Building Real Wealth For Young Canadians
Over 33 Years Industry Experience, Independent, Best Selling Author, Dad
This is the Masterclass in Financial Literacy for young Canadians (18-40) who want to create masterful strategies to pay less tax, reduce unnecessary fees and expenses, keep more income and build more wealth methodically over time.
This course shows you how taxes, debt, investing, insurance and big purchases fit into one clear plan that you can actually follow.
Money advice is everywhere — and none of it agrees.
One friend says buy real estate. Another says crypto. Some organizations focus on selling products while social media feeds sell trends.
Maybe you’ve asked yourself:
- Should I pay off debt first or invest?
- Is TFSA better than RRSP?
- Can I afford to buy a home or should I rent longer?
- How can I best use the system to my advantage?
- Where do I turn and who can I trust?
About the authors
Doug Nelson has been an independent wealth advisor to Canadian families for over 33 years. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Master Financial Advisor (MFA) and Real Wealth Manager (RWM), is a registered portfolio manager and a licensed insurance advisor to high net worth families. Doug is also a Canadian best selling author.
Doug has always been passionate about financial education. Financial knowledge creates confidence and greater outcomes. Goals are achieved sooner and with greater results when an individual has greater financial education.
Lynda Harris has been an independent wealth advisor to Canadian families for over 28 years. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Real Wealth Manager (RWM) and is also a registered portfolio manager and licensed insurance advisor to high net worth Canadian families
Tamara Nelson graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (honors) degree from the University of Manitoba in the spring of 2025 and is now studying law at Toronto Metropolitan University
Doug and Lynda have always been passionate about financial education. Financial knowledge creates confidence and greater outcomes. Goals are achieved sooner and with greater results when an individual has greater financial education. Tamara has helped to craft this content into expert videos relevant to her age demographic.
This course was created for the young adults in our life.
We wish to empower you with tremendous financial knowledge and insights, learning from others who have travelled this path before you, so that you can make confident financial decisions throughout your lifetime.
These are the things we would want you to know.
What you’ll learn
These modules are designed to help you understand, manage, and grow your money — step by step, with clarity and confidence.
Course 1: FinLit Fundamentals
In this course, you will gain a clear understanding of the fundamentals of financial literacy, covering both financial basics and the behavioral skills needed to balance your financial goals.
Module 1
If you did certain things, consistently well, consistently over time, you set yourself up to create amazing financial outcomes. But what are those things, what does it mean to do them well and what kinds of outcomes can I expect for all of this hard work?
In this module we explore topics such as: What is financial literacy and why is it so important? How do emotions relate to money? Using Financial Literacy in real life. The 6 Key Things Everyone Should Know. The Timeless Truths about Life and Financial Decision Making. Good Financial Outcomes vs. Great Financial Outcomes.
Module 2
In this module we explore topics such as: Your Financial Core, the Basics of Income & Tax, Determining Your Expenses and Understanding Net Worth. When you understand how your Financial Core works, you can then begin to establish important strategies that helps to multiply income and wealth over time.
Module 3
In this module we explore topics such as: What does a good financial plan look like in your 20’s, Establishing Good Credit, Being A Thoughtful and Wise Consumer, Pay Yourself First (the Power of Saving), and Creating Your Education & Career Plan.
This is all about creating a great foundation. By having a great foundation, you lay the groundwork for great outcomes.
Module 4
In this module we explore topics such as: What Does A Good Financial Plan Look Like In Your 30’s, Planning For Two Incomes (not just one), Family Expenses, Finding the Right Balance Between Competing Objectives, Personal Life & Disability Insurance.
To be in a great financial position in your 40's, there are things that you need to do in your 20's and 30's. This teaches the critically important principal of always being forward looking in all that you do: begin with the end in mind.
At the end of module 4 you will have a good understanding of the Fundamentals of Financial Literacy, both technical issues around your Income, Taxes, Expenses and Net Worth as well as the soft issues such as managing your emotions. These modules will teach you how best to find the right balance between competing objectives.
Course 2: FinLit Focus
In this course, you will explore four key areas of financial literacy for younger Canadians—car ownership, home ownership, investing, and risk management—to support long-term financial stability and growth.
Module 5
In this module we explore topics such as: What to know before buying your first car, how much should your first car cost, new vs. used, gas vs. electric, lease vs. buy. Owning a vehicle gives you independence and flexibility, but it is also a significant expense. How should you best purchase a car so that it empowers your life and is not just a big financial anchor.
Module 6
In this module we explore topics such as: Home ownership math (is owning a home really a good investment?), home ownership terminology, the 20-20 rule for determining the amount of home to purchase, the 7 year rule for determining how long to stay in a home before moving, the three house rule for how best to leverage your equity over time, the pros and cons of rental properties, your FHSA vs. drawing funds from your RRSP.
Purchasing the right home at the right time and in the right way can mean the difference in a lifetime of struggle or empowerment.
Module 7
In this module we explore topics such as: The basics of investing and portfolio construction, stocks vs. bonds, bonds vs. GIC’s, exchange traded funds (ETF’s) vs. mutual funds, advisors and their registration categories and why this is important, the tax-efficient order of investing, RRSP vs. TFSA vs. FHSA vs. RESP, tax-sheltered investments, understanding your contribution room, understanding your personal risk profile, next steps to building a portfolio.
By investing your savings, this is where you will likely build the most amount of wealth over time. But to maximize your wealth building opportunities, you also need to learn how best to use the system to your advantage.
Module 8
In this module we discuss important topics such as: Managing financial risks, the basics of insurance, what is life insurance (how does personal life insurance coverage work, how much is enough, how much does it cost, when should I buy it), what is disability insurance (how does it work, how much is enough, how much does it cost, when should you buy it), what is critical illness insurance, lifestyle activities that can inhibit your ability to obtain insurance, your Will and Power of Attorney, your lifetime insurance portfolio.
In this module we focus on managing risk. If you run out of time to build wealth, due to an accident or illness, it will be your risk management strategy that keeps things on track.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Fundamentals of Financial Literacy, Modules 5 to 8 take a deeper dive into four of the most important components of financial decision making: owning a car, owning a home, starting an investment plan and taking full advantage of your group insurance benefits.
Course 3: FinLit Future
In this course, you will build a personal financial decision-making framework and create a clear plan aligned with your values and goals for the next 1, 3, and 5 years.
Module 9
In this module we explore topics such as: Building your own lifestyle plan, building your own financial plan, understanding future income, taxes and expenses, learning from other real life scenarios, keeping up with the Jones’, living life in alignment with your values.
By always asking yourself this question, you are making sure that you are living your life in alignment with your values and your financial plan is supporting you each step along the way. Your life plan and your financial plan should always be in alignment.
Module 10
In this module we focus on: Building new habits, making great decisions and the 5 great killers of wealth, 7 key questions to ask yourself before making any significant financial decision, common questions and strategies, the 12 month road to mastery process, 10 strategies to know to have an advanced level of financial literacy, building your path forward, being the best you can be, mapping out your plan for the next 1, 3 and 5 years.
This is all about the path forward. What decision do you wish to make today or 6 months from now that keeps your plan on track?
At the end of module 10 you will have expanded your vocabulary, looked at financial literacy from a broad perspective, gone deeper on specific key topics and concepts and have begun to map out for yourself your personal plan going forward with key rules to follow each step along the way.
Course structure
You’ll learn how small money choices add up over time and see exactly how to make your next financial decision with confidence.
Short videos that make learning quick and clear
Practical assignments to turn theory into action
Checklists to stay focused and organized
Quick quizzes to test and strengthen skills
Your future self will thank you.
By the end, you will learn strategies that can help you:
- Pay less tax and keep more of what you earn
- Build savings and investments that actually grow
- Feel in control of your financial life
- Make progress toward freedom and flexibility
- Avoid costly mistakes that take years to unwind
For who
Canadians in their 20s and 30s who want clear, practical steps and a plan that fits real life — not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Whether you’re just starting out, building stability, or planning your next big move — this course helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Pricing
Finlit Fundamentals
Modules 1–4
Perfect for beginners building habits.
$397
/per course
You’ll learn:
- Taxes 101 for Canadians
- Cash flow that actually works
- Debt rules, net worth tracking
Includes: quick quizzes, checklists, workbook access starting here.
Finlit Focus
Modules 5–8
Deep dives on big-money choices.
$497
/per course
You’ll learn:
- Cars without regret
- Buying a home the smart way
- Investing basics that compound
- Insurance you actually need
Includes: video lessons, workbooks, templates.
Finlit Future
Modules 9–10
Put it all together and build your plan.
$497
/per course
You’ll do:
- Future mapping
- Goal math
- Action roadmap
- Risk checks
Bonus: 1 hour with Doug for plan review.
Complete Masterclass
Best value if you want the full system end to end.
Complete Masterclass
All 10 modules
$397
/per course
$497
/per course
$497
/per course
Bundle price
$1,391
$1,250
/per bundle
- You get: Fundamentals, Focus, Future, all workbooks, all templates, plus the Future plan review session.
- Bonus: 1 hour with Doug for plan review.
Financial Education Coaches
Douglas V. Nelson
B.Comm.(hons.), CFP®, CLU®, MFA®, CIM®, RWM®, FDFS®.
Lynda J. Harris
CFP®, CIM®, RWM®
FAQ
Who is this course for?
Anyone in their 20s and 30s who wants to take control of their money and feel confident about every financial decision — from paycheques to long-term goals.
Do I need any background in finance?
No. Everything is explained in plain language. You’ll go from uncertain to confident, one lesson at a time.
How long does the course take?
Each module will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of time you spend on the material. The assignments and examples encourage you to begin to set up your own financial plan, one small step at a time. The course material also encourages you to reflect on the content and to make notes on the ideas and concepts that jump out to you the most.
Is it only for Canadians?
Yes. The examples, tax systems, and tools are designed for the Canadian financial landscape.
What if I already have an advisor?
Perfect. This course helps you understand the advice you’re getting and make smarter choices in every conversation.
Will it actually help me build wealth?
Yes — but not through shortcuts. It helps you avoid costly mistakes, reduce taxes, and build habits that grow your wealth steadily over time.
Do you provide a live program for family groups?
Yes, if financial literacy is important to you and the young people in your family, learning together in an online group session is extremely beneficial. Contact us directly to arrange for specific pricing, dates and times.
Be confident in your money. Start now.
