Meagan Balaneski Balance Songs and Clute’s Banking on the WAS to Financial Planning Award
Meagan Balaneski, a portfolio manager and investment advisor at Aligned Capital Partners Inc. in Vermilion, Alberta, recently won the prestigious FPAC 2025 Financial Planning Award for her outstanding work with a client facing retirement decisions. The award, presented by the Financial Planning Association of Canada (FPAC) in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners (IAFP), recognizes excellence in customer-oriented advice, innovation, and technical expertise in financial planning.
Balaneski’s award-winning case study involved a client in his fifties who was considering retiring due to exhaustion, while his younger wife wished to continue working. The client was concerned about managing his finances in retirement, a common worry for many individuals facing this transition.
Instead of simply presenting financial figures and assuming the client would feel secure, Balaneski delved deep into the client’s situation and explored three potential solutions: continuing to work for a few more years, retiring immediately, or pursuing a hobby as a second career. After careful consideration, the client chose to follow his passion for repairing and maintaining classic cars as a second career.
The client’s decision not only provided him with a fulfilling and financially stable retirement but also reignited his passion for life. Balaneski emphasizes that financial planning is more than just crunching numbers—it’s about understanding the client’s values and goals to create a plan that aligns with their unique circumstances.
NGOC Day, a Financial Planner and Portfolio Manager at MacDonald Shymko & Co. Ltd. in Vancouver and a member of the award jury panel, highlights the importance of showcasing financial planning as a comprehensive process that guides clients towards their long-term objectives.
Financial planners with certified financial planner, registered financial planner, or qualified Associate Financial Planner designations were eligible to enter the competition by submitting a client case study that exemplified the role of financial planning. The entries were evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate effective financial planning strategies while protecting client privacy.
Balaneski’s journey in the financial planning industry began serendipitously when she landed a job at Brad Brain Financial Planning Inc. in Fort St. John, BC at the age of 20. Her passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals led her to pursue further certifications and ultimately establish herself as a respected advisor with a large and diverse client base.
She will receive her award at the IAFP symposium in Nanaimo, BC, where she will be recognized for her dedication to providing exceptional financial planning services. Globe Advisor is proud to sponsor this prestigious award and support the advancement of financial planning excellence.
