Media - Northern River Financial

A New Chapter for Northern River Financial

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
August 17, 2026

We’re excited to share that Northern River Financial has a new home in Waterloo!

Our new office is located at Suite 106 – 191 King Street South, on the main floor with an entrance off King Street South, in a space designed to provide a more comfortable and welcoming experience for our clients and our team.

With more space, better utilities, plenty of adjacent parking, and a newly decorated environment, our new office gives us the opportunity to create an even better setting for the conversations that matter. Whether we’re talking about your financial future, reviewing your life plan, or simply taking the time to understand what has changed in your life, we believe the environment should reflect the care and attention we bring to every client relationship.

Our new location also includes virtual office space, providing added flexibility for how we connect and work with clients.

A new office is more than a change of address. It represents growth, possibility and looking ahead with confidence. It is another step forward in our ongoing commitment to helping you navigate change, make thoughtful decisions and keep your financial life aligned with the life you want to live.

We’re proud of where we’ve been and excited about where we’re going.

New space. New possibilities. Same commitment.

#KeepingLifeCurrent

June 2026 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
June 15, 2026

Hello Everyone,

Its so refreshing to jumped into June. The other day, my partner and I took the opportunity to visit a large local botanical garden near our hometown. We needed to take time to smell the flowers. Summer brings a fresh and intoxicating reality to 2026. It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the year already. We have found our way into our summer schedules. It does involve our busy businesses commitments but, more importantly, time for random acts of kindness and charitable volunteering. We all need to channel the good in this world that is so sadly lacking.

Northern River Financial is now in a summer space where we can take life a little easier and find some personal time. We are always there for client questions. One of them typically is what are the implications of the latest issues in front of Canada. That is the subject in a meeting on July 1^st where the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the US sit down to discuss the future of our free trade agreement, CUSMA. Our neighbours to the south are taking a tough stance. One has it is not needed. The truth is that they do and this is probably a negotiation tactic. We have also seen several federal MPs decide to leave government. Chances of byelections are off the table for the summer but may happen in the autumn affecting the overall balance of power. A waiting game for sure.

We appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled The June Financial Fine Tune. Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

We’re open to meeting at your convenience online or in person. Please feel free to contact us to schedule. We’re also always available to answer your questions or address any matter. Our mandate is to at least connect with you twice a year. As always, we also appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas. Simply email us at admin@NorthernRiverFinancial.ca or call our office.

Please be advised, effective August 1^st, our office is moving and hence our mailing address will change to:

Northern River Financial

Suite 106 – 191 King Street South

Waterloo, ON N2J 1R1

Economics

The word recession is back in everyday vocabulary. And for good reason: on May 29, Statistics Canada confirmed that real GDP had declined by 0.1% on an annualized basis in the first quarter of 2026, following a revised contraction of 1.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Two consecutive quarters in the red. Technically, that’s a recession. But before sounding the alarm, it’s worth taking a closer look. Because there’s a significant gap between the headlines and the reality on the ground. The Canadian economy isn’t collapsing. It’s slowing down. And the distinction is far from superficial. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook June 2026.

Education

Vanguard

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming every corner of the financial services industry, from investment research and portfolio management to client engagement and compliance. Financial advisors aren’t immune to this wave of automation. Algorithms can already generate financial plans, rebalance portfolios, and even simulate retirement outcomes in seconds. With the advancement of AI’s capabilities, it’s tempting to ask, will AI replace the human advisor? We believe the answer to that question is no. AI does not spell the end of the human financial advisor. Here’s what it means: What AI Can and Can’t Replace in Financial Advice

Scotia Wealth Management

When it comes to funding post-secondary education, parents and their teenaged children need to have a financial plan in place that addresses everything from tuition costs and financial aid to money management for students. When it comes to funding post-secondary education, parents and their teenaged children need to have a financial plan in place that addresses everything from tuition costs and financial aid to money management for students. What you need to know: Preparing for Post-Secondary Education

Ratehub.ca

Saving for a down payment remains one of the biggest barriers to homeownership in Canada, with nearly 30% of first-time buyers relying on financial help from family members. To ease these costs, governments offer several programs that support first-time buyers. These include savings tools like the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), tax relief such as the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, land transfer tax rebates in some provinces and cities, and select municipal assistance programs. This guide highlights the most common programs available to first-time home buyers in Canada. Here’s a summary of all the available assistance: 2026 Canada First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide

You’ll see our next Newsletter in September 2026. As I am writing this, I am not liking the temperatures with humidity in the middle 40s. I do hope we have more moderate weather this summer to enjoy with friends and family. Summer is here in spades. Get outside and face summer straight on with family and friends. Enjoy it with an enhanced spirit. Take time to relax. We all deserve it. Keep forward focused on 2026.

March 2026 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
March 15, 2026

Hello Everyone,

Let’s just leave the snow behind us and look forward to a beautiful spring. My partner and I managed to salvage the time we usually couldn’t take away after Christmas, due to the weather, and made it away the week of the Ontario Family Day long weekend. Our sabbatical allowed us to spend lazy days up north. We de-escalated and found our forward drive to meet our upcoming spring schedule. Trust us, we all need to find a way to channel the good and kindness in this world and get away from the global reality we all are currently facing.

Northern River Financial is away from RRSP season and heading into tax season. Its one of the busies times of year as we launch into our spring client meetings. As we expected, 2026 has come in like a lion. Our trade relationship with the US continues to spiral downward. It is a complicated one as we live within the enlarging spider’s web of imposed and announced tariffs and the start of re-negotiating the CUSMA free trade relationship which may or may not survive. We are heading into bi-elections and may see a slim majority liberal government who will be unpacking all the new trade relationships that have been forged. We are also watching the federal provincial relationship discussions as efforts are made to free up trade and remove barriers. As always, we are attuned to forward changes in respect of communicating their implications to our clients.

We appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled The Financial Ides of March. Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

Economics

Volatility in the energy markets has plunged the stock markets into turbulent waters and increased fears of a recession or worse, the onset of a period of stagflation. Historically, two of Canada’s last five recessions have been linked to an oil shock. Will the rapid rise in oil prices over such a short period lead to a recession this time? Probably not in Canada. An oil shock can cause a recession by pushing up inflation and interest rates, and, in turn, depressing consumption and growth. However, the economies of Canada and the United States are much less vulnerable to oil shocks. While the risk of a recession has increased, we don’t believe one is on the horizon. But it’s not all bad news for Canada. The energy sector represents a significant share of the country’s economic activity. Higher prices will benefit Canada’s energy-producing regions, which don’t face the supply constraints currently experienced by their Middle Eastern competitors. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook March 2026.

Education

Money.ca

If you have been carefully feeding a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), quietly assuming tuition fees would stay about the same and OSAP grants would help close the gap, Ontario just changed the equation. After seven years of frozen tuition, the province is lifting the cap and overhauling student aid. On February 12, Ontario announced the province will provide $6.4 billion in additional funding to colleges and universities over four years. At the same time, schools will be allowed to raise tuition again and the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) will shift heavily toward loans. Here’s what it means: Ontario Ends Tuition Freeze and Trims OSAP Grants

TD Stories

You may have set some New Year’s financial resolutions, which might include trying to save money or improving your investing knowledge. But the start of 2026 is also when you may notice that your paycheque looks a bit different as a result of federal income tax changes that are coming into effect this year. Here’s what you should know: Why your Paycheque Might Look a Bit Different in 2026

Ratehub.ca

Are you among the 1 million Canadians looking to renew your mortgage in 2026? It may seem a daunting prospect to do so this year, given interest rates are likely higher than when you first took out your mortgage. Recent economic upheaval, thanks to ongoing tariff uncertainty, have also clouded the financial picture for many. Here’s what those navigating the so-called mortgage renewal wave can expect this year and how to hone their borrowing strategies to be most financially advantageous: Renewing Your Mortgage in 2026: Here’s What to Expect

You’ll see our next Newsletter in June 2026. As spring approaches, enjoy our warmer weather, green leaves sprouting, and colourful flowers blossoming. Take that enhanced spirit, breath a sigh of relief, and make 2026 all it can be and more!

Mobile-Outlook-2025_Mid-year-US-HEADER-1

Market and Economic Outlook for 2026

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
January 08, 2026

Market Outlook for 2026

Canadian stocks look poised for a solid performance in 2026. Names in the materials and financial sectors will likely drive the country’s stock market higher, owing to a combination of macroeconomic factors. Lower interest rates, strong consumer spending, continued geopolitical uncertainty, and potential resolution of the tariff conflict with the United States. Canada’s stock market has seen three years of gains in a row.

While no market leads forever, the Canadian stock market enters 2026 with meaningful tailwinds and a more balanced foundation than the US. The case for continued relative strength is very much alive. Valuations have risen since the start of 2025, but analysts say there’s still room to run. However, risks remain in uncertainty surrounding trade agreements and the underlying health of consumer spending.

Read the complete article here: Market Outlook for 2026

Economic Outlook for 2026

Despite trade uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, the Canadian economy has held up better than we would have expected. We expect the Canadian economy to grow by slightly more than 1% in 2025 and 2026. That’s below average, but it’s not a recession. It’s been a struggle, but we’ve seen encouraging signs recently that things are mildly improving. We’re looking for a stronger economy in 2026 than 2025.

Consumer spending has helped prop up the economy. The “Buy Canadian” campaign has helped, and more people are travelling closer to home. Also, there’s no question that federal government spending has also supported economic growth.

Read the complete article here: Economic Outlook for 2026

December 2025 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
December 15, 2025

Hello Everyone,

And just like that, we are approaching the end of 2025. A rather dull and gray autumn is passing on. The Holiday Season is coming up very fast and is one to take advantage of with our family and friends. My partner and I celebrate traditionally but also always find a way to sneak away for a few days up north to relax, rewind and refocus. It’s a much needed time alone and away from all of the societal noise.

Northern River Financial is in one of the busies times of the year as we wrap up our autumn client meetings and tackle our year end responsibilities. We are also working ahead on 2026 which promises to come in like a lion. The trade relationship with the US will be a complicated one as we live with the tariffs imposed to date and the pending end of the CUSMA free trade relationship. We are still unwinding the implications of the Federal Budget that came down on November 4^th and narrowly passed approval. We are always attuned to forward changes in respect of communicating their implications to our clients.

As always, we appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled Possible Pension Options. Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

Economics

It’s been a tough year for the Canadian economy. Entrepreneurs, consumers and governments have all been shaken by uncertainty caused by trade tensions. Can we hope for better in 2026? Yes and no. The outlook remains clouded as we continue to face trade disputes and other external and internal issues. But while the year ahead will be challenging, a recession doesn’t look to be in the cards. Key determinants of the outlook: international tensions and limited domestic demand. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook December 2025

Education

David Chilton, Wealthy Barber

It’s tough out there. Many people’s incomes haven’t kept up with living costs, let alone home prices. The temptation to spend and borrow is everywhere. Even making good decisions is more complicated, with more financial products than ever making it harder to know what to prioritize.

The Wealthy Barber has noticed. Some 36 years after publishing his seminal personal finance bestseller, David Chilton is back with a new edition full of fresh advice and a hopeful outlook for a new generation of Canadians. Here’s the message for younger generations: You Can Do This

TD Bank

In a recent survey on holiday spending nearly half of Canadians surveyed (47%) plan to spend the same amount during the holiday season as they did last year, with 36% planning to spend less this year compared to previous years. Only 16% of respondents said they planned to spend more this year. The holidays are an indulgent time, and people may find themselves going overboard with spending. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents admitted they felt vulnerable to overspending due to the social pressures associated with the holidays, as well as feeling lured by flash sales. It’s eye-opening to see how many people feel pressured to stretch beyond their budget during the holidays. Dig deeper into this article: How to keep Holiday Spending on Budget

Money.ca

With the end of the year nearing, Canadians are now full steam ahead into the holiday season. But aside from shopping for gifts and gathering with loved ones, the end of the year also delivers some crucial financial deadlines. Many tax credits, deductions and incentive programs are structured around the calendar year, which means missing these deadlines could leave you with a higher tax bill or less money saved. With this in mind, here are the top four financial moves you should make before we officially ring in 2026: Financial Moves to Make in 2026

You’ll see our next Newsletter in March 2026. Have a Very Happy Holidays and a New Year full of Health, Peace and Prosperity! Let’s start 2026 strong!

September 2025 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
September 15, 2025

Hello Everyone,

We are now almost at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Our summer has been a humid one for sure. Yet, autumn is apparent and almost upon us. It’s my favourite season of the year.

Northern River Financial has been busy in the last few months as we move from summer into autumn. We are working ahead on our fall client meeting scheduling for October and November. We are always involved in this time of year in our professional development and planning for the new year ahead. The resumed sitting of the new federal government today will give us economic direction with a budget due in October. We are always attuned to the forward changes in respect of communicating their implications to our clients.

As always, we appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled Fall Planning for your Finances. Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

Economics

The Canadian job market is slowing down. Although the situation isn’t alarming yet, it’s important for entrepreneurs to be aware of the weakening employment picture and the factors driving it. Strong employment stimulates consumer spending and is a key driver of growth. It also makes households more resilient to economic turbulence and sustains the tax revenues that finance public services. By contrast, a slowdown can mean weaker sales for businesses and a changing human resources environment. Trade relations between Canada and the United States continue to be tense and much uncertainty remains. That’s making it difficult for companies to effectively plan for the future. Here’s what you need to know about the labour market to help you forecast your sales, manage your costs and understand the salary outlook for 2026. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook September 2025

Education

RBC Wealth Management

Have you got a Will in place? Did you know that only half of Canadians have one? In this video, David Chilton, the Wealthy Barber, talks to people about why it’s important to have a Will, no matter your age or stage of life. Not only will creating a Will give you peace of mind, but it will also help ensure you have control of what happens to your assets when you pass. “They’re not that expensive,” says Chilton, who adds that drawing up Wills also, “don’t take much time.” Here’s the article: Do you have a Will?

Advocis

As we head into the fall, we seem to be entering another stage of uncertainty. Having peace of mind and stability in your personal finances can help reduce stress. To help you stay crisp and cool when it comes to money, here are a few tips on managing it all this fall. Here’s the article: Five Financial Moves for Fall

Ontario Securities Commission

Life insurance provides a tax-free cash payment to your named beneficiaries (such as your spouse or children) upon your death. A life insurance policy is a legal contract. Find out more about how life insurance works and questions to ask if you are considering getting it. Here’s the article: What is Life Insurance and how much do you Need?

We are back to the grind. Do your best to continue to enjoy family and friends time. You’ll see our next Newsletter in December. Have an awesome autumn!

June 2025 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
June 15, 2025

Here we are at the end of our second quarter of 2025 and continuous change is apparent. Summer is near.

Northern River Financial has been busy in the last few months with tax season and our spring client meetings. Our new approach to our client meeting scheduling has proven to be successful by concentrating on a spring and later fall promotion. We are always involved in this time of year in our professional development and compliance education. Two always evolving worlds. Sure, the election, and settlement of a new federal government, has given us some direction on where our economy will head. We are always attuned to the forward changes in respect of communicating their implications to our clients.

As always, we appreciate hearing your comments on our Newsletter as it evolves. Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled the “Overspent Credit Cards.” Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

Economics

Over the past year, the Bank of Canada has lowered its key interest rate by 2.25% in an effort to bring down borrowing costs and stimulate the economy. But even as the bank’s rate dropped from 5.00% to 2.75%, interest rates for consumers and businesses have remained stubbornly high.

For households, rates have fallen by less than 1.00%, while for businesses, the drop has been a little greater at 1.60%. Why haven’t they fallen further? It’s because rates for longer-term loans for such things as mortgages and car purchases are mostly influenced by what’s happening in the gigantic bond market. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook June 2025

Education

Investment Executive

The net worth of Canadian households increased by $141.2 billion to $17.6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, despite economic uncertainty and volatile markets. While the pace of growth was slower than the increase in the last quarter of 2024, it marked the sixth consecutive quarter of household net worth growth. Here’s the article: Household financial assets increased first quarter 2025

Investopedia

Convertible insurance is a type of life insurance that allows the policy owner to change a term policy into a permanent policy without going through the health qualification process again. Convertible insurance lets the policy owner convert a term policy that only covers the insured individual for a predetermined number of years into a policy that covers that individual indefinitely. Here’s the article: Convertible life insurance: meanings, pros, and cons

The Wealthy Barber

David Chilton says a lot of experts love to say cutting back on small stuff won’t move the needle. They’re wrong. Dead wrong. A few small changes can completely transform your savings rate. Here’s the video: What the experts get wrong about spending activity

Be safe and healthy this summer. Stay tuned until September for our next Newsletter.

March 2025 Newsletter

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
March 15, 2025

Here we are nearing the end of our first quarter of 2025 and a lot has happened.

Northern River Financial celebrated its tenth anniversary on March 15, 2025. We have experienced a tremendous decade meeting amazing clients and growing our brokerage into a business with three offices and a staff of seven. We purposely maintained a small footprint to ensure we provided the best in service and care to our wonderful family of clients. We will continue rolling out new features and enhancements and we will keep you informed on our journey together. The future is certainly exciting.

Northern River Financial Blog

Did you know that we have been posting a new blog post biweekly, on topics of financial and life planning, for almost ten years. The latest is entitled the “Start of Tax Season.”

Our blog is found on our website here: Northern River Financial Blog

Client Communication

Simply email us at admin@NorthernRiverFinancial.ca or call our office at 519.279.6905.

Economics

There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the imposition and suspension of tariffs. Tariffs are shaking the global economy and nowhere is that more evident than on either side of the Canada-U.S. border. The evolution of the conflict remains unpredictable, and much can still change. For a comprehensive discussion of the economic impact, visit: Monthly Economic Outlook March 2025

Education

TD Bank shared an interesting article on why Life insurance isn’t just for parents. Here’s what young adults need to know.

The Wealthy Barber David Chilton asked people what money advice they’d give their younger selves. Here’s what they said. What advice would you give your younger self?

Summer is in sight. Be safe and healthy. Stay tuned until June for our next Newsletter.

Market and Economic Outlook for 2025

Steve Bentley, BA CFP – Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.
January 08, 2025

Market Outlook for 2025

The Canadian equity market will continue building on its strength from 2024 despite lingering political uncertainties, experts forecast. But investors should prepare for more volatility and be patient as the pace of gains is expected to be a bit slower. There’s a strong mandate for the current bull market to continue in the new year despite tariff threats from the U.S. and political uncertainties.

When we take a step back and look at the foundation. It is ongoing economic growth. It is rising corporate profits and the outlook for lower interest rates at a gradual pace and all these things will remain in place for 2025.

Read the complete article here: Market Outlook for 2025

Economic Outlook for 2025

Canada’s economic environment remains as complex as it has been for the past couple of years. However, we’re now dealing with a different inflation and interest rate environment.

Given that we’ve seen a substantial decline in inflation in the past year and interest rates are coming down, the broad economic picture suggests a rebound for the Canadian economy after two years of sluggish performance.

Read the complete article here: Economic Outlook for 2025

Advisors to hit the cottage in tech-savvy style this summer

Danny Bradbury – Special to Globe Advisor of The Globe and Mail
June 17, 2024

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, was recently interviewed for another article for Globe Advisor of The Globe and Mail by Danny Bradbury on the best way for advisors to stay set up a more technically advanced workspace at their vacation properties. Here is an excerpt:

“Group collaboration software has also facilitated work from the cottage.” Mr. Bentley warns that although the pandemic was a wake-up call for insurance and investment companies, some still lag in their back-office technology.

“Sometimes, there’s still paper involved,” he says, adding that for some insurance carriers, faxing is still a requirement.

Read the complete article here: Advisors to hit the the cottage in tech-savvy this summer.

Giving and giving again: local artist Janine Marson and Enliven Muskoka benefit form the kindness of friends

Mandi Hargrave – Huntsville Doppler
June 18, 2020

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, was recently interviewed for an article for the Huntsville Doppler by Mandi Hargrave as part of a charitable initiative he, and a fellow group of artists and friends, recently were involved with. Here is an excerpt:

With the current global pandemic, Bentley said more people can relate to facing a difficult challenge.

“We’re living in a very difficult time right now with COVID-19 and although people are facing difficulties and there are also people going through challenges and illnesses, there can be a lot of support around you if you’re looking for it,” he said. “If this happens to you, you can come out okay on the other side. There’s usually a group of people around you more than willing to support you and give you assistance, it’s just a matter of asking.”

Read the complete article here: Giving and giving again: local artists Janine Marson and Enliven Muskoka benefit from the kindness of friends

Thanksgiving: A Time To Talk About Everything Including Finance

Admin in Money & Finance

October 11, 2019

Northern River Financial was recently quoted, in BOOMERSPLUS, in an online article referencing its blog post of October 08, 2018, entitled Thanksgiving: A Time To Talk Family Finances. Here is an excerpt:

Personal finance can be a touchy subject — just like politics and religion — because people have different financial strategies that work for them. It does not mean the advice is wrong but simply there is no one size fits all approach. According to Northern River Financial, personal finance can be discussed during thanksgiving as long as one is sensitive to everyone in the room.

Read the complete article here: Thanksgiving: A Time To Talk About Everything Including Finance

Advances in internet coverage make it easier to stay connected at the cottage

Danny Bradbury – Special to The Globe and Mail
July 18, 2019

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, was recently interviewed for an article for The Globe and Mail by Danny Bradbury on the best way for advisors to stay connected at the cottage . Here is an excerpt:

Struggling for connectivity has always been part of cottage life, says Steve Bentley, managing principal at Northern River Financial Solutions Inc. in Waterloo, Ont., who regulary visits his cottage, which is 15 kilometres from the firm’s Huntsville, Ont., office. “You need to find a strategy by which you can work the communication side of it,” he says. “There are a lot of cottages that don’t have that.”

“Sometimes it’s important to look at some alternative ways of having that internet connection,” says Mr. Bentley, who suggests that tethering a laptop to a smartphone can also work for short periods – as long as your data plan supports it.

Read the complete article here: Advances in internet coverage make it easier to stay connected at the cottage.

570 News – The Mike Farwell Show

Host: Mike Farwell
April 05, 2019

We’re pleased to announce that Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, is proud to be a new recurring guest panelist on The Mike Farwell Show‘s Friday Four Panel weekly from 11am to 12pm on 570 NEWS in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. Mike and a panel of guests talk about what’s happening in the news and politics.

SBCN TV – Live Broadcast on YouTube

Hosts: Steve Bentley and Linda Ockwell-Jenner
February 12, 2019

We are thrilled to announce the lunch of SBCN TV proudly sponsored by Northern River Financial. SBCN TV is a bi-weekly broadcast streaming on YouTube at 7pm EDT. Small business experts, Linda Ockwell-Jenner, and our own Steve Bentley, are on-hand to answer everyone’s small biz questions! Find out more, and submit your questions at www.sbcn.tv. You can also chat live with our hosts ‘on air’ via YouTube. If you can’t join them live, you can submit your questions via email. Visit the website for more details: www.sbcn.tv

What my first job pumping gas in Saskatchewan taught me about money

Rick Headrick, President, Sun Life Global Investments
April 09, 2018

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial was recently interviewed by Rick Headrick, President of Sun Life Global Investments for his Bright Insights article.

Rick wanted to hear from others in the investment community about their first jobs. Advisors across Canada chimed in with their stories. It is fascinating to see how first jobs gave them values that span an entire career. Here is an excerpt:

Be resourceful. Many first jobs teach the importance of thinking on your feet and finding a way to propose solutions. Steve Bentley, Financial Life Planner and Principal CFP at Northern River Financial in Waterloo, Ontario, used his first job to put himself through university. “At 17, I joined the Army Reserves and went to the Royal Military College at age 18. It was a way to make income, give back to the community and get an education while contributing to the household as well,” he said.

Read the complete article here: What my first job pumping gas in Saskatchewan taught me about money

Northern River Financial Solutions Inc. Announces Acquisition of RPR Financial

For immediate release
April 01, 2018

WATERLOO, ON: Steve Bentley CFP, President and Managing Principal of Northern River Financial Solutions Inc. (Northern River Financial), and Robert (Bob) Reay, Principal of RPR Financial, are pleased to announce that RPR Financial has joined forces with Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.

RPR Financial is a Financial Advisory Firm operating out of Kitchener, Ontario. It was founded in 1998.

Bob Reay will continue in the role of a Financial Advisor as an Associate with Northern River Financial. The RPR Financial office in Kitchener is closed and has been amalgamated with Northern River Financial’s head office in Waterloo. On a day-to-day basis, it will be business as usual.

“This acquisition is another step in the tactical and strategic growth of Northern River Financial,” said Steve Bentley. “The acquisition of RPR Financial creates a unique and strong partnership between Bob’s firm and ours leading to a more pointed and robust client offering under the premise of Financial Life Planning.”

Bob Reay added “The Northern River Financial’s acquisition of RPR Financial is a positive step forward for both companies. I had been looking for a company with the same moral values and responsibility to clients. After meeting with Steve Bentley of Northern River Financial the decision to merge was an easy one. Together we will leverage our shared expertise to deliver added resources and value to our clients.”

About Northern River Financial

Northern River Financial is an integrated Ontario-based financial life planning firm. Our deep-rooted philosophy inspires our vision to provide prudent advice and integrated well-managed solutions that enhance and enrich the lives of our business and individual clients through diligent life planning. In 2015, Steve Bentley CFP rebranded his company as Northern River Financial, an independent financial advisory firm. Our principals have been in the financial services industry for more than 25 years and their strong credentials are incorporated into our leading edge brokerage. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Northern River Financial also has offices in Cambridge and Huntsville.

ultimatevision.biz/nrf/

Media Contact:

Northern River Financial Solutions Inc.

Elaine Lewis | Administrative Associate Waterloo | 519.279.6905 | 1.855.5NRIVER | admin@NorthernRiverFinancial.ca

Get To The Point on ROGERS tv

Host: Gord McLean
February 21, 2018

We’re pleased to announce that Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, will be a recurring guest panelist on the weekly television show “Get To The Point” currently airing on Rogers TV South Western Ontario. Gord McLean and a panel of guests talk about what’s happening in the news and politics. Gord challenges his guests to “Get to the Point!”

Say ‘we will’ to saving for retirement as a couple

Gail Johnson – Special to The Globe and Mail
November 28, 2017

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial was recently interviewed for an article for The Globe and Mail by Gail Johnson on premarital conversations that couples should have. Here is an excerpt:

Setting goals is another crucial step for new couples, says Steve Bentley, principal at Northern River Financial in Waterloo, Ont. His approach is to talk about financial aims that the two will have as a unit as well as individually. Identifying each party’s money style and financial desires helps people to understand each other better.

“People often assume they know the other person, but they don’t necessarily know their personal money habits,” Mr. Bentley says. “We want to create those conversations. For us, financial life planning is not just about planning for the future, but also planning for quality of life today.”

Read the complete article here: Say ‘we will’ to saving for retirement as a couple

The Small Business Show on ROGERS tv

For immediate release
May 30, 2017

We’re pleased to announce that Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial, and Linda Ockwell-Jenner of Motivational Steps (show creator), will co-host the upcoming television series “The Small Business Show” airing on Rogers TV Waterloo Region in the Fall of 2017. The show was created by Linda Ockwell-Jenner to “reach small business and offer them insights and experiences shared by guests on the show.” The Small Business Show will feature a number of local, high-profile business owners, and cover a variety of interested topics for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Waterloo Region.

Motivational Steps is a leading consulting and personal development company in Ontario, Canada. Through its portfolio of inspirational products and personalized services, Motivational Steps provides companies, organizations and individuals with the tools they need to reach their goals. Founded in 2001 by Linda Ockwell-Jenner, Motivational Steps was created to provide simple and practical solutions for business and individuals. The company has enabled its customers to realize their full potential and continues to find new ways to bring increased value to future clients. Motivational Steps is recognized as the Best Woman-Run Business Development Consultancy – Canada.

RIM’s struggles a sad sight for fans

Dianne Buckner – CBC News
July 25, 2012

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial was interviewed for an article for CBC News by Dianne Buckner, of CBC Dragons’ Den fame, on the past challenges RIM (now Blackberry) was having on its transition. Here is an excerpt:

“I like to believe that a national company like RIM will go through an evolution, the way Hewlett-Packard and IBM did in the States,” says Steve Bentley, a Kitchener-based financial planner. “I have a strong belief they’ll be able to right the ship.” Bentley is a BlackBerry loyalist.

He loves the enterprise server aspect of the device, since it allows people in his office to update their calendars and make changes while keeping everyone instantaneously in the loop. He finds all the Blackberry’s functional tools useful, and like me, prefers a physical keyboard.

Read the complete article here: RIM’s struggles a sad sight for fans

Start saving early for your child’s higher education

Eric Lam – National Post
May 04, 2011

Steve Bentley, CFP and Principal of Northern River Financial was interviewed for an article for the National Post by Eric Lam, about building up enough cash for your kid’s education as you do for just about everything else: Save early, save often. Here is an excerpt:

“The problem with our generation is we’re procrastinators. And in many of the cases we deal with we are helping them play catch-up so we have to be creative too,” said Steve Bentley, a CFP from Waterloo, Ont.

“Mr. Bentley is also in favour of deferring, as it gives students more time to make a decision on what they want to do with their life. And when you and your child are facing a shortage of funds, finding yourself is a lot more affordable if you’re not doing it at the same time as paying for tuition.”

“It’s a big, expensive problem. We’re pushing our kids to make choices when they’re not old enough to,” he said. “Ultimately, you’re making a commitment to an education. You’re not just writing a cheque.”

Read the complete article here: Start saving early for your child’s higher education