Halifax-based Financial Advisors at your Service

Meet Laurie

Laurie Stephenson MA CLU CHFC CFP joined London Life as an advisor in 1989 after graduating from Mount Allison University with an honours BA and the University of Waterloo with an MA. She spent the first ten years of her career in financial services in Toronto and the surrounding area, but, she always had the dream of coming home to Nova Scotia and having her own firm. In 1999, Laurie relocated to Halifax. In 2006, Laurie incorporated her practice and moved to Halifax's North End where she established her firm Starboard Wealth Planners. Laurie is licensed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. When she founded Starboard, her focus was to create a smaller, more intimate financial planning company built on long-term client relationships. Her insights and expertise have been sought out by many national publications, including the Globe and Mail, National Post, and Investment Executive. When she is not in the office, Laurie believes in giving back. She is a past and current board member of local and national boards. In her spare time, she likes to be playing outside or curled up with a book.

 

Client Focus
Some of Laurie’s clients have been with her for her entire 34 year career and most have come from referrals. Many are intergenerational clients who benefit from her wealth of experience in succession and estate planning. Laurie's clients are ambitious and are wanting to work with professionals who can help them achieve their goals. Laurie offers a full 360 financial planning service, including:

• Insurance planning
• Investment planning with a focus on ESG (socially responsible investing)
• Retirement planning
• Estate and succession planning
• Corporate tax planning

Meet Michael

Michael joined Starboard Wealth Planners in 2022 as a financial security advisor. A Halifax native, he has deep roots in the community and strives to create a comfortable and inclusive environment wherever he goes. Michael has an educational focus with his clients, helping them understand the why behind the work he does. A Responsible Investment Specialist, Michael has a great knowledge of responsible investments, taking into consideration environmental, social, and governance issues at all levels. Licensed in Nova Scotia and Ontario, he works closely with families and business owners alike, helping them to grow and to achieve their goals. Michael brings enthusiasm and vibrancy to his financial planning today, staying up to date with new trends and products available and applying them to his clientele’s unique situations. When Michael isn’t working, he enjoys living an active lifestyle, camping, being outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends.

 

Client Focus

Michael enjoys working with families, business owners, and young professionals. He can help them with:

• Insurance planning
• Investment planning with a focus on Responsible Investing
• Tax planning
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning

Meet Matthew

Matthew joined Freedom 55 Financial in 2014. He was attracted to the idea of building a career in financial services. He could envision his family achieving their financial goals and dreams while helping clients do the same.

Two years into the business, Matthew took on the challenging role of Training Manager. This role allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for helping people with new advisors. Over the course the last 10 years he has held numerous titles in management that all focused on advisor training, development, and coaching. We have been lucky enough to work with him in this capacity and knew he would be a great asset to Starboard Wealth as an advisor and successor.

Matt is an active and respected leader in our professional association, Advocis. He joined the board as a director in 2016 and held the Advocacy chair until January of 2020 when he became President of the NS chapter. In January of 2023 he stepped back to the Vice President for the NS chapter and took on the Regional Leader role. He volunteers on numerous sub-boards when required.

Matt is a proud East Coaster. He attended Mount Saint Vincent University. He lives in Chester with his lovely wife Amy and fur baby Penny. When he is not working, Matt enjoys spending time with family, working outside, and playing golf.

 

Client Focus

Matt’s goal is to build strong relationships with his clients. His focus is on providing financial literacy to everyone with a focus on families, business owners, and professionals. Areas of interest include:

• Insurance planning
• Investment planning with a focus on Responsible Investing
• Tax planning
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning

Meet Kaye

Kaye joined the Starboard Wealth Planners team in April of 2022 as office manager. Originating from England, Kaye spent the first 12 years of her career in accounting services before moving to Nova Scotia in the summer of 2018. Most of our clients know Kaye as the first person of contact when you enter the office. Outside of work Kaye is an avid photographer and can regularly be found playing drums and guitar. Kaye is most happy with a quiet night in with her partner and the 'kids' (two cats and a dog). 

 

Client Focus

Kaye is best known at the office for helping our clients:

• Update contact information
• Gather necessary documents and process transactions. 
• Book appointments
• Answer general questions