up at night. What you've tried before and what hasn't worked. What "success" actually looks like to you — not the textbook version, your version.
That foundation is what makes everything else work. Because the advice you receive is only as good as the information behind it. An advisor who really knows you may help make better decisions faster, flag problems before they become expensive, and keep you steady when emotions start driving the car.
That relationship, built over time, can genuinely become one of the most valuable financial assets you can have.
So — what does "good" actually look like in practice?
This is where many people go wrong. They go with whoever was referred first, whoever seemed friendly, or whoever reached out at the right time.
Here's what to actually look for:
They teach you, not just tell you. You should leave every conversation understanding why you're doing something — not just nodding along and hoping for the best. If someone can't explain their recommendation in plain language, that's a problem.
They ask before they answer. A good professional slows down. They want to understand your goals, your situation, your concerns, and how much you already know. If it feels like they're rushing to a solution, they probably are.
They think past this year. Anyone can help you make a decision today. The right people help you see around corners — the risks you may not have considered, the trade-offs behind each option, what this decision looks like in five years.
You actually trust them. Credentials and trust go hand in hand, so if something feels off in a first meeting, trust that feeling. You need to be comfortable asking questions, pushing back, and being honest. If you're not, find someone else.
Use referrals — but use them properly
Referrals are one of the best ways to find good people. But some people use them wrong.
Don't ask: "Do you know a good mortgage broker?"
Ask: "Why do you trust them? What was it like working with them? Did they take the time to explain things?"
There's often a real difference between someone who is popular and someone who is good. The follow-up questions tell you which one you're getting.
It's okay to interview them
This is your financial life. You are allowed to ask questions before you commit.
A few simple ones that go a long way:
- "Who do you typically work with?"
- "How do you get paid?"
- "What should I expect from working with you?"
- "What mistakes do you see people in my situation make?"
You'll learn a lot from how they answer — not just what they say.
Your team will change as you do
The team you need at 25 is not the team you need at 45. That's completely normal.
Early on, the focus is usually: building credit, buying a first home, learning how to invest, getting a basic financial plan in place.
Later it shifts: tax planning, business decisions, estate planning, protecting what you've built.
Don't treat your team as permanent fixtures. Treat them as the right people for where you are right now — and stay open to evolving as your life does.
Let your team actually work together
This is where the magic happens.
Your advisor, accountant, and lender shouldn't operate in silos. The best outcomes happen when they're at least aware of each other — because financial decisions don't happen in isolation.
A mortgage affects your investment strategy. A tax decision affects your cash flow. An insurance choice affects your long-term plan.
When your team communicates, everything gets more efficient. You stop making decisions in one area that quietly create problems in another.
A simple place to start
If you're just getting going, here's all you need:
A financial advisor you trust. A lender or banker who will educate you. An accountant you can call when questions come up.
That's enough to start.
You don't need it to be perfect. You just need progress.
The bottom line
Building a financial team isn't about complexity. It's about confidence.
It's about knowing that when a big decision lands in front of you — and it will — you're not guessing. You have people in your corner who can guide you, challenge you, and help you get it right.
Like I said from the start — wealth is rarely built alone. Now you know how to build your team.
