Photo: Contributed
Whether you’re 23 or 53, Jeff Olensky is ready to help you down the road to financial freedom.
The Prospera Credit Union wealth management specialist has 24 years of experience, and in this time he has learned how to help his members create a plan that makes sense for them.
“I always start out by asking you questions about your short and long-term goals,” Olensky says. “Part of it is number-based, but a lot of it is really about where you see yourself in the future: what you want, when you want it and what’s important to you while you get there. Then I can provide you with a personalized plan that’s right for you. It’s like completing a puzzle.”
While many people are intimidated by going to a financial planner, Olensky stresses that it is a positive experience. He is there to be your coach and your advisor when it comes to saving money, and he can help you at any age or income level. He wants you to leave his office with a smile on your face, and he promises not to drone on about stats and other boring topics—unless that’s what you want.
“I want you to feel positive about your financial future,” Olensky says. “It’s like coming to a financial coach. If you want to lose weight, you look to a fitness or health coach for a plan, and a financial plan is no different. I’ll give you suggestions, we’ll work together, and we’ll periodically review whether we are on track or if we need to re-evaluate your plan.”
When you meet with Olensky or another Prospera advisor, together you will determine how much money you are going to want for retirement, what kind of lifestyle you want to lead and review what your current investments are.
“There are three pillars that we will review: government pensions, company pensions, and the third pillar, which I’m here to help you with, is your private savings,” he says. “These are the investments that you make into RRSPs or tax-free savings accounts.”
When meeting with an advisor, it’s important to provide them with as much information as possible so that they can truly understand your whole financial picture. If you have plans for university, want to buy a home or even potential inheritances, all should be discussed.
“I have a signature saying: You can’t just live for tomorrow. You have to live for today,” Olensky says. “But always keep one eye on the future so that when you reach a certain age you don’t have to look back at the past and wish you had done things differently.”
It’s important to know that you can always adjust the plan along the way as your life changes. A financial planner is all about helping you set a plan in motion to start saving for your goals, and that’s what Jeff does. He will check up on you now and then to see how you are doing, and be there to help you adapt to any life changes along the way.
Financial planners like Olensky have the experience to tackle the important part of planning for your future. They break it down into realistic, manageable steps for you and your family so that you can reach your financial goals.
Speak with a Prospera advisor today to explore how they can help you find the right plan for your life.
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
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