by Mike Andrews
As I sit down to write this summer letter and pondering different ideas, I find myself returning to four simple—but increasingly important—thoughts.
They are not necessarily new ideas, but I do believe that in a world that feels louder, faster, and more uncertain than ever, perhaps these fundamental truths are exactly what we need.
1. Markets Work
markets continuing their upward trajectory.
In a world that advertises on mistrust of the market, The Andrews Group stands out with our unwavering conviction of trusting in the market.
Markets can seem irrational, emotional, and often disconnected from reality. Headlines amplify every downturn, every geopolitical event, every reason to believe “this time is different.”
And yet, I have seen over decades—not days—markets have consistently rewarded patience, discipline, and perspective.
The market is not a straight line. It never has been. It moves through fear and greed, optimism, and panic, often overshooting in both directions. But beneath the volatility is something remarkably dependable: human progress.
Businesses adapt. Innovation continues. Productivity improves. People solve problems.
Successful investing is often less about finding the perfect opportunity and more about having the confidence to stay invested when uncertainty makes that feel difficult.
In a world of noise and hype, the biggest challenges are raising the awareness that markets do work and people trusting that they do.
2. Financial Planning Matters
Investment returns are important. But in my experience, financial planning is where clarity begins.
A comprehensive wealth plan does more than organize assets, clarify wills, reduce taxes, and help manoeuvre business succession—it creates confidence. It connects today’s decisions to tomorrow’s possibilities. It helps answer questions that numbers alone cannot:
Am I on track?
What trade-offs are worth making and which ones are not?
What does “enough” actually look like?
Planning turns money into purpose.
It provides a framework when life changes, markets fluctuate, or priorities evolve.
The best plans are not rigid. They adjust. They evolve alongside the people they serve.
In uncertain times, a plan becomes more valuable, not less.
While we cannot control markets, inflation, politics, or global events, we can control preparation. And preparation is often what turns anxiety into peace of mind.
3. A Good Life is Worth Living
Somewhere along the way, many of us baby boomers were taught to delay life.
Work now. Save now. Sacrifice now. Enjoy later.
There is wisdom in discipline. But there is also risk in postponing too much.
A good life is not something to be unlocked only after retirement or after every financial milestone has been achieved. It is happening now.
A good life is yours to choose. It may be travels, maintaining good health, time with children and grandchildren. Good life often includes being intentional with time spent with friends, purposeful work, helping your community and just having quiet moments of gratitude. All of which cannot be measured on a balance sheet.
Financial success should support a good life—not replace it.
Money is a tool. An important one. But it is not the destination.
The goal is not simply to build wealth. The goal is to build a life rich in many areas.
4. The World Has Gone Crazy (Again)
It is hard to ignore. The pace of change feels relentless. Political division is deepening. Technology is reshaping how we live and connect. Social media amplifies outrage. Certainty feels scarce. At times, it can feel as though the world is spinning faster than our ability to process it and yet, perhaps the answer is not to chase certainty. Perhaps it is to return to what remains steady. Relationships. Values. Perspective. Kindness. Long-term thinking. The world may be noisier, but wisdom often lives in quieter places, along with kindness and empathy. We may not control the headlines; we can control how we respond. We can choose thoughtful over reactive. Patience over panic. Connection over distraction. In doing so, we create stability—not only financially, but personally. As we move through the second half of 2026, I am reminded that good investing and good living share many of the same principles:
Stay grounded.
Think long term.
Focus on what matters.
Ignore unnecessary noise.
Trust the process.
Markets will fluctuate. Plans will evolve. The world may continue to feel unpredictable. But with perspective, preparation, and purpose, we can navigate all of it—together.
News From the Office
Our office team of ten individuals is growing to maintain our personal connection to all our clients. AI (artificial intelligence) is a big topic nowadays and yes, it will help create efficiencies in operations, but I am a big believer that it will be businesses who focus on maintaining a trusting, deeply empathetic connection with clients who will prosper in the years to come. Our team has depth and breadth of knowledge coupled with a strong belief that we are delivering a uniquely personal service which is unmatched in our marketplace. We continue to grow, exclusively through introductions from clients who share our desire to help friends and family. As a team we have clearly focused on maintaining this personal impact on our clients through a strong conviction in our Three Core Values:
- Relationships are the Priority
- Be Courageously Curious
- The Right Way is the Only Way
Let’s check in and see what is going on in the lives of the team members who show up every day to help you on your journey.
Rachel and her husband Matt are spending the summer capturing as many activities a possible with their active daughter, Lina.
Orla and Christian are expecting their first child, a baby girl later in June and are excited at being parents. Orla began her maternity leave June 1st, and we will keep you updated on how she’s doing.
Jess, in addition to her crafts, has kindly asked her partner Brett to build her some raised garden beds and a potential greenhouse so she can extend her growing season.
Laura is enjoying a summer focused on family time, outdoor activities, and making the most of every moment with her daughter, River.
Reid uses the summer to stay active outside with Tammy, whether it be tennis, running or intentionally making time to maintain connections with friends, some going back to public school.
Chris is full speed ahead with his passion for golf. He has a new driver and big expectations. Chris has his wave runner on standby, so as soon as golf ends, he can be out on the water.
Lee has a summer full of music festivals and golf.
Steve and his wife have a nice cottage near Kincardine, and they try to escape the city every weekend with their daughter to enjoy the beach and amenities (and work) that cottage life provides.
Melanie is filling in for Orla while she is on maternity leave. Some of you have already been introduced. Mel has many years of experience in working with people in various roles. It’s been a pleasure working with her over the last month and we all look forward to working together over the next year.
Chad recently shared that his daughter Olivia, wanted to come over early from the family cottage to ensure she could get her lemonade stand open. Looks like he may have a budding entrepreneur in the family. Christina and Chad will be busy with the outdoor activities of Olivia and younger brother, Leo.
My brother and I just mountain biked the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail. A gravel bike would have been better and faster, especially after 20hrs and 280 kms over 2 days, but we completed it. Sayra and I are heading to Colombia the end of July, Sayra to see her family and me and a friend are going to join in a 5-day mountain bike race through the mountains of Pereira. We are also going camping in Tobermory with my daughter, Cassey, and the two grandchildren in August.
We Are Young
We Are Young (WAY) Biathlon: Saturday June 20th is the 4th year The Andrews Group has been supporting this organization which focuses on helping seniors. Nearly one in three Canadian seniors are at risk of social isolation, that’s a problem. Through a fun day of running/walking and archery we aim to create more awareness. Each year participation grows, as do donors and sponsors. This charity, which raises awareness through the granting of wishes, has been inspirational and rewarding for the biathlon participants and volunteers. If you know anyone who you feel could benefit from a wish, please nominate them https://www.weareyoung.ca/submit-a-wish.
As the days continue to get longer and warmer, with a bit less rain, the world will continue to be a little crazy, the markets will continue to fluctuate so grab a hold of your good life with friends and family. Summers are short and time is precious, so enjoy.
I wish you all a safe and fun summer with friends and family.
Mike
Mike Andrews, FCSI, CIM
Wealth Advisor
The Andrews Group
CI Assante Wealth Management Ltd.
This material is provided for general information and should not be considered individual investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, or construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities.
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