What I’ve Learned About Financial Freedom from Helping Others Plan Theirs

When I first started working in financial planning, I thought “financial freedom” was just a fancy way of saying “retirement with money.” But the more I’ve worked with real people, each with their own priorities, worries, and dreams, the more I’ve realized that it’s not about the numbers on a spreadsheet. Financial freedom is about choice. It’s about peace of mind. And most of all, it’s about having the flexibility to live life on your own terms.

As someone still early in my career, helping others map out their futures has taught me more than I ever expected, about what really matters, what freedom actually looks like, and how good planning can transform far more than just finances.

Freedom looks different for everyone.

For some, it’s travelling the world. For others, it’s being able to spend more time with their grandchildren, volunteer, or finally pour energy into a passion project. My role as a paraplanner isn’t just about charts and projections, it’s about listening. It’s about understanding what a client values most and building a plan that makes those goals feel possible.

That’s why one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: you can’t create financial freedom if you haven’t defined what freedom means to you.

The biggest barrier to freedom isn’t always money, it’s clarity.

People are often so busy with the day-to-day that they never stop to ask themselves:

“If I had the freedom, what would I actually want to do with it?”

By the time they do have the ability whether it’s time, money, or flexibility they’re hesitant, unsure, or they simply don’t know where to start. Individuals often find themselves hesitant, uncertain, or at a loss for where to begin, even when they possess the necessary capacity be it in terms of time, finances, or adaptability.

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A good first step is being honest with yourself:

• What makes you feel fulfilled?
• What kind of lifestyle do you want to build?
• How do you want to spend your time not just someday, but soon?

Although your financial planning team can help you work toward those goals, only you can define them. That clarity is the foundation of a great plan.

Planning is a living process

Life changes. What freedom looks like today might evolve five or ten years from now, and that’s okay. Financial planning isn’t about locking yourself into a rigid path. It’s about having a roadmap you can adjust as your life and priorities shift.

That’s why I believe adaptability is just as important as discipline. A good plan doesn’t just help you reach your goals; it gives you room to grow.

The most valuable resource is time.

Of everything I’ve learned, this is the most important: Time is our greatest asset.

When you know what your time is worth to you and what you want to do with it a financial plan becomes more than a tool. It becomes a guide for building a life that feels aligned with your values.

And while it’s never too late to create a plan, the earlier you start, the more flexibility you give yourself to build the life you want. Whether you’re just beginning your career, transitioning into retirement, or somewhere in between, a plan can provide the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind that help you move forward with purpose.

What Helping Others Taught Me About My Own Freedom

Watching people map out what matters most to them made me ask myself the same questions:

What kind of life do I want to build? What do I want freedom to look like in my 30s, 40s, and beyond?

It’s made me more intentional not just with money, but with time, relationships, and decisions. I’ve realized that freedom doesn’t have to wait until retirement, it starts now, with the decisions I make and the values I choose to prioritize.

It’s a privilege to be learning that lesson so early. And it’s one I carry with me every day, both in the plans I help build and in the way I’m shaping my own future.

Final Thoughts

Financial freedom isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with defining what matters most to you and building a plan around that vision.

If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here to help you create a plan that aligns with your goals, values, and the life you want to build.

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Grace Cook, Administrative Assistant, Kondwelani Kalinda, Associate Investment Advisor and Grant White, Portfolio Manager at Endeavour Wealth Management with iA Private Wealth, an award-winning office as recognized by the Carson Group. Together, Endeavour Wealth Management provides comprehensive wealth management planning for business owners, professionals and individual families.

This information has been prepared by Grace Cook, Administrative Assistant, Kondwelani Kalinda, Associate Investment Advisor and Grant White, Portfolio Manager for iA Private Wealth and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Private Wealth. The information contained in this newsletter comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. The Investment Advisor can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered.  

iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. iA Private Wealth is a trademark and business name under which iA Private Wealth Inc. operates.

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