Elanda Kowalchuk

Financial Planner

I have always been a saver. My first investment was $1,500 when I was 22 years old; an inheritance from my Baba which I wanted to keep as a memory of what she gave up for me. I went to my local credit union to put the money towards my very first RSP contribution and that was how I first learned to save for retirement.

When I bought my first house I learned about insuring a mortgage and purchased life insurance through an independent agent. It was shortly after that time I changed careers and went to work with a financial advisor.
I had a sister who had cancer at 19 years old, so I knew that cancer wasn’t something that just happened to people when as they got old. I purchased my first critical illness policy in my early 30s.

At 35 years old I divorced. I was worried about how I would manage with just one income. I decided to purchase another critical illness policy so if something happened, I would not have to rely on anyone else for financial support. I also purchased a disability policy to protect my income and therefore myself if I were unable to work due to a disability. As a planner at heart, I needed to know that I could look after myself. I didn’t think the probability was high, but I knew the consequences could be devastating.

I have not had to make a claim on either my critical illness or disability policies. Several years later I feel secure knowing that I have put plans in place in case the unexpected happens. I still have the insurance I put in place in my 30s and twenty years later I continue to pay the premiums as a 30-year-old.

I have managed my own cashflow plan and helped many families and individuals with their own cashflow plan. Knowing that I can look after myself in case of an unexpected event and being able to share that knowledge and help others is why I get up in the morning. I understand the need for security and my career goal is to ensure the people I work with can go about their daily life feeling good that they are in control of their financial future.

As a professional financial happiness planner I love what I do to help individuals and couples feel in control of their money. Knowing how much money you can spend while saving and protecting your future, all while maintaining your standard of living, is important to feel in control. I provide education and recommendations regarding life, critical illness and disability insurance and investments, from emergency savings to long term investing. With my clients I celebrate when their priorities are achieved, and we discuss new goals to focus on to keep their plan relevant and evolving as their lives change.

Elanda Kowalchuk

Background:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ®
  • Certified Cash Flow Specialist (CCS) ®
  • Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce
  • Advocis

Strategic Partners

Dee Danallanko, CPA, CA

Accountant

Dee Danallanko, CPA, CA, CRM is the founder of Integral Accounting Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the private sector, public sector, and public practice.

Dee helps clients utilize the latest accounting technology to run small businesses and non-profit organizations as efficiently as possible. Her goal is to ensure that you spend less time on administrative and compliance tasks and more time on revenue-generating tasks instead.

When not helping clients integrate their personal and financial goals with their business goals, Dee can be found reading, hanging out with her husband, small son, and two cats, or baking something delicious.

Mike Adamek

Group Benefits

Mike has over 32 years of experience providing Group Benefits to companies in British Columbia and Alberta. His strong connection with numerous insurance carriers allows companies to choose the best fit for their employees. Adamek Financials’ customer service team ensures you receive the service you need to successfully run your business, and your employees receive the coverage they need for themselves and their family from their group benefits plan.  

Mike lives in Victoria with his wife and 3 children. He enjoys hockey and cooking.

 

Dana Stauber

Mortgage SPecialist

My husband Jason and I always dreamed of living near the mountains. Being from Saskatchewan, it seemed a long way away! We slowly moved west, spending time in Alberta, living in Stony Plain for 13 years. Today we’re proud to call Vernon home and enjoy hiking many beautiful trails with our dog Jasper, riding our motorcycle, and of course enjoying fine Okanagan wine!

I have more than 30 years of lending experience and work with 50 different lender partners so have a variety of options to fit your needs. I can place all types of mortgages including purchases, refinances, equity take outs, debt consolidations, renewals and mortgages for self-employed. I’ve helped a lot of great people throughout BC and Alberta and look forward to helping you realize your financial and homeownership goals as well!

Since my business is built primarily through referrals from satisfied clients, your positive mortgage experience is essential! Your mortgage is a big decision and a powerful financial tool.

I believe every client deserves the best care and service when purchasing or refinancing the home of their dreams. I’m here to help with your mortgage needs and have what it takes to make a difference in your next mortgage transaction.

What Clients are Saying

“Elanda was amazing to work with as I have a pre-existing health condition. She did a lot of work investigating options so that I could purchase insurance that would be able to help me and my family if the unthinkable happened. It is not easy sharing such personal information but Elanda’s caring nature and professionalism made me feel so comfortable and put me at ease.”

– Ashley Haineault

What Clients are Saying

“Elanda Kowalchuk cares very much about her clients and is not “about the money”. She will even take small files and clients and do her best for them. She has a big heart and has devoted a lot of her time and creativity to the Vernon Women in Business. She is very creative, kind and accepting and I would encourage potential investors and persons needing insurance to seek out a quote and a discussion.”

– Melody Martin

What Clients are Saying

“I leaned on Elanda’s experience and knowledge in helping me help my daughter and son-in-law see the importance of preparing for the “what if”. They are a young family with a toddler. She was able to give them real examples where the unthinkable happened and through those explained in a way that made it easy to understand.  Elanda made recommendations that were tailored ‘just for them’. These recommendations not only looked at their needs for when their son would be dependent on them but also long term needs while keeping budget in the forefront.”

– Kathy Drumm

What Clients are Saying

“The cash flow plan has worked so well for our family. It has given us the freedom to spend allotted money on necessities without guilt or stress or feeling like we have to justify it to each other, while at the same time still saving and working towards our other financial goals. We have found that there is less tension between us. We used to continually argue about saving vs spending, but now we have room for both in our cash flow plan.”

– Sarah Thiessen

What Clients are Saying

Recently retired, I approached Kowalchuk Financial to assist me in finding a medical benefit plan. I was very impressed by Elanda investigating my needs before doing a thorough and detailed analysis of different plan options. I was assisted in the selection process which ended up being the Manulife Vitality policy which has been very effective for me, both in cost and benefits.

– Mark Montemurro

What Clients are Saying

Elanda has been absolutely great to work with. She brings a wealth of knowledge while being very organized during every meeting and more than exceeds at her job. The CashFlow plan has been extremely helpful for my wife and I with getting on top and staying ahead of our finances. Elanda has made it an extremely easy transition to adopt and understand the CashFlow plan with some very helpful visual representations. We have already recommended her to some of our family members and will continue to recommend Elanda for anyone who is looking to sharpen up their finances.

– Levi Nicholas

What Clients are Saying

Elanda has been the #1 reason I feel confident about my financial future. I am now 26 years old and have been working with her for the past 6 years. Any time I have fallen off track I contact her and we re-evaluate the situation. We make a game plan and by the time our meeting is over I am stress free and excited about where my money is taking me!

The cash flow plan has let me go on trips, save for those expensive toys and live my life without the worry of over spending. All while saving for my future and being confident with the process!

I recommend Elanda to all of my friends and family so that they can live as fully and stress free as possible knowing that they’re finances are in good order!

– liam eddy