Financial Planning for Skilled Tradespeople

Advice-Only, Fee-for-Service Planning for the People Who Build Our World

A career in the trades offers high income potential and the freedom of self-employment, but it comes with a physical "expiry date" that office jobs do not.

"Standard" financial advice often fails here because it assumes a steady bi-weekly paycheck and a body that can sit at a desk until age 65. It doesn't account for the "feast or famine" cash flow of project work, the tax complexity of incorporation, or the absolute necessity of retiring while you are still healthy enough to enjoy it.

You don't need a sales pitch. You need a partner who understands that for you, a financial plan isn't just about numbers, it’s your exit strategy from the physical grind.

Why "Standard" Advice Doesn't Work on the Job Site

We find our clients in the trades are masters of their craft but need a specialized partner to navigate a financial landscape that is far more complex than the average employee's:

• The Physical Clock: You can't, and shouldn't have to, swing a hammer or crawl into crawlspaces until you're 65. Your financial plan needs to be aggressive enough to give you the option to "get off the tools" early.

• The "Feast or Famine" Cycle: Your income isn't a flat line. It’s seasonal and project-based. You need a system that manages cash flow during the slow months without eating into your savings.

• The Pension Gap: You likely don't have a defined benefit pension waiting for you. The responsibility to build your retirement income is 100% on your shoulders.

• The Owner’s Dilemma: If you incorporate, you face a maze of tax decisions. Salary or dividends? RRSP or Corporate Investments? How do you get money out of your company efficiently?

We Know the Culture Because We’ve Been There

At Mountainview Planning, we specialize in clear, unbiased, advice-only financial planning.

We have a unique perspective on your world. While Matt holds an MBA and specializes in finance, he also spent years in the trades working as a construction surveyor. We understand the industry, the culture, and the hard work required to earn a dollar on site.

Our "Blue Collar" Business Framework

We have developed a specific planning protocol for tradespeople and contractors that focuses on:

• The "Off the Tools" Roadmap: We design a clear timeline to build independent wealth. The goal is to give you the financial freedom to transition into management, consulting, or early retirement on your terms, before your body forces the decision.

• Corporate Structure Strategy: For business owners, we analyze the most tax-efficient way to pay yourself (Salary vs. Dividends) and how to invest your "retained earnings" inside the corporation to defer taxes legally.

• Cash Flow Leveling: We build a "personal paycheck" system that smooths out the highs and lows of seasonal work, ensuring your bills are paid and your investments happen automatically, regardless of the season.

• Building Your Own Pension: We design a robust investment plan that acts as your personal pension fund, leveraging every available corporate and personal account to ensure you retire with security.

You Build Solid Foundations. Let’s Build One for You.

Your career is built on precision and hard work. Your financial plan deserves the same level of structural integrity.