J Brett Martinson, CFP®, CLU®, B.Eng.Mgmt
Brett has been providing financial advice since 2012, starting as an advisor with Sun Life Financial. Brett has advised clients on a wide range of situations, from getting out of debt to understanding how investment fees work; from reducing taxes during work and retirement to figuring out how much to save for retirement; from the steps to take during a separation to coordinating with client’s accountants on tax planning.
Brett was born in Belleville, Ont., and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering & Management degree from McMaster University, combining a traditional engineering degree with the core requirements of a commerce degree. Brett is a Certified Financial Planner® and a Chartered Life Underwriter®.
He is licensed by and/or holds memberships in the following organizations:
- FP Canada
- The Institute for Advanced Financial Education
- Financial Planning Association of Canada
Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Life Underwriter®
Of over 100,000 financial advisors in Canada, less than 19,000 hold the Certified Financial Planner® designation, a far-reaching designation that goes beyond planning to include knowledge in taxation, investment allocation, insurance products, retirement income, estate planning, family law, budgeting and debt reduction. The Chartered Life Underwriter® designation, held by less than 7,000 advisors in Canada, focuses on advanced estate planning as well as tax and legal implications for individuals and business owners.
Experience & Recognition
Having spent 12 years as a business consultant focusing on marketing, sales, and profitability, Brett shifted into financial advice in 2012. He was fortunate enough to be mentored by CFP® professionals from the beginning and worked in five different practices ranging from 200 clients to more than 1,000.
Personal Life
Brett’s wife, Leigh, was born and raised in the Niagara area, and they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2020. They have two amazing kids – one off to university in 2020, and the other about to start Grade 10. To his kids’ dismay, Brett teaches them financial planning strategies, whether they want to hear them or not. Brett is sure they will thank him in about 20 years.
Trevor Van Nest, B. Comm. (Hons.), CFP®
Trevor is the Founder and Owner of York Region Money Coaches (2010) and Niagara Region Money Coaches (2014). He is passionate about educating clients and helping them make great money decisions for themselves and their families.
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in areas ranging from Credit Cards, Insurance, Investing, Banking and Lending, Trevor combines an understanding of the financial services industry with a heart for teaching. He was born in Kingston, Ont., graduated with a B.Comm. (Hons.) degree from Queen’s University, and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and is a Director of the St. Catharines Rotary Club (2019-2021).
Certified Financial Planner®
The Certified Financial Planner® designation he holds is the gold standard in the industry, representing the highest level of professional integrity, knowledge and experience. In addition to the ongoing continuing education requirements, this designation requires all members abide by a strict code of conduct – bringing additional confidence to the client experience. As a fiduciary, Trevor is entrusted to put the needs of his clients first, without exception.
Experience & Recognition
Having spent many years as an executive at a Fortune 500 company, he is now enjoying his most rewarding work yet – personally guiding clients through a complex financial world, and helping them achieve financial peace.
The services of Niagara Region Money Coaches are now being recommended by several organizations in the area including Wellspring Niagara, Youngs Insurance, Aldershot Financial Group, Grant Thornton LLP, Financial Divorce Solutions and Optimal Wellness Niagara.
York Region Money Coaches was awarded 2014 Professional Services Business of the Year by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.
Niagara Region Money Coaches was recognized as a Finalist in the category of 2016 Outstanding New Business by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
Member, Financial Planning Standards Council
Member, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Member, St. Catharines Rotary Club
Personal Life
Trevor has been happily married to Rev. Anita Van Nest for 29 years and they have three adult children. Together they enjoy time at their cottage, travel and the occasional round of golf. Trevor has been an internationally-ranked runner for the 40+ age group, and now enjoys a variety of non-profit philanthropic activities. As an active Board member of the St. Catharines Rotary Club, Trevor serves on the Children’s Committee, assisting with the major fund-raisers and reading with children at a local school as a Rotary Reader. Trevor leads a men’s study and support group, and advocates for the good work that Habitat for Humanity and Cottage Dreams Cancer Recovery Initiative do each year. As a kidney donor in 2017, Trevor also supports and encourages Canadians to consider the gift of organ donation for the benefit of others in need.
The Niagara Region Money Coaches office is located on the same Hiscott Street where Trevor’s grandfather founded Densmore Tool & Die Works Ltd. in 1956.