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In the last blog, I introduced the idea of building a financial team.
Now let's talk about how.
Because most people agree they need help, and then do nothing about it. They don't know where to start, who to trust, or whether they're even ready.
So, they wait. And waiting costs more than people realize.
So, let's talk about how to actually get moving.
Start here: shift your mindset
You're not looking for the most impressive credentials in the room.
You're looking for people you trust who can help you make decisions.
That's it.
Early on your financial life isn’t complex, but decisions are heavy. The right advice at the right time will help with the weight.
You don't need the whole team on day one
Build your team the same way you build wealth: one step at a time.
Buying your first home? Start with a lender and a realtor.
Got a new job with a higher salary? Now is a good time to sit down with a financial planner.
Taxes getting more complex, self-employed income, investments, a side hustle? Now an accountant earns their fees.
Don't overwhelm yourself by building the full roster before you need it. Focus on the right person for the decision that's right in front of you.
Build your team the same way you build wealth, step by step.
Know What "Good" Looks Like, Starting with the Right Person
Let me be upfront about my bias here.
If I had to tell someone to start with one person on their financial team, I'd say start with a financial advisor.
But first, I need to explain what a "financial advisor" actually is. Because in Canada, that term covers a lot of ground.
What Is a Financial Advisor, Really?
Financial advisors come with a lot of different titles.
Financial Planner. Investment Advisor. Wealth Advisor. Insurance Advisor. Portfolio Manager. The list goes on.
The difference between most of these titles comes down to the products and solutions each professional is licensed to offer. Different licenses, different toolboxes.
This is why trust matters so much. You need to know that the person sitting across from you is recommending what's actually in your best interest, not just what fits inside their toolbox.
The best advisors will educate you on all your options, even the ones they can't personally offer. They'd rather point you in the right direction than keep you in the wrong product.
Why Start with a Financial Advisor?
Two reasons. Both of them matter.
Reason one: they should be your quarterback.
Yes, my football background is showing. And no, I was definitely not a quarterback.
But here's what I mean by that. A good financial advisor isn't just one person; they're an instant network.
They've spent years building relationships with mortgage specialists, accountants, lawyers, insurance professionals, and other experts. And if they're doing their job well, those aren't just names in a contact list. They're people your advisor has worked with, vetted, and trusted.
That matters more than most people realize.
When I connect a client to someone, whether it's a home builder, a specialized lawyer, or an accountant, it's because I've seen how they work. I'm putting my name on that introduction.
A great advisor doesn't just manage your investments. They help you navigate your entire financial life by putting the right people in front of you at the right time.
Reason two: The relationship.
When a financial advisor takes you on as a client, the first job isn't to sell you anything.
It's to understand you.
Your goals. Your timeline. What you're working toward and what keeps you up at night. What you've tried before and what hasn't worked. What "success" actually looks like to you.
That foundation is what makes everything else work.
An advisor who really knows you can help make better decisions faster, flag problems before they become expensive, and keep you steady when emotions start driving the car.
That relationship, built over time, is genuinely one of the most valuable financial assets you can have.
So... What does "good" actually look like in practice?
This is where most people go wrong.
Here's what to actually look for:
They teach you, not just tell you. You should leave every conversation understanding why you're doing something.
They ask before they answer. A good professional slows down.
They think past this year. The right people help you see around corners.
You actually trust them. This matters more than any credential.
Use referrals. But use them properly
Referrals are one of the best ways to find good people. But most people use them wrong.
Don't ask: "Do you know a good mortgage broker?"
Ask: "Why do you trust them?"
There's a real difference between someone who is popular and someone who is good.
It's okay to interview them
This is your financial life. You are allowed to ask questions before you commit.
A few simple ones that go a long way:
• "Who do you typically work with?"
• "How do you get paid?"
• "What should I expect from working with you?"
• "What mistakes do you see people in my situation make?"
Your team will change as you do
The team you need at 25 is not the team you need at 45. That's completely normal.
Early on, the focus is usually:
building credit, buying a first home, learning how to invest, and getting a basic financial plan in place.
Later it shifts to:
tax planning, business decisions, estate planning, and protecting what you've built.
Let your team actually work together
This is where the magic happens.
Your advisor, accountant, and lender shouldn't operate in silos.
A mortgage affects your investment strategy.
A tax decision affects your cash flow.
An insurance choice affects your long-term plan.
When your team communicates, everything gets more efficient.
A simple place to start
If you're just getting going, here's all you need:
A financial advisor you trust.
A lender or banker who will educate you.
An accountant you can call when questions come up.
That's enough to start.
The bottom line
Building a financial team isn't about complexity. It's about confidence.
It's about knowing that when a big decision lands in front of you — and it will — you're not guessing.
You have people in your corner who can guide you, challenge you, and help you get it right.
Wealth is rarely built alone. Now you know how to build your team.
