I’ve been interested in investing since I was a kid. My dad taught me the idea of ‘saving 10%’ of any money I received, how stocks work, and the importance of investing early for compound growth.
As I grew, my motivation to build wealth intensified, as did my investment research. By 16 I had my first trading account (a TD Waterhouse account with some help from mom). I nearly doubled my savings on my first trade, which was a value based stock purchase of the consumer goods conglomerate Philip Morris (before it split into several companies).
I got a job as a Personal Banker at a Big 5 Bank when I was 23. But after about a year working 9-5 at the Bank, I had my ‘Warren Buffet moment’. That is, I started caring less about the ‘stuff’ that money buys, and more about intangibles money can help support, like the value of time and personal freedom.
With this, I’d found my ‘ends’: financial independence. The means to achieve these ends took on a whole new life of its own. It became more about financial planning, financial strategy, cashflow management and wealth management as opposed to only investing. I earned my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential.
I purchased 4 multiplex rental properties between the ages 25 - 28. I sold 2 of them after I saw the housing market heat up (and start to boil over), and maxed out my RRSP and TFSA room with the sale proceeds.
Years later, I continue to learn and evolve. And I'm happy to share my passion for finance and how finance can help you achieve true financial freedom and contentment.
I offer my experience and knowledge for free to help as many people as possible, and I invite you to subscribe, comment and interact with the content.
For those who are seeking optional hands on support and guidance, I offer fee for service financial planning - no investment or life insurance sales - only a focus on your best outcome. I aim to offer the best value in Canadian personal finance. Click here for more.
Here's to your financial success. Cheers!
Brent Richardson, CFP