Shawn Malvern, Assante Wealth Management

05/29/2026

We’re looking forward to taking part in the upcoming Chamber Golf Tournament and spending time with so many great local businesses and community leaders. Events like this are a great reminder of how strong our local community is when businesses come together to support one another, build relationships, and give back.

Join Us for the 60th Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Location: St. Marys Golf & Country Club

Get ready for a day where business meets the fairway. The Chamber Golf Classic brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for connection, friendly competition, and celebration.

Enjoy 18 scenic holes, on-course games, and great company, followed by a networking dinner open to both golfers and non-golfers.

Not golfing? Join us for the After Classic. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with dinner service at 5:00 PM. It’s the perfect way to connect without picking up a club.

Cap off the day with a casual mix and mingle at 53 North from 4:30–7 PM.

We look forward to seeing you there.
Register your team by clicking the link in our bio.

St. Marys Golf and Country Club

05/20/2026

A big conversation we have with clients in our office.

Buying a first home is a big step—and an expensive one. Parents often want to help out but aren’t sure how to contribute without risking their own financial security. Approaches include contributing to a First Home Savings Account, gifting money, lending money or co-signing the mortgage. Find out more about each strategy here. https://ow.ly/NsXk50YBjMK

05/08/2026

Helping clients navigate spending and saving differences can reduce conflict and support healthier financial relationships, while reaching long term goals.

Within couples, it isn’t unusual for one partner to be primarily a saver while the other is primarily a spender—and that may cause conflict. If you’re in this situation, here are tips on how to work together to move toward a healthy middle ground. Communication and goal-setting can help you find an approach to money that works for everyone. https://ow.ly/6unR50YyH12

04/30/2026

Hey everyone—I don’t post like this often, but I wanted to share a bit about what I do and how I try to help.

I’m Shawn Malvern, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (2025), and I’ve been working with individuals and families on their finances since 2009. Most people aren’t looking for complexity—they’re looking for clarity, trust, and someone to help them make confident decisions.

That’s where I focus my time. I work with clients to build practical plans around retirement, investments, and cash flow, often using a balanced approach that includes stocks and ETFs. It always starts with the person and what matters to them—not the product.

I’ve lived in Stratford most of my life. Before this career, I spent 21 years with the Stratford Festival, where I met my wife, Leanne. During my time there, I was honoured to receive the Tom Patterson Award for customer service. That experience shaped a lot of how I approach relationships and client care today.

We now raise our two daughters, Alli & Faythe, here in the community. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me curling at the Stratford Country Club or staying involved locally.

I’m active with the Stratford Rotary Club (serving on the Foundation Board) and have been involved for years with the Downtown Stratford BIA, supporting local businesses and our downtown.

I really believe there’s value in having someone local you can actually connect with—someone you can sit across from, ask questions, and build a relationship with over time.

If you ever want a second opinion or just need a place to start, I’m always happy to connect.

03/26/2026

Downside volatility is a normal part of investing. Even with frequent intra-year declines, the S&P 500 has often finished the year with positive returns. Staying focused on long-term goals can help investors look past short-term market swings.

03/24/2026

The latest market news.

If you want the latest market and data, news and insights all in one convenient spot, check out Market Pulse: The Week In Review. This newsletter fights through the clutter, so you don’t need to. https://ow.ly/TF7u50VRTak

02/03/2026

We definitely have this conversation in our house.

Should you give your children an allowance? If you do, should you tie it to chores? How much should you pay and should it be cash or attached to a debit card? This article explores all these questions and can help you decide on the right approach for your family. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. https://ow.ly/unBs50XQJhY

01/28/2026

This a great service for low income residents.

FREE INCOME TAX CLINICS

The City of Stratford's Social Services Department is co-ordinating free income tax clinics for low-income individuals/couples in Stratford, Town of St. Marys and Perth County for current year returns.

Those receiving social assistance (ODSP, Ontario Works) are eligible with a T5007 tax slip.

For others to participate, you must have a total gross annual income of:
* $16,000 or less for individuals
* $32,000 or less for couples
* $25,396 or less for seniors – individual (65+)
* $34,346 or less for seniors – couple (65+)

Disability income received should be included in your total gross income.

You must register in advance by Wednesday, March 18, 2026 by contacting the Social Services Department at 519-271-3773 extension 6208, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. An appointment time will be provided for document delivery between March 19 and 27.

Further instructions will be provided when registering.
Participants are required to provide the following documents, if applicable:
* T4s, T5s
* Rent receipts and/or property tax receipts
* Medical receipts
* Donation receipts
* Disability tax credit certificate (T2201)
* Date of entry into Canada

There is no fee for the clinic, with services provided free of charge by:
• Famme & Co. Professional Corporation
• McCutchen & Pearce Professional Corporation

01/27/2026

There are some smart choices to be made!

So, you’ve received a bonus, inheritance or another lump sum. What’s next? Should you invest it all at once or more gradually? Research shows getting all your money into the markets tends to be better—but it may not be right for you. Find out when investing gradually pays off, and why personal factors are just as important as market analysis. https://ow.ly/tSEG50XQJcK

01/02/2026

This is something not all financial institutions can do. And is a strategy that works well for some clients.

Did you know you don’t have to sell an investment to withdraw it from a (RRIF)? Instead, you can transfer the investment in kind to a non-registered account or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). Here’s why you may want to consider this approach. https://ow.ly/JlxR50WNzSu