Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Jeff Barnes

06/15/2026

A balanced family budget isn't about deprivation or cutting everything you enjoy. It's about creating a realistic plan that supports your goals and fits your life.

Start with clear, achievable goals. Build in flexibility for unexpected expenses, because life rarely goes exactly as planned. Review your budget regularly and adjust as your circumstances change. The families who succeed with budgeting are the ones who stay consistent, not perfect.

And remember, you don't have to figure this out alone. Working with an advisor means having someone who can help you review your current situation, refine your goals, and create a strategy that can help keep you on track.

If you're ready to create a budget that works for your family's goals, reach out.

I'm here to help.

06/13/2026

Tech is cooling, not breaking: The recent pullback in semiconductors reflects profit-taking after a “too far, too fast” rally, with improving breadth signaling a healthier market backdrop.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

06/12/2026

Self‑employed? Your tax filing deadline is coming up soon. ⏰

You have until June 15, 2026, to file your 2025 return, but keep in mind that any balance owing was due April 30, 2026.

If you still have taxes owing, it may help to take care of it as soon as possible to limit interest and penalties.

This deadline applies to you, and to your spouse or common‑law partner, if either of you is self‑employed.

06/11/2026

One of the most common questions about Old Age Security (OAS) is when to start taking it. The standard age is 65, but you can delay until age 70. Each choice affects how much you receive.

Starting at 65 means you begin receiving income earlier. But if you delay, your monthly payments increase by 0.6% for each month you wait, up to a maximum 36% increase at age 70.

So which option is right for you? It depends on several factors unique to your situation. Your current tax rate matters. If you're still working or have other significant income, delaying might make sense. Your total income matters too, because OAS is subject to a clawback if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

If you're approaching 65 and wondering when to start your OAS, reach out. I can help you evaluate your options based on your personal circumstances.

You asked – we answered! Here are the top 10 questions about Old Age Security (OAS)

06/10/2026

Check out Edward Jones analyst's opinion on the IPO buzz that we're all hearing about.

https://www.edwardjones.ca/ca-en/market-news-insights/stock-market-news/market-pulse/dont-let-mega-ipo-buzz-cloud-your-judgment

06/08/2026

Old Age Security (OAS) is one of the most common sources of retirement income for Canadians but understanding how it works isn't always straight forward.

Here's what matters: OAS is based on how many years you've lived in Canada as an adult, not your employment history. That means you can qualify even if you've never worked or if you're still working. The amount you receive depends on how long you've been a Canadian resident, when you start taking it, and your income in retirement.

OAS also adjusts quarterly to reflect cost of living changes, and payment amounts can vary based on your total retirement income. Higher income may reduce your benefits through what's known as the OAS clawback.

Understanding these basics helps you plan more confidently for your retirement income needs. It's not just about when you become eligible. It's about knowing how OAS fits into your bigger financial picture.

If you have questions about how OAS will work in your retirement plan, let's talk. I can help you understand what to expect and how to plan accordingly.

06/06/2026

Last week's blowout U.S. payroll report underlined the improvement in the U.S. labour market this year, with hiring accelerating and broadening across sectors, signaling a more durable foundation for growth. Canadian employment data were also surprisingly strong, reversing some of the weakness in hiring this year.

How did the markets perform this week? Get the highlights and the latest economic news.

06/04/2026

One of the most helpful exercises families can do when budgeting is distinguishing between needs and wants. Your mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are essential. They keep your household running.

But wants aren't bad. Dining out, travel, and gifts for family and friends add meaning to life. The key is setting boundaries around them so they don't pull you off course from what's most important to you.

When you prioritize together as a family, you build healthier financial habits. Small adjustments in your discretionary spending can create meaningful savings over time without feeling like deprivation.

If you're looking to align your family's spending with your values and goals, let's talk. We can help you create a budget that reflects what matters most.

These considerations can help you get a handle on how you spend money each month.

06/02/2026

When markets feel uncertain, it's natural to want to wait until things calm down before investing. The challenge is that the "right time" rarely feels obvious in the moment, and waiting comes with its own risks.

Think about it this way: someone who waits three years to begin investing gives up three years of potential compound growth. Over a 30-year timeframe, those early years can make a real difference. Time is one of the most valuable tools in long-term investing, and you can't get it back once it's gone.

This doesn't mean you should ignore your personal circumstances. Your financial situation, goals, and comfort level all matter. But if you're waiting for perfect market conditions, you might be waiting a long time.

If you've been putting off investment decisions because conditions don't feel right, let's talk about what's holding you back and what might make sense for your situation.

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This June, we celebrate love, authenticity, and the courage it takes to live as your true self.

Pride is about visibility, acceptance, and progress. It's about creating spaces where everyone feels safe to plan for the life they envision, whether that's marriage, family planning, retirement, or legacy building.