As June arrives, many families are celebrating graduations, the end of another school year, and the beginning of summer travel and outdoor activities. We hope you and your loved ones are looking forward to enjoying the warmer weather and making the most of the season ahead.

At Macnaughton & Ward Financial Services, we believe that financial planning is about more than investments and insurance. It is about helping clients navigate life's transitions, protecting what matters most, and providing guidance through changing economic conditions.

In this month's edition, we discuss several timely topics that may be of interest to you and your family:

• Market Update: A Strong Start to 2026 – Looking Beyond the Headlines

• Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Abuse

• Seven Smart Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance

• What is a Recession and What Does it Mean for You?

• What's the Winning Strategy for Saving?

• Your Questions Answered

As always, if you have questions regarding any topic discussed in this newsletter, we encourage you to contact your Account Manager. We are always pleased to assist.

Market Update - A Stong Start to 2026

Looking Beyond the Headlines

The first half of 2026 has generally been encouraging for investors. Despite continued headlines regarding geopolitical conflicts, trade negotiations, government deficits, and economic uncertainty, financial markets have shown resilience and many diversified portfolios have experienced positive results.

One of the challenges investors face is that negative news tends to receive the most attention. Yet history reminds us that markets often continue to move forward despite periods of uncertainty. Successful investing has never required perfect economic conditions, it requires patience, discipline, and a commitment to long-term goals.

That is not to say there are no risks ahead. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, changing global trade policies, government debt concerns, and future interest rate decisions may continue to create periods of market volatility. However, volatility is a normal part of investing and something every experienced investor encounters from time to time.

As we enter the summer months, we encourage clients to focus on what they can control: maintaining a well-diversified portfolio, following a sound financial plan, and avoiding emotional reactions to short-term market events.

If you have questions regarding your investments, retirement income, or overall financial plan, we welcome the opportunity to review your situation and ensure your strategy remains aligned with your goals.

From Our Office

One topic that has come up frequently in conversations with clients this year is uncertainty. Whether it is concerns about markets, rising costs, geopolitical events, taxes, or fraud, many Canadians are wondering what lies ahead.

While we cannot control the headlines, we can control how we prepare for them.

The most successful financial plans are not built around predictions. Rather, they are designed to adapt to changing conditions and help clients stay focused on their long-term objectives.

Another trend we continue to see is the growing sophistication of financial scams. If you ever receive a suspicious phone call, email, text message, or financial request, please remember that you are always welcome to contact our office before taking action. We would much rather spend a few minutes helping verify a request than see a client become the victim of fraud.

Thank you for the trust you continue to place in our team. It is a privilege to serve you and your family.

Protecting Yourself from Fraud and Abuse

Unfortunately, financial fraud targeting seniors continues to increase across Canada. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often use technology, urgency, and emotional manipulation to convince individuals to disclose personal information or send money.

The good news is that many scams can be prevented by slowing down, asking questions, and verifying requests before taking action.

Fraud Prevention Tip

One trend we continue to see is an increase in suspicious telephone calls claiming to be from banks, government agencies, technology companies, courier services, and even family members in distress.

If you have Caller ID and do not recognize the number, consider allowing the call to go to voicemail. Most legitimate callers will leave a message if the matter is important.

Fraudsters frequently use automated dialing systems to identify active telephone numbers. When a call is answered, it may confirm that the number is in service, potentially resulting in additional unwanted or suspicious calls in the future.

Remember that reputable financial institutions, government agencies, and service providers will not pressure you to act immediately, provide passwords, transfer money, purchase gift cards, or grant remote access to your computer.

When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number from your records, bank card, statement, or official website.

For additional information, Beneva has published an informative article on protecting seniors from fraud and abuse.

Seven Smart Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance

Summer vacation season is here, and many Canadians are preparing for travel both within Canada and abroad.

While planning a vacation is exciting, ensuring you have appropriate travel insurance coverage is equally important. Many travellers are surprised to discover that provincial health plans may provide limited coverage outside their home province or country. Likewise, coverage provided through credit cards may contain restrictions, exclusions, or age limitations.

Before your next trip, take a few moments to review your coverage and understand exactly what protection you have in place.

If you would like assistance reviewing your travel insurance needs, please contact your Account Manager.

For additional information, Manulife has provided the following article with Seven Smart Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance.

Summer Financial Checklist

As summer approaches, it can be a good time to review a few important planning matters:

✓ Review travel insurance before departure

✓ Confirm your Will and Powers of Attorney remain current

✓ Review beneficiary designations on insurance policies and registered plans

✓ Verify emergency contact information is up to date

✓ Review TFSA contribution room and contribution plans

✓ Ensure important financial documents are organized and accessible

✓ Discuss any significant life changes that may affect your financial plan

Small reviews today can help prevent larger problems tomorrow.

What is a Recession and What Does it Mean for You?

You may have heard increasing discussion among economists and the media regarding recession risks and economic slowdowns.

While the word "recession" often sounds concerning, economic slowdowns are a normal part of long-term economic cycles. Markets, businesses, and consumers regularly experience periods of expansion and contraction.

For many investors, the most important response is not to panic. Maintaining a disciplined approach and focusing on long-term goals is often more effective than reacting to short-term economic headlines.

Sun Life recently published an article that provides a helpful overview of recessions and their potential impact on individuals and families.

What’s the Winning Strategy for Saving?

Periods of market uncertainty can sometimes cause investors to question whether they should continue contributing to savings and investment plans.

History has shown that maintaining a consistent savings strategy through both favourable and challenging markets can be one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. Economic cycles, market corrections, and periods of uncertainty are all normal parts of investing.

iA Financial Group recently shared an article discussing the benefits of consistent saving and investing.

Advisor’s Corner - Your Questions Answered

Q: My wife and I are retired and financially comfortable. Our home is paid off, our TFSAs are maximized, and we have sizeable RRIF and non-registered investments. We would like to help our adult children and potentially benefit our grandchildren in the future. Is there a strategy we should consider?

A: Congratulations on achieving the financial security that allows you to consider helping future generations.

For many families, the challenge is finding a way to balance gifting, tax efficiency, retirement planning, and estate objectives.

One strategy that may warrant consideration is participating life insurance. Depending on your family's circumstances, such a strategy may provide future retirement flexibility for your children while also creating a tax-efficient legacy for future beneficiaries.

Participating life insurance may not be appropriate for everyone, suitability depends on a variety of factors including age, health, financial objectives, tax considerations, and estate planning goals. However, for some families, it can be an effective tool for building and transferring wealth, and preserving assets across generations.

If you would like to explore whether a strategy such as this may be appropriate for your family, please contact your Account Manager.