I have the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph all kinds of amazing human beings.
While they are in studio, it is a privilege to learn about their businesses, or the work they do, their family, their interests, and hear a little bit about their story.
Jed Levene MBA, CFP, CLU, Rockwater Wealth Management Limited, Certified Financial Planner, and Investia Financial Services Inc., Investment Representative
When Jed began his journey into financial services in 2004, it was not about chasing returns or selling products. It was about people. Motivated by an interest in how money shapes lives, Jed set out to make finance more approachable and meaningful for everyday individuals and families. Since 2004, he is still doing just that.
In this client spotlight, we explore how Jed has evolved as a financial advisor, what principles guide his work today, and how he helps clients move from confusion to confidence. Whether you are building wealth, planning for retirement, or simply trying to get a better handle on your finances, Jed's story offers insight into what modern financial planning can be.
A Different Kind of Beginning
Jed’s entry into financial services was rooted in curiosity. He wanted to understand how money worked, not just in markets or spreadsheets, but in real lives. While the industry often emphasizes numbers, Jed saw an opportunity to focus on connection, trust, and practical guidance.
He explains, “I did not just want to crunch numbers. I wanted to help real people make sense of their money and feel confident about their future.”
Shifting Priorities and Finding Purpose
Like many professionals, Jed’s early focus was on technical expertise, finding the right product, the correct answer, the precise plan. Over time, that mindset changed.
“It is not about being right. It is about being helpful,” Jed says. That shift transformed his work. Rather than concentrating on complex financial tools, he began focusing on how to reduce stress and improve clarity for his clients.
Today, his goal is to bring peace of mind to what can often feel like an overwhelming financial world. This reflects a larger movement in the industry toward financial planning based on values, where a client’s life goals guide the conversation, not just numbers on a chart.
Lessons from the Early Years
Jed’s early days were tough. Like many advisors, he started with no clients and a long list of cold calls. Winning trust without a track record meant learning to communicate clearly and build credibility from the ground up.
“I had to hustle,” Jed says. “And I had to learn how to explain things in a way people could relate to.”
Those early challenges laid the foundation for the professional he is today, someone who values persistence, clear language, and doing the right thing.
From Products to Strategy
Financial planning has changed significantly since 2004. Jed remembers when the focus was mostly on products and reacting to immediate problems. Today, his work is centered around proactive strategies that reflect a client’s values, goals, and individual situation.
His guiding principles are simple:
- Keep things clear and understandable
- Choose transparency over confusion
- Focus on long term thinking instead of short term transactions
Jed’s approach puts the person first. He believes financial decisions should support what people value most, whether that is family, health, giving, or peace of mind.
Showing Up During Uncertain Times
Financial markets are often unpredictable. For many people, this creates anxiety. Jed responds to that uncertainty with consistency and calm. “I am honest, even when it is uncomfortable,” he says.
He explains market changes in straightforward language, revisits the plan they created together, and reminds clients to stay focused on long term goals. His approach is not about reacting emotionally but responding with intention and strategy.
Estate Planning Is for Everyone
One of the most common misunderstandings Jed sees is that estate planning is only for the wealthy or only about having a will. In reality, estate planning is for anyone who wants their wishes honored and their loved ones supported.
Jed helps clients see this process as an empowering step. It is about gaining control and ensuring that what matters most to you will be protected.
Planning for Retirement with Confidence
Jed approaches retirement planning with three key elements: cash flow, tax efficiency, and peace of mind.
“Cash flow is king. Tax efficiency is queen. And peace of mind is the entire royal court,” he says.
His strategies help clients align income sources, reduce tax burdens, and build flexibility so they can enjoy their retirement without worry. Retirement planning, in his view, should give people the confidence to live fully.
Balancing Risk and Return
When it comes to investing, Jed does not start with numbers. He starts with people, their comfort level, their goals, and their timeline. He uses tools like Asset Map to help clients visualize how their money fits into their larger life plan.
By walking through different scenarios and running stress tests, Jed helps clients make choices that are grounded and informed. His goal is not to push for the biggest return but to help each person feel in control of their plan.
Defining Success Differently
Jed’s definition of success is not tied to benchmarks or industry metrics. It is personal.
“Success is when a client says, ‘I feel better now,’” he says.
That could mean helping someone retire early, support a family member, or simply worry less about money. For Jed, those moments of relief and confidence are what matter most.
Keeping Up with Change
One thing that does keep Jed up at night is the pace of change. Technology, regulation, and client expectations continue to shift rapidly. Managing all of it while staying grounded requires a strong routine.
Jed organizes his days with checklists, grouped tasks, and themed focus areas. He also makes room for wellness, including exercise, weekends at the cottage, and learning new things, like French.
Creativity in Financial Planning
Jed sees financial planning as both a technical craft and a creative process. His best ideas often come when he steps away from the desk. “Some of my best strategies come mid ride on the Peloton or while paddling at the lake,” he says.
He is also interested in good visual design. Whether he is preparing a presentation or reviewing plan layouts, he believes the way something looks can help make it easier to understand and use.
Hard Choices, Real Growth
Not every decision has been easy. Letting go of clients who were no longer aligned with his focus was difficult, but it allowed him to go deeper with the clients who were the right fit. Choosing depth over expansion has helped him build something more sustainable and more personally fulfilling.
Lessons from Failure
Jed has had his share of failed launches, mismatched hires, and broken processes. But each of those experiences has taught him something important.
“Failure is feedback,” he says. “You do not have to enjoy it, but you do need to learn from it.”
Advice to His Younger Self
If he could go back and give himself one piece of advice, it would be this: invest in systems earlier. Build processes that save time and mental energy. And yes, he wishes he had bought that lakefront property when he had the chance.
A Financial Advisor Who Drinks Yerba Mate
Every professional has their quirks. Jed drinks yerba mate every afternoon, works at a standing desk, uses the same mug, and wears noise-cancelling earbuds (just not during client meetings). These small rituals help him stay productive in a noisy world.
And if he could swap jobs for a day? He’d be Anthony Bourdain, traveling, connecting through food, and telling stories. “He made complex things feel accessible,” Jed says. “That’s what I try to do in finance.”
Still Enjoying the Work
After twenty years, Jed still loves what he does. Helping people find clarity, feel secure, and enjoy their lives more is what drives him every day.
“Helping people simplify their financial lives and enjoy more of what they love—that is the good stuff,” he says.
Where can you find Jed:
Contact Jed if you are looking to take hold of your financial future.
If you are looking to update your professional headshot, schedule a session today!
Know someone interesting in Parry Sound? A leader? Changemaker? Unsung hero? Let me know for my People of Parry Sound project.
