FREE FINANCIAL PLANNING support FOR THE ALS COMMUNITY
This free financial planning initiative is offered in collaboration with the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning (CFFP) and ALS Canada. For the latest information and resources, please visit ALS Canada’s Financial Planning and ALS page.
GUIDANCE FOR THE DECISIONS THAT MATTER
Financial planning when you are living with ALS can feel overwhelming. This new program is available to people living with ALS, as well as the family members and caregivers supporting them.
Through the Canadian Foundation for Financial Planning (CFFP), you can connect with a volunteer financial planner with a CFP®, QAFP® or Pl. Fin. designation, or FP Retired status. Each volunteer has received ALS-related training and can offer clear, practical guidance on the topics that matter most to you and your family—all at no cost.
HOW TO
GET SUPPORT
You can request free financial planning support through CFFP.
Once you submit your request, CFFP will match you with a volunteer financial planner based on your needs and availability. The aim is to connect you with someone who can help you understand your options and think through your next steps at your own pace.
HOW A VOLUNTEER
FINANCIAL PLANNER
CAN SUPPORT YOU
Support is shaped around your goals, needs and what feels right for you.
ESTATE PLANNING
Review whether your will, trusts and beneficiary designations reflect your current wishes and support the people who matter most to you.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Understand your options for financial and personal-care decision-making and how to choose trusted people to act on your behalf if needed.
INCOME AND TAX PLANNING
Review your sources of income and how your household finances may change. Explore planning considerations such as registered accounts, government benefits, withdrawal strategies and other financial supports that may be available to you or your family.
CHARITABLE GIVING AND LEGACY PLANNING
If it is important to you, explore meaningful ways to support family members or causes you care about through gifts, educational funding or charitable donations through your estate.
WHY THIS SUPPORT MATTERS
“For those of us living with this diagnosis, daily life can be focused on managing symptoms and holding on to as much independence as possible. This initiative offers a chance to connect one-to-one with someone experienced in financial and estate planning, so you can make informed decisions with greater clarity and focus on what matters most to you and your family.
I know how overwhelming this diagnosis is and how difficult these conversations can feel. Support like this can help ease some of the burden.”
— Mark F., CFP®, person living with ALS
GETTING READY
for Your First Conversation
You do not need to have everything prepared before getting started. However, if you are able, it may help to gather:
- A list of your accounts, assets and financial resources
- Any existing wills or powers of attorney
- Questions, concerns or priorities you would like to discuss
You decide what to discuss and how much information you feel comfortable sharing.
ABOUT
THE PROGRAM
- Free financial planning support for adults aged 18 and older across Canada
- No income cutoff; the program is open to anyone facing financial barriers
- Up to three one-to-one sessions with a volunteer financial planner
- Sessions are usually offered virtually; in-person meetings may be available depending on location and volunteer availability
- Support focused on general financial planning guidance
- No sale of financial products
- Volunteer financial planners with a CFP®, QAFP® or Pl. Fin. designation, or FP Retired status
- Personal information protected under Canadian privacy laws
READY TO
GET STARTED?
Request support directly through CFFP by completing the online form. CFFP will use the information provided to begin the matching process.
HAve QUESTIONS?
For questions about the financial planning service, contact CFFP at alsinfo@cffp.ca.
For general questions about ALS Action Canada, contact info@alsactioncanada.org.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Adapted from materials originally developed by the ALS Society of Canada and the CFFP, which is not responsible for the adapted content.
This program provides general information only. It is not a substitute for personalized financial, legal or tax advice.
Only share personal or financial information with the volunteer financial planner with whom you have been matched and feel comfortable working. Protecting your privacy is important.
Financial planning support is provided independently by CFFP. ALS Action Canada is sharing this resource to help connect people with support, but CFFP is responsible for the services and guidance it provides.