With Valentine’s Day just around the corner a tale of two high school sweethearts seemed like the perfect story to tell. And it is a sweet story! This young couple, proud of their prairie roots, is making their way in the world. Committed to helping others and doing work they are passionate about; the cherry on top of this sweet tale is their commitment to living a good life, within their means. They also use words like “aggressive saver” and “debt-free” which pretty much has the same effect on us as “you had me at hello” – we told you it was romantic didn’t we?

What is your occupation?

Ben: Relationship Manager at PFM Capital Inc. / SaskWorks Venture Fund Inc.

Michelle: Unit Clerk at the Regina General Hospital / University of Regina Student

 

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Ben: I enjoy contemporary jazz music – CBC Radio 2’s program Tonic with Tim Tamashiro is a favourite of mine these days.

Michelle: I love to research new innovative recipes and find healthy food alternatives.

What is your favourite quote?

Ben: Fall in love with the back of your cereal box – Jerry Seinfeld

Michelle: I have two: 1. “Though she be but little she is fierce” – Shakespeare, and 2. Enjoy the little things – unknown

My proudest money moment:

Ben: The moment I paid off my student loan; I was disciplined and aggressive with my savings and became debt-free within my first year out of school.

Michelle: The moment I decided to invest in my future and go back to school.

What is your top money frustration?

Ben: Staying disciplined as a saver. Like many people I enjoy nice things, staying committed to the ‘needs before wants’ philosophy can be challenging and frustrating.

Michelle: Everything about money seems frustrating . . . but probably paying for tuition and books. I know it is necessary but it is hard to hand over that much money each semester.

Financial security to me means . . . 

Ben: Having the financial ability to support my future children to achieve their goals in their chosen pursuits for as long as they need the support.

Michelle: Being able to have enough money to support a family and travel often.

What is your favourite splurge?

Ben: Golf clubs / Plane tickets / Dalwhinnie

Michelle: Eggs Benedict from Browns Socialhouse / Any specialty coffee drink

If you had a chance for one do-over in life, what would you do differently?

Ben: I would have spent more time at a younger age studying applied subjects such as personal finance, public speaking, relational communication, psychology, etc.

Michelle: Right after high school I jumped into a college training program and I wish I had taken more time to explore and understand my passions before making a decision on my career.

What do you enjoy the most about working at PFM Capital Inc.?

Ben: The culture. There is an undeniable sense of professionalism within the firm. It seems that our team is unified by the respect we have for each other’s aptitudes and credentials. I can honestly tell you it is not hard getting out of bed to go to work knowing that I have the support of such a talented and reputable group.

Why should people invest in the SaskWorks mutual fund?

Ben: How much time do you have…? First, and most obviously, the 35% tax credit on your investment up to $5,000 in addition to your RRSP deferral makes this fund very affordable. Investing your dollars into small-medium sized businesses in our own province, assisting in the growth of our economy, gives SaskWorks shareholders a strong sense of pride. On the same note, understanding your investment is key; SaskWorks shareholders are exclusively Saskatchewan residents – it is great knowing that your dollars are invested into companies that you identify with and recognize. The flexibility to invest in lump-sum contributions, monthly contributions, or through an employer via the Payroll Investment Plan is also great. Lastly, the peace of mind knowing that your investment dollars are being managed by top-tier individuals in the industry at PFM Capital doesn’t hurt either.

What motivated you to want to become a Registered Nurse in 2016?

Michelle: When I started in my position as a unit clerk in the hospital I got to see exactly what nurses do in their day. I got to see how they help people and how close they are to their patients. I love the adrenaline rush and have become more comfortable around and in situations I never thought I could go through. I find I am very curious and interested in the human body, which causes me to want to ask questions and learn from the nurses. I see how patients need the guidance and help from nurses and that made me want to be that person in people’s lives. I really enjoy the hospital; the emotions of happy, sad, angry, etc. are all so raw. Also, my sister is a nurse and I was lucky enough to work on the same unit as her for a year. She is someone I look up to and hope to be as awesome of a nurse as she is one day. I am anxiously waiting to see if I get in this fall!

What are you finding to be the best and worst parts of home ownership?

Ben and Michelle: The best part is having a space to have and build a life, together. We have been together for 11+ years, since early high school, and we always fantasized about one day having a home of our own close to all of our family and friends in south Regina. Now that fantasy has become a reality and we couldn’t be happier. The worst thing about home ownership seems to be the amount of time and money allocated to cleaning and improving the home. It is no secret that home ownership is expensive – we knew that going in; but wow, expensive is an understatement.

If you could ask a financial planner any question, what would it be?

Ben and Michelle: How much should we be spending/saving each month and how should we allocate our investment dollars within our portfolios? This is a question that I think we will continue asking Connor as we move through different life stages – he has always impressed us with his knowledge and advice.

TCM:  So the pressure is on Connor – what impressive advice can you give others like Ben and Michelle who want to financially plan with confidence?