Starboard Wealth Planners

You have to scroll wayyy down, but we are pleased to see our founder, Laurie Stephenson on this list of amazing women in Canada's wealth management space!

Wealth Professional honours 2025 top 50 leading women in wealth Trailblazing advisors reshape Canadian wealth with innovation, resilience, and client‑first leadership

We are delighted to welcome Matthew Garland to Starboard Wealth Planners as an associate advisor. We could not be happier to add this relationship driven financial planner to the team.

Matt joined Freedom 55 Financial in 2014. He was attracted to the idea of building a career in financial services. He could envision his family achieving their financial goals and dreams while helping clients do the same.

Two years into the business, Matt took on the challenging role of Training Manager. This role allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for helping people with new advisors. Over the course the last 10 years he has held numerous titles in management all focused on advisor training, development, and coaching. We have been lucky enough to work with him in this capacity and we knew he would be a great addition to Starboard Wealth as an advisor and successor.

Matt is an active and respected leader in our professional association, Advocis. He joined the board as a director in 2016 and held the Advocacy chair until January of 2020 when he became President of the NS chapter. In January of 2023 he stepped back to the Vice President for the NS chapter and took on the Regional Leader role. He volunteers on numerous sub-boards when required.

A proud East Coaster, Matt graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University. He lives in Chester with his lovely wife Amy and their fur baby Penny. When he is not working, Matt enjoys spending time with family, working outside, and playing golf.

We look forward to introducing Matt to our clients. He will be working with families, business owners, and professionals.

Happy New Year to my network! 2025 is already a year of change. I am delighted to announce that Michael Klasz has officially joined Starboard Wealth Planners as an Associate Advisor. Mike has been working with me for a couple of years and has really proven himself. Mike has built an excellent reputation and is growing a very strong practice. Those of you who know the story of how Mike came to me will laugh, because Mike was right, he has really grown on me. Congrats Mike.

Thank you to all the friends and clients who made 2024 a successful year. We look forward to 2025.

Thanks to Kaye, Mike and Jen at our office for processing what seems like a million RESP withdrawals over past few weeks! And congratulations to all the students. Happy September!

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The last day to make an RRSP contribution for 2023 is February 29th. If you need some help, reach out.

Goodbye sweet Piper. July 2000 - February 2024. Loyal colleague and fun-loving friend.

Facebook will not let me post a great article on FHSA and planning with spouses. See if this link will work if you are interested.

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First Home Savings Accounts are very popular and for good reason. This excellent article explores some opportunities and possible pitfalls. It is also a good reminder that even if you and your partner do not merge your money, you might want to consider merging your financial planning to ensure you make use of every opportunity available.

FHSAs and the role of spouses | Advisor's Edge Help clients get the maximum benefit from these accounts

This is a good article! We are up to speed on the FHSA. We have been really enjoying brainstorming with our clients about all the opportunities available using this new structure. This is a great opportunity. Reach out if you want to learn more.

Why the FHSA isn't just a homeownership game-changer From retirement savings to giving to the next generation with warm hands, two planning experts explore creative options

Here is a fun article about annuities.

While investors can't expect a deal like former baseball star Bobby Bonilla, they can use an annuity to create a stream of income in retirement Annuities are a form of pension or stream of income payments over time. This piece explains the concept of annuities in honor of Bobby Bonilla Day.

Many of our friends, family, colleagues, and clients are affected by . It is heartbreaking and terrifying. Our office is open and coffee is on. . Hats off to the 1st responders, firefighters and people supporting.