Kevin Maltezo, President - First Heritage Financial Services

Business owners should consider a succession plan sooner rather than later.

Succeeding at Business Succession There are a number of reasons for business owners to consider a business succession plan sooner rather than later.

Markets pushed higher in August as AI-driven optimism helped investors look past softer economic data. The S&P 500 gained 2.62% and the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.96%, even as softening retail sales kept consumer spending in focus. Back-to-school season adds another data point to that story, with spending expected to reach \$146.8 billion in the U.S. and \$4.5 billion in Canada this year.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2026 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, adding 1.34 percent. The S&P/TSX rose 2.96 percent.1,2

Medicare and Medicaid are two terms that seem interchangeable, but aren’t. Learn more here:

Medicare vs. Medicaid The terms Medicare and Medicaid sound similar but are two very different things. Learn the differences in this informative article.

There are benefits and limitations when using a living trust.

A Living Trust Primer Living trusts are popular, but their appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives.

Do you know the difference between a credit lock and a credit freeze?

Should I Accept a Free Credit Lock? Learn the ins and outs of credit locks, freezes, and more.

Will your dream retirement become a reality? The answer might not be what you think. Learn more here.

Retirement Realities Many pre-retirees can become focused on the “ideal” retirement, but turning that dream into a reality can be tricky.

Looking for a quick read? Explore the role Money Market Funds may play in your portfolio thanks to this concise article.

Understanding Money Market Funds Check out this brief article which explores the role Money Market Funds may play in your portfolio.

Life evolves constantly, and your legacy approach should too. Marriage, divorce, welcoming a child, health shifts, or legislative changes are all good reasons to revisit whether your current approach still matches your goals.

How Often Should You Update Your Estate Strategy? Review your legacy approach regularly, particularly following significant life events or legislative updates.

Protect yourself from identity theft.

To Catch a Thief Having your identity stolen may result in financial loss plus the cost of trying to restore your good name.

Do you know the risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline?

Avoiding Cognitive Decline Try these activities to keep your brain sharp.