Finkelstein Wealth Advisors of RBC Dominion Securities
Experience you can trust. Advice you can understand.
With almost three decades of experience in the financial services industry, our team brings a depth of knowledge and experience, professional integrity, and credentialed expertise to every client relationship. But just as important as what we know is how we work—with thoughtful conversations, clear and informed advice, and a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.
This site was created as a space for you to learn about us and what you can expect from working with Finkelstein Wealth Advisors while also exploring and understanding the financial topics that impact your life—from investing and retirement planning to tax strategies, estate considerations, and beyond. Whether you’re just beginning to organize your financial life or managing complex needs, we believe informed decisions start with accessible, unbiased guidance.
Our team holds advanced industry designations and a long track record of serving clients through changing markets and life stages. We take pride in offering advice that is both technically sound and personally meaningful—always grounded in your goals and values.
Feel free to browse, revisit, and reach out if something resonates.
We are here if or when you’re ready—for thoughtful conversations and guidance built on decades of helping clients successfully achieve their goals.
Professionals at your service
Our strength lies in our people. Each advisor brings a deep commitment to client success, combining experience, insight, and care. We work collaboratively to ensure every clients benefits from the full expertise of our team - offering clarity, consistency, and a long-term partnership you can trust.
It all starts with you
We believe wealth management should be personal, transparent, and built entirely around you. It's not about selling products or chasing short-term wins - it's about creating a thoughtful plan that supports your life, both now and in the future.
Our Approach to Wealth Management
We believe wealth management should be personal, transparent, and built entirely around you. It's not about selling products or chasing short-term wins - it's about creating a thoughtful plan that supports your life, both now and in the future.
1. We Listen First
Every great plan starts with understanding. We take time to learn about your goals, priorities, values, and the challenges you face. Whether you want to retire early, fund education, build a business, or leave a legacy, we start with your vision.
2. We Build a Plan That's Yours
Using what we've learned, we create a customized wealth strategy. This isn't a template or a one-size-fits-all approach - it's a plan that fits your life, adapts to change, and balances growth with protection.
3. We Guide You Through Every Stage
Life changes. So should your plan. We review regularly, adjust when needed, and stay with you through every milestone - from your first investments to your retirement years and beyond.
4. We Keep It Clear and Transparent
Financial decisions shouldn't feel overwhelming. We explain your options in plain language, provide honest recommendations, and ensure you always know where you stand.
5. We Focus on the Big Picture
Investments are only one part of your financial life. We integrate tax solutions, estate considerations, risk mitigation strategies, and cash flow management so every piece works together towards your long-term success.
6. We Prioritize Client Care and Support
Building strong relationships is at the core of what we do. We're always here to answer your questions, address concerns, and provide ongoing support - ensuring you feeling confident and supported every step of the way.
Achieving Success
Success in wealth management isn't just measured by numbers on a statement - it's about realizing your goals and aspirations. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident, prepared, and supported at every stage of your journey.
Our purpose: Our Reason for Being
We exist because life's biggest financial decisions deserve a trusted advocate - someone who understands your goals, protects your interests, and stands with you through every stage of life.
With decades of experience, we've seen markets rise and fall, economies shift, and personal circumstances change. Through it all, our focus has remained the same: navigating our clients through these complex events. Our knowledge and insight allows us to simplify complexity, guide with clarity, and help you make decisions that align with your values.
We believe wealth management is more than strategies and numbers - it's about building lasting relationships based on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to your success. We take the time to know you, so we can act as your advocate in moments of opportunity, uncertainty, and transition.
Our existence is rooted in a simple truth: when experience, advocacy, and valued relationships come together, your wealth becomes a tool for freedom, security, and living life on your own terms.
That's why we're here and that's who we are.
Our Ten Guiding Principles
In order to provide a full mantra of high-end services to our clients, we commit to the following ten principles. Each principle guides us in the pursuit of the purpose of our organization.
- We exist to help the individual investor and their families prosper over the longer term
- A relationship cannot exist unless it is win-win
- We conduct our business with client focused, collaborative relationships
- We will strive relentlessly to perform as the “gold standard” of professionalism in our disciplines offering only top quality advice with superior client care
- Our advice will always have a clear focus on results of our various services
- We are committed to paying continuous attention to important changes in the markets, legislation and in the lives of our client families
- We will always evaluate current innovations in investment strategies and products to better suit the needs of our individual clients
- We will strive to go beyond the expectations of the industry by providing creative application of expert knowledge to our clients
- Our actions in appearance and de facto will always be conducted with the highest levels of trust and integrity
- We always value the opportunity to work with you; our valued and diverse range of clients
Who we do it for
We have had the privilege and delight to have worked with many clients and client families over our years of financial service. Whether these families are affluent or aspiring affluent they have all had one thing in common - the need for quality financial advice from a team of professionals.
Our clients are diverse in age, occupation, net worth and background. It is because of our experience and expertise that we have been successful in leading them to their personalized monetary targets. We understand the unique needs and desires of our affluent and aspiring affluent clients and have worked tirelessly to supply these entrepreneurs, executives, preeminent professionals (both incorporated and non-incorporated), and retirees with financial security and success.
Welcome to the Financial Literacy Program
Managing money can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. Our Financial Literacy Program was designed to help you and your family build confidence and clarity in navigating wealth and finances.
In the coming decades, an estimated $400 billion will be transferred between generations in Canada. This unprecedented shift in wealth raises important questions: Are we prepared? Do younger generations have the knowledge and tools they need to thrive?
That’s why we created this program: to provide a structured, practical approach to financial education, empowering individuals at every stage of life to take control of their money and plan for the future with confidence.
To make learning clear and accessible, the program is divided into four core sections, each focusing on a different aspect of financial management
Earnings & Savings
How to budget your money effectively.
Budgeting Tool - Detailed annual lifestyle expenses.
Income and taxation
Sources of income and tax rules.
Net worth statement - Personalized overview of assets and liabilities.
Banking services
Exploring bank accounts and digital services.
Educational Fact Sheet - A two-page fact sheet that provides an overview of banking services and features.
Interest
How interest works from the borrower and lender, simple and compound interest.
Simple vs compound interest - Comparing features of simple and compound interest
Credit
Managing credit, building and maintaining credit score, types of credit, and mortgages.
Educational Fact Sheet - A two-page fact sheet outlining various types of credit and how each works.
Account types
Exploring different types of investment accounts available to Canadians.
Educational Fact Sheet - A two-page fact sheet that explains the various options for savings and investment accounts.
Planning benefits
Planning approaches, components, benefits, and steps in the planning process.
Wealth stage plans
Case studies by wealth stages: Early Saver, Mid-Life accumulator, Preserver / Spender.
Financial documentation
Common documents in banking, investing and planning - contracts, account opening, legal.
Asset classes
What are asset classes - cash, bonds and stocks.
Asset classes - What are asset classes - cash, bonds and stocks.
Financial ratios - Comparison of the most common financial ratios.
Markets and investment vehicles
Overview of financial markets, indices, sectors and investment vehicles.
Stock markets - Summary of top stock markets around the world and associated indices.
Mutual funds - What are mutual funds? Type, holdings, risk, income.
Equity indices - Types of equity indices.
Risk and diversification
Risk types and methods of diversification to help manage investment risk.
Risk profiles
Understanding investor risk profiles and methods to determine risk tolerance.
Investor risk profile questionnaire - Supplemental handout to determine personal risk tolerance profiles.
Wills and estate
Key aspects of estate planning - specifically the benefits of Wills and POA / Mandates.
Insurance
Key aspects of insurance - specifically the different types, how they work and what they are used for.
Charitable giving
Uses of money, methods of giving, planning for charitable gifts and the tax advantages.
Trusts
Critical parties to a trust and how they are created, governed and generally taxed.
Wealth transfer
Key considerations in the wealth transfer process: Wills & Estates, Insurance, Charitable Giving, Trusts and Financial Planning.
Wealth management hub
Welcome to Our Wealth Management Hub
Managing your wealth isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making decisions today that shape the life you want tomorrow. Whether your goals involve building your portfolio, securing your retirement, protecting your family, or leaving a meaningful legacy, the right knowledge can help you get there with confidence.
In this section, you’ll find a carefully curated library of articles, guides, and insights designed to help make complex financial concepts clear, practical, and relevant to your life.
Below, clicking each link will guide you through the various topics, or you can jump right to a list of all articles:
Investing vehicles - How to Choose Your Investment Account
When it comes to investing, where you invest your money can be just as important as what you invest in.
Choosing the right type of investment account can help you minimize your taxes, grow your wealth more efficiently, and meet your financial goals faster. But with so many options – like RRSPs, TFSAs. FHSAs, non-registered accounts, and employer-sponsored plans – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The key is to start with your goals. Are you saving for retirement? Saving for a down payment? Investing for general long-term growth? Each goal may call for a different account type.
We will break down some common lifecycle goals and which account types might help you to achieve these goals more efficiently.
Saving for a home or helping a child
Tax management - Making the Most of What You Keep
When it comes to building wealth, most people focus on earning more or investing wisely. While those are crucial, there’s another powerful, yet often overlooked, tool in your financial arsenal: tax management.
Smart tax strategies can significantly increase how much of your money you keep, invest, and grow over time. Whether you’re a salaried professional, entrepreneur, or investor, understanding how to minimize your tax burden is essential. It’s not just about filing returns—it’s about proactively planning to align your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities with tax-efficient opportunities. In many cases, effective tax management can mean the difference between financial stagnation and lasting wealth.
We will explore how thoughtful tax planning can support every stage of your financial journey - and why it's not just for tax season.
Minimizing taxes in retirement
Choosing the right investment account
Estate planning - Securing Your Legacy With Intention
Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets—it’s about making sure your wishes are honoured, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy reflects what matters most to you.
Whether your goals are personal, philanthropic, or business-related, planning ahead can bring clarity and confidence to you and your family.
From minimizing taxes on death to navigating blended family dynamics or passing down a business, a well-crafted estate plan helps reduce uncertainty and preserve what you’ve worked so hard to build. The earlier you start planning, the more options you have to shape the outcome.
Estate planning for unique situations
Succession planning with family members
Charitable giving - Make an Impact, Maximize the Benefit
Giving back is a meaningful way to make a difference—and with the right approach, your generosity can go even further.
Whether you’re making a one-time gift or planning a long-term philanthropic strategy, charitable giving can also bring personal financial benefits, from tax advantages to estate planning opportunities.
There are many ways to give, and choosing the right structure depends on your goals, your assets, and the kind of impact you want to make. Whether you’re passionate about a cause, looking to donate appreciated investments, or hoping to engage your family in your values, it’s important to consider both the emotional and financial sides of giving.
Introduction to charitable giving
U.S. Tax Planning - Navigating Cross-Border Complexities with Confidence
Living, working, or investing across borders adds another layer of complexity to your financial life - and without the right plan, it can also add unnecessary tax burdens.
U.S. tax planning isn't just for American citizens. Whether you're a Canadian with U.S. assets, a snowbird spending part of the year down south, or someone with dual citizenship, understanding your cross-border obligations is essential. Filing requirements, estate tax exposure, PFIC rules, and double taxation are just a few of the traps that can catch even the most careful investors off guard.
The good news? With proper guidance and proactive planning, you can simplify compliance, minimize tax risk, and protect your wealth on both sides of the border.
We will walk through common scenarios and key strategies to help you manage your U.S.-related tax exposure - and move forward with clarity and confidence.
U.S. estate taxes for Canadians
Moving or travelling to the U.S.
Strategies for U.S. citizens living in Canada
Requirements and considerations for U.S. citizens or Green Card holders
Managing Risks - Protecting The Future for You and Your Family
Every plan—whether it’s for your investments, your business, or your personal goals—carries a degree of uncertainty.
Risk isn’t something to be feared; it’s something to be understood, managed, and prepared for. The key to long-term success is not eliminating risk altogether but recognizing the different types you may face and developing strategies to minimize their impact.
In managing risk, we look at more than just numbers. We consider how market shifts, personal circumstances change, unexpected events, and even global changes can affect your goals. By building awareness and preparing in advance, you can make informed decisions with confidence, knowing that you have safeguards in place.
Some of the key financial management risks include:
- Market Risk – how fluctuations in the economy and markets affect your investments.
- Inflation Risk – the danger of your money losing purchasing power over time.
- Longevity Risk – planning so you don’t outlive your savings.
- Liquidity Risk – ensuring access to cash when you need it most.
- Personal & Life Risks – protecting yourself and your family against health, career, or unexpected life events.
Many risks can be mitigated with proper planning using strategic risk management tools – namely diversification, insurance, contingency and stress test planning, and more.
By understanding these areas, you can shift from reacting to uncertainty to proactively managing it.
Mitigating risks and protecting your wealth through life insurance
Employing tax management as part of your risk mitigation strategy
Managing Disability - Preserving Dignity Through Thoughtful Planning
A disability can change many aspects of life, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to compromise financial stability or long-term goals.
Managing finances through disability means protecting income, planning for care, and ensuring that resources are structured to support both immediate and future needs. It’s about creating security, maintaining independence, and protecting your family and loved ones with a disability.
The key areas should be considered as part of a plan to protect your family or a loved one with a disability:
- Income Protection – living benefits insurance, workplace benefits, and emergency reserves.
- Government Programs & Benefits – understanding programs like CPP Disability, ODSP, or other support systems.
- Tax Planning – leveraging credits, deductions, and strategies unique to disability-related expenses.
- Health Care & Long-Term Care Costs – planning for medical expenses, therapies, and ongoing support.
- Estate & Legacy Planning – wills and power of attorney, and trusts to protect loved ones. Visit Estate planning for beneficiaries with disabilities.
- Investment Strategies – balancing growth with liquidity to fund ongoing needs.
- Registered Disability Savings Plans – maximizing contributions, grants, and bonds.
By addressing these areas, you can take control of financial decisions and focus energy where it matters most—on health, quality of life, and peace of mind.
Please reach out if you would like to discuss planning around managing a disability for yourself or a loved one
If these aren't applicable to you, you might be looking for Managing risks.
Insights
Read the latest on markets and more from our team as well as experts and thought leaders at RBC.