NetWORTH: Own Your Money, Own Your Future
At the WORTH Leadership Summit, the NetWORTH session brought together industry powerhouses Nadia Demers, Nelofar Maleqazghar, Selena Woo and Charlotte Pecknold, to share their advice on building financial confidence, negotiating better terms, and owning your future.
Their tips were so valuable, we had to share them with you.
1. Build Relationships, Then Use Them
“Build trusted relationships with your local banker.” - Nelofar
Understanding who the connectors are in your financial ecosystem gives you access and leverage you didn't know you had.
Green flags to look for in a financial advisor:
Genuine interest in your goals
Speaks directly to you, not around you
Challenges you in a healthy way
Has a team with shared expertise and insider access
Encourages questions and never makes you feel small for asking
Relationships alone aren't enough, though; you also need to advocate within them.
Put your advisors “in the hot seat": ask about alternative options, stay curious, and negotiate.
"Men are much more likely to ask for a better rate. 'Can you match that?' 'Can you do that for me?' Be brave and ask.” - Charlotte
Just like you would negotiate a salary, you can negotiate your financial products. Ask if there are better options. The worst they can say is no.
2. Protect Yourself Before You Need To
Get everything in writing.
"Ask questions. Make sure you understand what everything means before you go into it.” - Selena
In any financial partnership, gain clarity and ensure you fully understand everything before you sign. Consult an expert early to understand your options, not when you're already in a difficult position.
3. Schedule a Financial Check-Up
Write down your financial goals, then set recurring reviews every 6 months to revisit them and assess your progress.
Ask yourself:
Where am I?
Where do I want to be?
Am I on track?
Put this check-up in your calendar, just like any other important meeting.
Recurring review = recurring progress.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins
Progress is progress. Acknowledge it.
5. Build an Emergency Fund
Start with 1–3 months of fixed expenses if 6 months feels out of reach. Know what it actually costs you to live (your non-negotiables) and save toward that first.
6. Explore Both Self-Directed and Advisor-Managed Investment Options
Then choose based on your priorities, including how much time you want to spend.
A split approach can work well if you have a passion for investing but still want expert guidance.
Your personal situation (individual, business, corporation) matters enormously when deciding how to structure things.
7. Use AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI can help in certain areas, but the human connection with your advisor remains irreplaceable, especially when navigating complex, emotionally weighted financial decisions.
"We need to get comfortable with AI in a meaningful way and understand where it fits in our finances.” - Nelofar
8. Advocate for What You're Worth at Work
When asking for promotions and raises, figure out the why behind the numbers: the percentage, the range, the benchmarks.
Then come prepared to the conversation: state what you've been doing, how you've done it, the impact you've had, and what you're looking for next.
Highlight your values. Name your ambitions.
9. Talk Openly with Your Peers About What You're Making
There is still a long way to go on pay transparency in BC. While external job postings now show salary ranges, internal reporting on pay equity across roles remains largely absent.
Transparency starts with us. Talk about it with your friends.
10. “You don’t have to get it perfect, you just have to get it started.” - Nadia
"Stay curious and give yourself permission to learn as you go. Give yourself grace. We all make financial mistakes. Don't let that hinder your ability to move forward and take the risks you want.” - Selena