Kevin Parton - Partner and Senior Advisor - VELA Wealth

05/02/2025

Wealth Beyond Money: The Miserable Millionaire Trap

Over the years, I’ve spent time with people who make a lot of money. Multi-millionaires. High earners. Business owners at the top of their game.

And here’s the pattern I didn’t expect:

Too many of them are miserable.

Cynical. Bitter. Constantly complaining.

Why?

Because they’ve spent decades believing one dangerous myth:

“If I just make enough money, I’ll finally be happy.”

Here’s what actually happens:

They hit their number.
They check the boxes.
And they still feel empty.

But instead of reflecting on what really needs to change, they just chase the next goal, the next payout, the next big thing… hoping that will do it.

Spoiler: It won’t.

Worse? They stop believing the game will ever work, and start blaming everything else — circumstances, people, the world.

Here’s the truth:

Wealth without self-awareness leads to burnout, bitterness, and resentment.

Wealth with alignment, clarity, and purpose?
That’s a whole different game.

Start here:

→ Ask yourself what would make you feel fulfilled now, not someday.
→ Make one move toward that life — today.
→ Repeat that process every day with intention.

You can be rich and miserable.
Or rich and fulfilled.

The difference is what you’re solving for.

Action step:

Don’t chase money hoping it’ll fix the internal misalignment.

Get clear on what brings meaning to your life — and let that be the driver behind your ambition.

Thanks for reading!

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05/01/2025

04/25/2025

If you're stuck financially, here's a harsh truth:

You're likely overthinking because taking real action feels uncomfortable.

But clarity and confidence don’t come from thinking.
They come from doing.

Here’s how to regain control of your money (and your life):

1. Get brutally clear on your values
If you don’t know what matters, everything will feel important.

2. Track where your money is going
Awareness always comes before transformation.

3. Cut spending that doesn’t align—immediately
Full stop. No justifications. No waiting until next month.

Because every time you spend on things that don’t matter…
You rob yourself of the things that do.

This isn’t about budgeting—it’s about ownership.

Aligned decisions build confidence.
Confidence builds wealth.
Wealth gives you freedom.

Action Item:

Audit your last 30 days of spending.

Highlight every purchase that didn’t align with your values.

Now cut it.

Thanks for reading!

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04/22/2025

Wealth Wisdom

“Forecasting” is just a creative way to say guessing.

Wall Street guesses wrong all the time—because life is unpredictable, and human behavior is complex.

So here’s the truth:

Your financial strategy shouldn’t be built on someone else’s guess.

Panic and fear?
They’re great for ratings.
But terrible for long-term decision-making.

The most successful investors:

• Ignore the noise, follow the news—not the newscaster
• Stay focused on long-term goals, not short-term emotion
• Invest consistently, not occasionally
• Practice mindfulness to keep perspective
• Revisit and refine their plan—not reinvent it every month

Take Action

1. Audit your sources.

Are they helping you grow wealth—or keeping you addicted to fear?

2. Invest Consistently.

Are you trying to time the market-or removing all guess work from investing?

3. Gain Clarity

Are you leaving things to chance-or do you have a plan for every financial decision, giving you complete confidence in your future?

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04/19/2025

The 4 Pillars of Wealth

Wealth isn’t built by accident.
It’s built on structure, intention, and ex*****on.

Here are the 4 pillars that support long-term wealth creation:

1. Increase Your Income

→ Are you actively growing your earning power?

2. Align Your Spending with Your Values

→ Does your money flow toward what actually matters?

3. Build Passive Income

→ Are your assets working harder than you are?

4. Optimize Your Taxes

→ Do you have a strategy to keep more of what you earn?

Neglect one, and the others suffer.
Master all four, and your financial life transforms.

Take Action

Pick the weakest pillar in your life right now—and build a plan to strengthen it.

Thanks for reading!

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04/14/2025

Net-Walk #31 - Do you charge for the work before the work?

That was the topic of a conversation I had with Aaron Christensen, owner of Willow Spring Construction.

He’s the rare kind of leader:
- Highly successful
- Deeply compassionate
- Grounded in values

And his approach to quoting jobs?

He still provides thoughtful assessments—without upfront payment.

Here’s why this matters:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to “free work.”
You’ll hear both sides:

→ “Free is part of the process.”
→ “Everything you do has value—charge accordingly.”

Both can be true.

What really matters?

How your approach aligns with your values.

Because when there’s misalignment:

1. You’ll feel bitter if you give time away and don’t value it.
2. You’ll feel insecure if you charge before you’re confident in your value.

That energy affects your ability to serve.

Don't Wait, Take Action

Choose a method that aligns with who you are.

Commit to it.

Show up with confidence.
And deliver value—paid or unpaid—with purpose.

Thanks for reading!

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04/13/2025

High income ≠ Wealth.

Here’s the breakdown:

• You can earn $500K/year and still feel broke.
• You can have millions in the bank and still feel trapped.
• You can “look” successful and still crave freedom.

Because income, money, and wealth are not the same.

True wealth is:

→ Enough money to own your time
→ Enough discipline to manage your desires
→ Enough awareness to be present and grateful
→ Enough foresight to take care of future you

You don’t need more.
You need enough.

Don't Wait, Take Action

Audit your financial life through this lens:

Where are you chasing more, when what you need is enough?

Cut things out that don't align. Be ruthless.

Thanks for reading!

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04/07/2025

Want to build real wealth?

Then become boring with your investments—and exciting with your life.

Let me explain:

If you’re holding a globally diversified portfolio (index funds, ETFs, or a well-managed allocation), this message is for you.

If you’re stock picking, trend chasing, or trying to time the market—this isn’t.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

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1. Don’t make financial decisions during emotional events.

• New baby?
• Market crash?
• Loss in the family?

Let the dust settle.

Big emotions = bad decisions.
Clarity comes with space.

---

2. Headlines are loud. Data is quiet.

Yes, some things are historic:

• Massive tariffs
• Global conflicts
• Fastest 2-day decline in years

But market corrections?
Not new. Not rare. Not unexpected.

Look at history:

• S&P 500 has always recovered.
• Dollar cost averaging has always won long term.
• The recent decline looks steep only because we’re starting from higher levels.

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Everyone knows “Buy low, sell high.”

But most people do the opposite:

• Panic sells at the bottom
• Waits for “the right time”
• Buys again when prices are already up

That’s not investing.
That’s reacting.

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So here’s what you should do instead:

• Stay the course
• Automate your contributions
• Focus on your business
• Learn. Adapt. Grow.
• Hire a coach or mentor to sharpen your thinking

If you can buy more during this dip? Great.

If you can’t? That’s fine too.

Just don’t sabotage your future trying to feel
“in control” right now.

---

Final Thought:
Be a boring investor.
And build a wildly exciting life.

—

Thanks for reading!

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04/04/2025

Think the FHSA isn’t for you because you already own a home?

Think again.

A client who owns his own home and business asked:
"Should I even bother with an FHSA?"

The answer: Absolutely.

Here’s why:

1. It’s a stealth tax strategy in disguise.

✔️ Up to $40,000 lifetime contribution
✔️ Contributions are tax-deductible
✔️ Growth is tax-free
✔️ Transfers to RRSP are tax-free and don’t use RRSP room

You don’t have to use it to buy a home. It still works.

2. Bonus RRSP space for incorporated entrepreneurs

As a business owner, if you’re paying yourself a salary:
→ You can deduct FHSA contributions from your personal income
→ You get another $40K in eventual RRSP space
→ You’re building long-term wealth, tax sheltered

3. Clean flexibility

Don’t want to use it to buy a home?
✅ Roll it to your RRSP tax-free
✅ Withdraw (taxable like an RRSP)
✅ No repayment like the Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP)

Eligibility?

• Must be a Canadian resident
• 18 to 71 years old
• Haven’t owned a home you lived in within the last 4 years
• Account must be used within 15 years

Bottom line for business owners:

Even if you own a home — if you haven’t lived in it recently, you might still qualify.
✅ Lower your personal tax bill
✅ Add $40K of tax-sheltered space
✅ Create optionality in your financial plan

It’s one of the most underused tools for high-earning entrepreneurs.

Take Action

Check if you qualify to open an FHSA.
If yes, consider contributing $8,000 before year-end and invest it for long-term growth.

Thanks for reading!

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04/03/2025

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a comprehensive overhaul of U.S. trade policy, introducing what he termed "Liberation Day" tariffs.

This new policy imposes a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with significantly higher rates for specific nations, aiming to bolster domestic industries and address trade imbalances.

Key Details:

- Universal Tariff: A 10% baseline tariff applies to all imported goods from every country, effective April 5, 2025.

- Country-Specific Tariffs: Additional tariffs target countries with substantial trade surpluses or perceived unfair trade practices:

- China: 34% additional tariff, totaling 54% when combined with existing levies.

- Vietnam: 46% tariff.

- European Union: 20% tariff.

- Japan: 24% tariff.

- South Korea: 25% tariff.

- Taiwan: 32% tariff.

These measures are set to take effect on April 9, 2025.

Implications:

- Domestic Industries:

The administration asserts that these tariffs will rejuvenate sectors like steel and automotive manufacturing by encouraging domestic production.

- Consumer Prices:

Critics warn that the increased costs on imports may lead to higher prices for consumers, potentially exacerbating inflation.

- Global Trade Relations:

Several affected nations have expressed strong objections, with some planning retaliatory measures, raising concerns about a potential escalation into broader trade conflicts.

Actionable Insight:

Business owners and executives should assess their supply chains and procurement strategies to mitigate potential cost increases resulting from these tariffs.

Exploring alternative sourcing options, renegotiating supplier contracts, or increasing domestic production could be viable approaches to navigate this evolving trade landscape.

Thanks for reading!

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03/15/2025

How Do You Compare to Others?

I hear this question all the time.

We all want to know where we stand.

But here’s the truth: Comparing yourself to others is a trap.

You think you’re measuring progress, but really, you’re just finding reasons to feel behind.

You compare yourself to people who seem further ahead—based on what you see online, at work, or in your social circle.

The Catch?

❌ You’re running your own race. Their goals aren’t your goals.

❌ You’re seeing the highlight reel. You don’t see the struggles behind their success.

❌ You’ll never “catch up.” No matter how far you go, someone will always be ahead.

Who Should You Compare Yourself To?

➡ The person you were yesterday.
➡ The version of yourself you could become.

How to Close That Gap:

1️⃣ Seek advice.People who get help and make real plans perform above average.

2️⃣ Build a great team. No one wins alone—surround yourself with people who push you forward.

3️⃣ Set ambitious goals. Stop aiming for “good enough.” Go after goals that excite and scare you.

4️⃣ Push for potential, not perfection. Your real competition isn’t others—it’s the untapped version of you.

The Only Race That Matters

Stop running someone else’s race. Run yours.

If you’re looking for advice, strategy, or a way to close the gap—I’m here for that.

Your potential is the only finish line that matters.

Thanks for reading!

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