Penni Johnston Wealth Advisory

Penni Johnston Wealth Advisory We partner with successful individuals, businesses and families to provide bespoke wealth management solutions.

09/02/2026

Think $1 million is enough to retire? Not so fast!

The idea of a universal retirement number - whether it's $1 million, $2 million or more - sounds simple, but retirement planning is far more personal than that.

Two retirees can have the exact same portfolio and experience completely different outcomes. Lifestyle choices, spending habits, taxes, and government benefits all play a major role.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is focusing only on savings while ignoring retirement income planning. Without a strategy for RRSP withdrawals, TFSA withdrawals, and government benefits like OAS, you could pay more tax than necessary or even trigger a clawback.

What retirement goal are you currently working toward?

What if true diversification means looking beyond traditional markets?In a world shaped by market volatility, concentrat...
09/01/2026

What if true diversification means looking beyond traditional markets?

In a world shaped by market volatility, concentration risk, and evolving investor priorities, many investors are rethinking how portfolios are built. Art, collectibles, and other tangible assets are gaining renewed attention, not as replacements for stocks and bonds, but as complementary assets that may offer diversification benefits, non-correlated return potential, and a meaningful connection to personal values and legacy.

As wealth becomes more complex, portfolio construction is becoming more intentional. The conversation is no longer just about returns, but about resilience, preservation, and long-term purpose.

Learn more about the evolving role of collectibles in modern portfolio construction: https://bit.ly/3SHtwyP

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Follow this series every Tuesday for more insights on wealth coordination.

08/31/2026

What if the secret to financial confidence isn't earning more, but being more intentional with what you already have?

When it comes to financial planning, the most successful plans are often built around what matters most. Whether you're saving for your child's education, helping fund a future wedding, planning for retirement, or building long-term financial security, aligning your money with your family values can make every financial decision more meaningful.

Mindful financial planning helps transform goals into a clear roadmap. Instead of simply accumulating wealth, you're putting your savings, investments, and retirement planning strategy to work for the future you want to create.

The good news? You don't need to be a financial expert to get started. With the right plan and guidance, you can move toward your goals with confidence and clarity.

Have questions about your retirement plan?
Contact us at: https://bit.ly/45g48n4 or book a complimentary discovery meeting at: https://calendly.com/pjohnston-gill-c...

Tuition isn't the only back-to-school expense parents need to plan for.As your child heads to college, university, or an...
08/28/2026

Tuition isn't the only back-to-school expense parents need to plan for.

As your child heads to college, university, or another eligible post-secondary program, now is a great time to review your RESP. While many families focus on building education savings over the years, it's just as important to understand how those funds can be withdrawn when they're needed most.

Before requesting funds, make sure you:
- Confirm the school and program are eligible
- Have current proof of enrolment ready
- Estimate upcoming expenses such as tuition, books, tools, transportation, and housing
- Check whether your RESP promoter requires receipts or additional documentation
- Understand the withdrawal options

Here are three common RESP withdrawal types:
- Return of Contributions (ROC): These are your original contributions. They can be withdrawn tax-free and returned to the subscriber (parent or grandparent).

- Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs): These consist of government grants and investment growth. They are taxable to the student, who often pays little or no tax due to their lower income.

- Post-Secondary Education (PSE) Withdrawals: Once the student is enrolled in a qualifying program, contributions can be withdrawn to help cover education costs without triggering tax.

Taking a few minutes to review your RESP withdrawal strategy before classes begin can help ensure funds are available when needed and make the transition to post-secondary education smoother.

08/26/2026

What happens to your wealth if your family doesn't understand your intentions?

One of the things I believe strongly is that financial planning shouldn't involve only parents. Whenever possible, I encourage children and grandchildren to be part of the conversation as well.

While retirement planning, investing, and growing wealth are important, so is ensuring your family understands your values, goals, and intentions. By involving multiple generations, families can have more meaningful conversations about wealth transfer, succession planning, legacy planning, and the future of the assets they've worked hard to build.

I've found that when families communicate openly, there is often greater clarity around responsibilities, expectations, and long-term financial objectives. It helps ensure that future generations not only inherit wealth, but also understand the purpose behind it.

Financial planning isn't just about preparing for the next stage of life. It's about helping your family navigate the generations that follow.

Once you give a financial gift, how much control do you really keep?Could your gift create tax consequences in another c...
08/25/2026

Once you give a financial gift, how much control do you really keep?

Could your gift create tax consequences in another country? And once the money is transferred, can you still influence how it is used?

Gifting wealth often involves more complexity than simply choosing an amount. Cross-border assets, family circumstances, trusts, and the way a gift is structured can all shape the outcome.

Before passing wealth to the next generation, it is worth understanding the options available and how thoughtful planning may help protect your intentions.

Our article explores key considerations to help you make informed decisions about transferring wealth with confidence. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3UdqbYH

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Follow this series every Tuesday for more insights on wealth coordination.

08/24/2026

The biggest retirement number is not always the most important one!

Financial success in retirement should not be measured only by investment returns, account balances, or whether your portfolio beat a benchmark. The more important question is whether your retirement plan can help you maintain your lifestyle and feel confident about your family’s financial future.

A thoughtful retirement income plan considers your goals, retirement expenses, savings, investments, and the sustainability of your income over time. It helps turn financial assets into a practical strategy for the life you want to live.

The goal is not simply to accumulate more. It is to create clarity, flexibility, and confidence.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/IDatjU1INYw

The person you name as executor could be handling one of the most complex responsibilities of their life.When creating a...
08/20/2026

The person you name as executor could be handling one of the most complex responsibilities of their life.

When creating a will, most people spend significant time deciding who inherits their assets. Far fewer spend the same amount of time evaluating who will administer the estate.

Estate administration involves much more than paperwork. It can require coordinating professionals, managing tax matters, communicating with beneficiaries, and navigating legal and financial responsibilities during a difficult time.

The best choice is not always the closest person in your life. It is the person best positioned to carry out the role successfully.

Learn more about overlooked estate planning mistakes: https://bit.ly/4wTiXHP
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Follow this series every Thursday for more insights on wealth coordination.

08/19/2026

Choosing when to take CPP and OAS can affect your lifetime income, tax efficiency, and overall retirement cash flow. The right answer is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your health, other income sources, your spouse's benefits, and future financial goals.

That's why experienced financial advisors often model multiple scenarios years before retirement. Small decisions today can have a significant impact on your financial future.

The earlier you start planning, the more options you'll have when retirement arrives.

Watch the full video to learn the key retirement planning considerations that could help you avoid unnecessary financial stress later in life.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/fPx56XSt2wQ

Think gifts are tax-free? Not always.While cash gifts are generally not taxed in Canada, gifting investments, real estat...
08/18/2026

Think gifts are tax-free? Not always.

While cash gifts are generally not taxed in Canada, gifting investments, real estate, or other assets can have tax implications for the giver. Understanding how gifting works can help you transfer wealth more efficiently and avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Before making a significant gift, it's important to consider both the tax impact today and the long-term benefits for your family.

Our latest article explores key considerations to help you make informed decisions about transferring wealth with confidence. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3UdqbYH
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Follow this series every Tuesday for more insights on wealth coordination.

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