Standard financial planning was built around a narrow set of assumptions — traditional family structures, conventional relationship models, and a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning and benefits. For LGBT+ individuals and couples, this often means advice that doesn't fit, protections that were never put in place, and a planning process that feels like it wasn't designed with you in mind.
The legal and financial landscape for LGBT+ Canadians has improved significantly — but that doesn't mean the planning is simple. Chosen family protections, domestic partner benefits, adoption and surrogacy costs, estate plans that hold up under family challenge, and tax strategies that reflect your actual household structure all require careful, knowledgeable attention. And they require an advisor who asks the right questions rather than making assumptions.
Joanne David CFP® FCSI works with LGBT+ individuals and couples across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan with complete respect, sensitivity, and professionalism. Her practice is built on the belief that everyone deserves financial advice that truly sees them — and that a judgment-free environment isn't a bonus, it's a baseline. As a fee-only advisor, her only agenda is your financial wellbeing.
|
✓ Estate Planning for Same-Sex & Non-Traditional Couples
|
Without proper estate planning, your assets may not go where you intend — and chosen family members have no automatic legal standing. We ensure your will, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations legally protect the people you love.
|
|
✓ Beneficiary Designations & Legal Protections
|
RRSPs, TFSAs, life insurance, and pension plans all require explicit beneficiary designations. Without them, assets may default to biological family members regardless of your wishes. We review and update all designations to reflect your actual relationships.
|
|
✓ Tax Planning for LGBT+ Couples & Households
|
Married and common-law same-sex couples have access to the same income-splitting, spousal RRSP, and pension income splitting strategies as any other couple. We make sure you're using every tool available and filing in the most tax-efficient way for your household.
|
|
✓ Adoption, Surrogacy & Family Planning Costs
|
Building a family through adoption or surrogacy involves significant costs — and some may be eligible for tax credits. We help you plan for these expenses and access every available benefit, including the Adoption Expense Tax Credit.
|
|
✓ Chosen Family Financial Planning
|
For many LGBT+ individuals, chosen family is as important — or more important — than biological family. We help you structure your finances to protect and support the people who matter most to you, regardless of legal relationship status.
|
|
✓ Retirement Planning for Your Unique Situation
|
Retirement looks different for everyone — and your plan should reflect your actual household, income structure, and vision for retirement. We build a retirement income strategy that works for your life, not a template built for someone else's.
|
|
✓ Insurance for Non-Traditional Families
|
Life, disability, and critical illness insurance for LGBT+ individuals and couples requires careful attention to beneficiary designations and coverage structures. We help you get the right coverage in place to protect your partner and family.
|
|
✓ CPP Survivor Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
|
Same-sex spouses and common-law partners are entitled to CPP survivor benefits — but only if the relationship is properly documented. We make sure you're protected and that your partner would receive everything they're entitled to.
|
|
✓ A Completely Judgment-Free Environment
|
This should go without saying — but we say it anyway. Every client who walks through our door is treated with complete respect and professionalism. You can be fully yourself here. That's not a policy. It's who we are.
|
Your Life Deserves a Plan Built Around It.
We've worked with LGBT+ individuals and couples across Alberta for over 25 years. We ask the right questions, listen carefully, and build financial plans that reflect your actual life — not a template designed for someone else. You deserve an advisor who sees you clearly and is genuinely in your corner.
Book Your Free 20-Minute Call
