Cornerstone Capital Financial Group

10/22/2026

In our last post, we looked at how small, consistent steps can help build emergency savings. But how much should you aim to set aside?

There isn't one number that's right for every household.

As a general guideline, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada suggests aiming for an emergency fund equal to 3 to 6 months of regular expenses - but your own savings target should reflect your circumstances.

Consider factors such as:

✓ Your regular monthly expenses

✓ The number of income earners in your household

✓ The stability and predictability of your income

✓ Your existing insurance coverage

✓ Other financial resources available to you

✓ Your family's individual needs and priorities

If 3 to 6 months feels like a significant target, start with an amount that works for your budget and build from there.

Consistent progress matters more than reaching your goal all at once.

Even one manageable step today can help you build greater financial flexibility over time.

10/21/2026

The "Ladies" of Cornerstone are looking forward to getting a "Behind the Scenes" look at the world of aviation at Ladies Who Lead upcoming pop-up hosted by Brant Aero!

10/21/2026

A lot is happening this week for Brantford-Brant Small Business Week!

Celebrate local business with five free events across Brantford-Brant, October 19–23, 2026. Connect, learn and discover practical ideas for your business.

10/20/2026

A good financial plan leaves room for life to happen.

An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected expenses that fall outside your regular monthly budget. Having those savings available can provide greater financial flexibility when plans change.

Building an emergency fund doesn't have to happen all at once. Start with a goal that works for your budget and take a few manageable steps:

✓ Choose an amount you can save consistently

✓ Automate your savings where possible

✓ Keep your emergency savings accessible

✓ Review your goal as your expenses and circumstances change

✓ Increase your contributions when your budget allows

Small, consistent steps can add up over time and help strengthen your financial foundation.

Planning for the unexpected doesn't mean having everything figured out. It's about taking practical steps today to create greater flexibility for tomorrow.

The goal isn't perfection. It's preparation.

10/15/2026

In our last post, we looked at the role income protection can play in a financial plan. Understanding the coverage you already have is an important next step.

Whether you have disability insurance through your workplace, an individual policy or both, consider reviewing:

✓ How much of your income may be replaced
✓ When benefits would begin
✓ How long benefits may continue
✓ How your policy defines disability
✓ How other disability benefits may affect your coverage
✓ Whether your coverage still reflects your current income and needs

Your career, income and financial responsibilities can change over time - and your insurance needs may change with them.

A periodic review can help you better understand the coverage you already have, how it fits into your overall financial plan and whether there are any areas worth revisiting.

The more you understand your coverage, the better prepared you can be to make informed financial decisions as your life changes.

Source: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - Disability Insurance



This information is general in nature and is not financial or insurance advice. Disability insurance policies vary. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, definitions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable policy. Individual circumstances vary.

10/13/2026

Your income helps make many of your financial goals possible.

From everyday expenses and housing costs to saving for retirement and supporting the people who depend on you, your income plays an important role in your financial plan.

That’s why protecting your ability to earn an income can be just as important as deciding how to save and invest it.

Disability insurance is designed to replace a portion of your income if an illness or injury prevents you from working, subject to the terms of your policy.

Think of income protection as one part of your financial foundation - working alongside your emergency savings, investments and other insurance coverage to help keep your financial plans moving forward.

Planning for the unexpected is about creating greater financial flexibility and understanding the options available to you as life changes.

Source: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - Disability Insurance

10/12/2026

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with good food, meaningful moments, and time with the people who matter most.

From all of us at Cornerstone Capital Financial Group, Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

10/08/2026

In our last post, we introduced the RDSP as one option that can support long-term financial planning. But there’s more to understand about how an RDSP may help eligible beneficiaries build their savings.

Depending on eligibility, contributions and family income, the Canada Disability Savings Grant can provide matching grants of up to $3,500 per year.

The Canada Disability Savings Bond can provide up to $1,000 per year for eligible lower-income beneficiaries - and personal contributions are not required to receive the bond.

There may also be an opportunity to receive unused grant and bond amounts from previous years, subject to applicable rules and limits.

Already have an RDSP? Consider reviewing it regularly to understand your available grants and bonds, contribution strategy and how the plan fits with your longer-term financial goals.

Understanding what may be available can help you make more informed decisions about your long-term planning.

Source: Government of Canada - Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond



This information is general in nature and is not financial or tax advice. RDSP grant and bond eligibility, amounts and carry-forward rules apply and depend on individual circumstances.

10/07/2026

October is RDSP Awareness Month - a great time to learn more about this long-term savings option.

This month, we’re also focusing on planning for the unexpected - understanding the options available to you and building greater flexibility into your financial plan as life changes.

A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is designed to help individuals who are approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) save for their long-term financial future.

Depending on eligibility and family income, an RDSP may also provide access to the Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond - government programs that can help eligible beneficiaries build their savings.

An RDSP can be one part of a broader financial plan focused on future goals, financial well-being and greater independence.

Knowing what programs are available, understanding how they work and considering how they fit into your broader financial plan are important first steps.

Source: Government of Canada — Registered Disability Savings Plan



This information is general in nature and is not financial, tax or legal advice. RDSP, Disability Tax Credit, grant and bond eligibility rules apply. Individual circumstances vary.

09/28/2026

Back to School. Back to Basics. 🎓

In our last Back to Basics post, we looked at how an RESP can help families prepare for future education opportunities. But opening an RESP is only the beginning.

Education goals, family circumstances and timelines can change, which is why regular reviews matter.

Consider reviewing:
✓ Beneficiary information
✓ Your contribution schedule
✓ Available Canada Education Savings Grant room
✓ Eligibility for the Canada Learning Bond
✓ The investments held within the plan and the time remaining before they may be needed
✓ Your withdrawal plan as post-secondary education approaches
✓ How education savings fit with your family’s other financial priorities

Your approach may evolve based on the beneficiary’s age, anticipated education path, available resources and the terms of the RESP.

A thoughtful review can help keep your education savings strategy aligned with your family’s goals and priorities.

When did you last review your RESP?

Source: Government of Canada — Registered Education Savings Plans and related benefits.



This information is general in nature and is not financial or tax advice. RESP eligibility, contribution, grant, investment and withdrawal rules apply. Individual circumstances vary.