The true value of a financial advisor

Guidance that helps you plan with confidence

Most people don’t expect to figure out life’s biggest moments on their own. We ask questions. We seek advice. We lean on people we trust.
Planning your finances is no different. As your goals grow and your life becomes more complex, having someone who understands your situation and can help you think through your options can make all the difference. A financial advisor isn’t there to tell you what to do—they’re there to help you make informed decisions with confidence.


Why advice still matters in a digital world

According to FP Canada, a survey conducted by Leger in January 2025, found that nearly four in ten Canadians, 37 per cent, work with a financial professional. The majority, 59 per cent, choose to manage their finances independently, often due to convenience, a desire for control, lower costs, or the perception that advisors are meant for “other people,” not them.

Today, there’s more financial information available than ever before. Online articles, calculators, and digital tools, including artificial intelligence, can be helpful starting points for learning and exploration.
Because of this access, some people assume financial planning is simple. In reality, building a plan that supports you over decades—through career changes, family milestones, market shifts, and retirement takes more than information alone.

While self-directed tools and independent research can play a role, there’s no single approach that works well for everyone or every stage of life. That’s where a financial advisor comes in.


Planning built around your life

“The value of an advisor is in their ability to understand your unique situation and tailor a plan to fit your needs with a variety of financial products,” says Manish Kaushal, Associate Vice-President Wealth and Business Solutions with SCU and Wealth Advisor at Aviso Wealth.

“What our members really value is the customization that our advisors provide for them. We allow our members to take control of their futures, rather than accepting what’s provided by a digital source,” he says.
At SCU, through Aviso Wealth, advice starts with understanding. Advisors take time to learn about your goals, priorities, and concerns, then help you connect that information to the tools and options available to you.
This approach supports planning that can adapt as your life evolves.


Support through uncertainty

Markets and economies change, and global events can add to uncertainty. During times like these, guidance can help keep long-term goals in focus rather than reacting to short-term headlines.
A financial advisor can help you revisit your plan, understand what’s happening, and make thoughtful adjustments when needed—always with your goals in mind.

Open communication plays an important role in that process. On this Kaushal adds, “there must be honesty on both sides of the desk. The advice an advisor gives you is based on the information you provide. And if something makes you uncomfortable, if you see something out there that doesn’t make sense, let’s talk about it.”


A relationship built on trust

Working with a financial advisor is an ongoing relationship, not a one-time decision.
“Our job is to be in regular contact with members and make sure they’re comfortable with what’s happening. Sometimes advisors educate clients and sometimes they’re clients’ therapists. The best advisors are really good at both of those things,” he says.
Regular conversations help ensure your plan continues to reflect your comfort level, priorities, and stage of life, whether that means making changes or simply confirming you’re on track.


Advice that supports confident decisions

A financial advisor doesn’t replace your decision-making, they support it.
By helping you understand your options and the potential trade-offs, advisors provide clarity so you can make decisions that align with your goals and values. Whether you’re building wealth, preparing for retirement, or navigating change, having guidance can help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s talk.

Book an appointment with a trusted wealth advisor to discuss your goals and explore what planning support could look like for you.