Allison Jacobson

Financial freedom means different things to different people.

For some, it’s retiring early.
For others, it’s taking a lower-paying job they enjoy more.

Or working part-time.
Or starting a business.

Financial freedom isn’t necessarily about not working.

It’s about having choices. And choices are often created years before they’re needed.

In the Investor’s Edge newsletter for spring 2026, read tips for legacy planning, how AI fits into wealth planning, fixed income and equity investing ideas for different stages of life, plus how to see your financial picture in one place with RBC Total Wealth.

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In the Investor's Edge newsletter for winter 2026, gain insights on financial tips for the new year and, inspired by the Winter Games, how to medal in your financial life. Read the full newsletter for these ideas and more to help with your wealth planning in 2026.

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People focus on average returns.

But the order of returns matter too.

If the market drops right after you retire and you start pulling money out?

That's sequence of returns risk.
It can ruin a solid plan even if the market rebounds later.

This is why we hold cash.
Why we plan carefully.

Ever think "if I just made more money, I'd be fine"?

You're not alone.
But your also not necessarily right.

People with better self-control save more, no matter what they earn.

Even crazier?
About 1 in 4 Americans admit they consistently spend more than they make.

So yeah, It's not just about the size of your paycheck.
It's about what you do with it.

You do not need to be "rich" to build wealth.
You need to be consistent.
You need discipline.

Source:

After building up savings, you may be sitting on too much idle cash.

If inflation is 2% and your savings is earning 1% your real return is negative.

Instead: keep 3-6 months for emergencies
- Invest excess cash based on time horizon
- Explore higher-yield solutions

Source: https://bit.ly/3KMa0xr

Many families invest across:

- Retirement accounts
- Brokerage accounts
- Savings account

But few coordinate across them for:
- Asset location
- Withdrawal order
- Risk alignment

A strong portfolio isn't just well-funded it's well-structured.

Waiting on a inheritance often means waiting on something no one wants to happen- the loss of a loved one.

It's not just about the money.
It's about
- legacy
- intentions
- responsibility
- and the emotional weight that comes with all of it

If you expect to receive an inheritance, ask yourself:

-Do I understand their values and what they'd want me to do with it?
-Am I preparing myself emotionally and financially for that responsibility?
-Have we had an honest conversations- or am I making assumptions?

Honor them by being ready. Not just for the money -but for what it means.

December is here. The window for smart financial moves is closing.

As the year wraps up, there’s still time to make decisions that can impact your taxes, savings, and long-term goals.

Here’s what I’m reviewing with clients before year-end:
• Are retirement contributions on track or maxed out?
• Is a Roth conversion worth considering this year?
• Have we used any gains or losses intentionally in taxable accounts?
• Are charitable and family gifts structured efficiently?
• Are we positioned to enter 2026 with a clear financial strategy?

Most of these opportunities disappear on December 31.

If we haven’t had a year-end planning conversation yet, now is the time.

Source: https://bit.ly/4oNYBuE
RBC WM does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice and all decisions regarding your investments should be made in consultation with your independent advisors. For more information see “Legal and Tax Advice” at www.rbcwm.com/legal-tax-advice

Your financial plan should be a family conversation.
If only one person handles the finances in the household, there's risk.

Make sure both partners:
- Understand where money is
- Know how the plan works
- Can access accounts and contracts if needed

Clarity can lead to confidence.