Brenda Potter Phelan

Certified Financial Planner^®

CEA, CFP^®, EPC, RIS, CPA

I was born and educated in Toronto (York University) but lived and worked for 20 years in Oakville before moving to Waterloo region. I serve clients across a wide range of Ontario as well as Prince Edward Island.

Before and after obtaining my accounting designation I worked in industry as a controller and CFO for a number of entrepreneurial organizations. In 1997 I co-founded an accounting, tax, and interim CFO practice in Oakville. It was during this time in conversations with clients that I came to realize that clients needed more assistance with their personal financial planning than they were being provided. Too few had any real clarity about their financial goals and whether they were making financial progress. Most were also unaware about how their portfolios were allocated and what their fees were. Hence, ten years ago, I decided to re-focus my career on providing personal and client focused financial planning to provide clients with better clarity about their financial life to increase their financial wellness.

I can say that ten years later, I have found that acting as a trusted financial advisor and helping clients reach their financial goals has been a more meaningful way to provide value to clients. Survey after survey shows the value of a written financial plan and the benefits that come from working with a trusted financial planner in terms of improved net worth and increased financial focus. However, studies also show that benefits for clients also include reduced financial stress and higher levels of emotional and financial well-being. That’s why I am passionate about helping clients develop a personal financial plan and the financial strategies needed to improve their financial peace of mind. Financial peace of mind is my ultimate goal for all clients.

I have built my financial planning practice through hard work, integrity, empathy and by building ongoing and trusted relationships with clients. My approach has always been on a client centric service model that focusses on regular personal interaction as well as integrity. I am grateful that the growth of my practice has come primarily by way of referral of existing clients who know that I prefer serving over selling.

I believe that companies and citizens of a community have an important stake in the prosperity, health, and quality of life of their community and so I am committed to volunteering and consumer advocacy. I have served as a board member for several non-profit organizations over the years. I am an active advocate for Age Friendly Communities, Unclaimed Property Legislation and enhanced Financial Literacy education. For the past few years, I have participated in the Great Cycle Challenge which is a national fundraising event on behalf of Sick Kids foundation in an effort to fight childhood cancer. The event runs each August and so far, I have raised over $15,000 over the past 3 years.

I believe in being a lifelong learner, hence my multiple designations. In a rapidly changing world, it is vital to keep learning to remain relevant and knowledgeable. Having a long-term commitment to learning is not really an option.

Most of my personal time is spent with family (including my husband and two sons) and friends in both Ontario and Prince Edward Island, cycling, reading, and volunteering. However, I also spend a good amount of time writing to the Minister of Finance about poor tax policies and suggesting tax changes needed and pondering when I am going to have time to get to write that ever-elusive book.

The above is a summary of me but I look forward to learning more about you to determine if I can assist you, a family member, or a friend with important financial matters, so we can get started.