His Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Waterloo and his experience in high-tech, including founding and selling a software company to IBM, equipped him with a deep understanding of numerical analysis and process optimization. These skills proved invaluable in financial planning, where precision and efficiency are paramount.
Recognizing the need for formal financial training, John returned to school to earn both his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. These credentials provided him with the knowledge and confidence to work with complex estate planning engagements and professionals such as doctors and dentists. His process-oriented approach, honed through his IT background, enabled him to develop comprehensive and tailored financial plans for his clients.
A Personal Battle Inspires a Professional Mission
John’s decision to focus his financial planning practice exclusively on doctors and dentists was deeply personal. In December 2010, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that brought his life to a standstill. Faced with this life-threatening illness, John experienced firsthand the panic, fear, and financial worries that accompany a serious health crisis. Fortunately, his foresight into having life insurance and critical illness policies in place provided the financial stability he needed to focus on his recovery.
Throughout his treatment, John was deeply grateful for the expertise of the medical professionals who cared for him. This experience inspired him to ensure that doctors and dentists who dedicate their lives to caring for others also receive the financial care they deserve. After overcoming cancer and returning to his practice, John realized the limitations and conflicts of interest in the financial products he could offer through his previous affiliations. This revelation led him to start Moakler Wealth Management Inc. in 2014, offering a broader range of financial products and services to better serve his clients.
In 2016, John decided to share his knowledge and experiences by writing a book aimed at helping his fellow Canadians. His best-selling book, “Heal Thy Wealth – How Doctors Are Misdiagnosing Their Own Financial Health And What They Can Do About It,” serves as a guide for medical professionals to take control of their financial health. John’s mission is to ensure that every doctor and dentist in Canada pays as much attention to their financial health as they do to their patient’s health.
Strategic Financial Planning
John employs several key strategies to help his clients build sustainable retirement plans and protect their wealth for future generations. A primary focus is on cash flow management, designing tax-efficient pay structures for doctors, and maximizing the effectiveness of their professional corporations. By turning personal costs into tax-deductible corporate expenses and leveraging corporations to create personalized pension plans, John helps his clients achieve a tax-free retirement pay cheque.
Additionally, John implements various insurance strategies to eliminate Revenue Canada from his clients’ estates. He also introduces strategies for those interested in leveraging their corporations to grow a rental real estate portfolio. These comprehensive approaches ensure that his client’s financial plans are robust and resilient, capable of withstanding various life events and market conditions.
Moakler Wealth Management Inc. employs specific strategies to tailor financial plans to the unique needs and career stages of medical professionals. The company develops “Bullet-Proof Financial & Retirement Plans” that can withstand various life events, such as death, disability, and critical illness. By leveraging professional corporations and implementing estate structures, John ensures that his clients’ money outlives them, not the other way around. He also teaches doctors how to use their professional corporations to invest in rental real estate, overcoming regulatory restrictions.
One of the significant challenges in the financial planning industry is the prevalence of conflicts of interest. Many advisors focus on selling products that benefit their affiliations rather than the clients. In 2014, John left the mutual fund industry to become a conflict-free financial planner. He now represents over 14 different insurance partners and several independent investment companies, ensuring that his clients receive conflict-free advice tailored to their unique needs and goals.
John also has built a robust portfolio of trademarks and domains, showcasing his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. Among his notable assets is The Wealthy Entrepreneur(www.TheWealthyEntrepreneur.com), a platform dedicated to empowering doctors, dentists, and entrepreneurs. John is the driving force behind The Wealthy Entrepreneur Dinner Seminar Series, an education program crafted to assist doctors, dentists, and business professionals in achieving financial success. John also coaches other Financial Advisors/Planners on how to use The Wealthy Entrepreneur dinner seminars in their own practice. This seminar series, which has been trademarked, further solidifies John’s influence within the entrepreneurial community. His strategic approach to intellectual property and dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth highlight his expertise and vision in the financial planning industry.
Fostering Innovation and Learning
As the President of the Peel Halton Chapter of Advocis, John encourages continuous learning and creative thinking within his organization. He regularly brings in industry experts to share their knowledge and successful strategies. John himself is committed to ongoing education, completing 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits annually. This dedication to learning ensures that his team stays innovative and up-to-date with the latest financial planning techniques.
John’s journey to success has been marked by perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement. He transitioned from the high-tech world to financial planning, focusing on everyday Canadians and educating them on good and bad debt. Within five years, he earned his financial planning designations, allowing him to work with professionals such as doctors and dentists. John’s advice to others is to invest in themselves, as nobody else will.
John’s ability to embrace change and take risks has led to significant transformations within Moakler Wealth Management Inc. He has broadened his practice to include coaching other advisors, initially apprehensive about sharing his “secret sauce.” However, he discovered that sharing knowledge only enhanced his own learning. Since 2016, John has been coaching advisors across Canada, and in January 2024, he expanded his coaching services to the United States. His proven methodology for running successful dinner seminars for doctors and dentists has a high client conversion rate, further solidifying his reputation as an industry leader.
Expanding Horizons
John has expanded his business by launching a financial planning coaching division for advisors and planners across Canada and the USA. Collaborating with firms in Boston, MA; Raleigh, NC; and Denver, CO, he is bringing his proven Canadian practices to the US marketplace. As a Master Coach for Advisorist—an award-winning education company recognized 25 times for its excellence in coaching financial advisors and planners on advanced marketing strategies—John has introduced a new coaching program in the US called “THRIVE.” This program is specifically designed to address the needs of affluent professionals who are often underserved by the financial community. This strategic expansion underscores his dedication to advancing knowledge and elevating the financial planning industry.
The pioneering leader’s background in mathematics and computer science, combined with his personal experiences and professional journey, has shaped him into a visionary leader in financial planning. His commitment to serving doctors and dentists, continuous learning, and conflict-free advice have set Moakler Wealth Management Inc. apart. Through his innovative strategies and dedication to his client’s financial health, John continues to make a significant impact on the industry and the lives of those he serves.
