Episode 71: Why the Right Financial Team Matters More Than You Think

Published June 8, 2026

Financial planning is about more than investment returns and retirement projections.
It’s about relationships, support, and having the right people beside you when life changes.

In this special episode of Money Monday, Bonnie Forbes steps in to discuss something that often gets overlooked in financial management conversations:

The importance of having the right team around you.

As marketing manager at Devine & Associates, Bonnie has spent nearly two decades supporting Clients and families through their financial journey.

While financial roadmaps involve numbers, strategy, and structure, this episode focuses on something equally important — the people behind the process.

This episode explores:
→ Why financial management is about more than investments alone
→ The value of ongoing support during life transitions
→ How trusted relationships help create confidence and peace of mind
→ The role communication and consistency play in long-term planning
→ Why financial management often extends beyond the individual to support spouses, children, and families

From retirement celebrations to difficult moments involving illness, loss, or uncertainty, financial guidance often becomes deeply personal.

Because when life changes — and it always does — having a trusted team beside you can make all the difference.

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Episode 30: Talking Money with Your Adult Kids
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Episode 48: End-of-Year Q&A with Darren, James and Bonnie
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Why the Right Financial Team Matters More Than You Think

Presented by Bonnie Forbes, Marketing Manager of Devine and Associates Financial Services Inc.

Retirement planning isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about people.
Because when life changes — and it always does — who you have beside you matters more than the spreadsheet.

Hello, and welcome to Money Monday, where we help simplify your financial journey.
I’m Bonnie Forbes, and today I’m briefly filling in for Darren. You may know me already but for those who don’t I manage client relationships and marketing here at Devine & Associates, and while I’m not a financial planner and don’t provide financial advice, I have been supporting clients through their financial journeys since 2007.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families through every stage of life.
And today I want to talk about something we don’t discuss enough.

The power of having the right team.

It’s Not Just About Retirement. It’s About the Road There.

When people think about financial planning, they often picture:

  • Investment returns.
  • Retirement income projections.
  • Tax strategy.

And those things matter.

But what I see behind the scenes is something different.

I see the phone calls when someone loses a spouse.

I see the emails when a parent moves into long-term care.

I see the excitement when someone retires and sends us a photo from their first trip.

Financial planning isn’t a transaction.

It’s a relationship.

Support Through the Unexpected

Life does not unfold in straight lines.

  • Illness.
  • Market downturns.
  • Family changes.
  • Career transitions.

When the unexpected happens, clients don’t just need numbers adjusted.

They need reassurance.

Clarity.

And someone steady.

That’s where a team matters.

Because while Darren and James focus on strategy and structure, the rest of us focus on making sure clients feel supported, heard, and cared for throughout the process.

Peace of Mind Is Built, Not Bought

Peace of mind doesn’t come from a single meeting.
It comes from consistency.
Knowing who to call.
Knowing someone will respond.
Knowing your family will be supported if something happens to you.

We don’t just help clients.
We help their spouses.
Their children.
Sometimes even their grandchildren.

When transitions happen, families often feel overwhelmed.
Having an established relationship with a team they trust can make those moments less frightening.

Celebrating the Milestones

But it’s not all serious moments.

We celebrate, too.

  • Retirement announcements.
  • Debt freedom.
  • Grandchildren being born.
  • Homes being purchased.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about watching someone reach the finish line they’ve worked decades toward.

And being part of that journey is something we don’t take lightly.

Why My Voice Matters Here

While I may not provide the technical advice — that’s Darren and James’s role.
I do see the human side of financial planning every day.

And after nearly two decades in this industry, I can confidently say:

The right plan is important.

But the right team is invaluable.

Because retirement isn’t just a financial milestone.
It’s a life transition.
And no one should navigate it alone.

If you’re looking for more than just investment management — if you’re looking for a team that supports you, your spouse, and your family through every stage — that’s what we strive to be.

Financial planning should feel steady.

It should feel supportive.

And most of all, it should feel personal.

Thanks for tuning into Money Monday. Don’t forget to like and comment for more episodes filled with tips to help make your financial journey a breeze. Until next time, I'm Bonnie Forbes, and you can always talk to us today at DevineAndAssociates.ca!

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