Year-end is a great time to do an assessment of where you are at, and for making plans around future growth and lifestyle changes.
As 2026 draws to a close, we invite you to look ahead with confidence and optimism. The final weeks of the year are about more than wrapping up financial matters. They're an opportunity to take stock of your investments, revisit your goals, and position your portfolio for meaningful growth in 2027 and beyond.
At JCIC, we are here to do the heavy lifting, but we need your input. After all, this if your wealth we are managing and your perspective is crucial. That is why, this and every November, we suggest you do these two things:
Step one: review your holdings to ensure your investments reflect your goals and risk tolerance.
Step two: implement any new strategies that can take advantage of new opportunities in the market and strengthen your long-term financial future.
You can do both those things by scheduling a one-on-one call with your Relationship Manager.
Here are a few of the topics we can discuss in that call:
Year-End Tax Planning
Your year-end tax statements will be made available through the online client portal and by mail in the spring, but before those go out, let’s talk about what to expect. Understanding these details now can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Maximizing Your TFSA and RRSP Accounts
What is in your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)? Is it working hard for you? Have you used all of your contribution room? Likewise, does your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contain the right investments? Does your contribution and withdrawal strategy reflect your current situation? How will that change next year?
Life Changes lead to New Financial Opportunities
None of this means you need to make major changes to your investments. The result of this meeting might be simply, “Yup, you’re good.” But annual checkups are important to avoid surprises. In a case where you’ve had a life change, or are expecting one in the next 14 months, your financial plan needs to be adapted. Estate planning and gifting decisions also deserve regular attention to ensure your wishes are reflected in your financial arrangements.
For clients approaching age 71, there are additional considerations surrounding the required conversion of RRSPs to RRIFs. Please do not leave this to the last minute as poor planning can massively increase your tax exposure.
Lastly, if you have investments held outside JCIC, now may also be a good opportunity to review your overall asset allocation and explore whether consolidating accounts could simplify your financial life and strengthen your investment strategy.
One final thought
One of the most compelling lessons in investing comes from Warren Buffett. It's often noted that more than 99% of his wealth was accumulated after his 50th birthday. It's a powerful reminder that successful investing isn't necessarily about making dramatic moves or finding the next big winner. It's about patience, consistency, and allowing the power of compounding to work over time.
That doesn't mean standing still. A disciplined, long-term investment strategy should include regular reviews and thoughtful adjustments to ensure your portfolio continues to reflect your goals, risk tolerance, and the opportunities available in the market.
Disclosure: Although we obtain information contained in our newsletter from sources we believe to be reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of JCIC Asset Management, its editors and contributors, and may change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed in the newsletter may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. The information in our newsletter may become outdated and we have no obligation to update it.
The information in our newsletter is not intended to constitute individual investment advice and is not designed to meet your personal financial situation. It is provided for information purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor or a group of investors. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable.
We strongly advise you to discuss your investment options with your Relationship Manager prior to making any investments, including whether any investment is suitable for your specific needs.
The information provided in our newsletter is private, privileged, and confidential information, licensed for your sole individual use as a subscriber. JCIC Asset Management reserves all rights to the content of this newsletter.
