Why the Best Financial Advisors Don't Just Manage Money, They Build Legacies: Insight from Moncton Financial Advisor Serge Robichaud

Most people meet with a financial advisor because they want help saving, investing, or planning for retirement. That's usually the starting point. But once the conversation moves past numbers and timelines, many clients begin to think about something deeper. They start thinking about family, community, and what they want their money to mean long-term.

In Moncton, New Brunswick, financial advisor Serge Robichaud sees this happen all the time. He recalls a couple who came in with simple questions about retirement income. As the conversation went on, they started talking about their grandchildren and the kind of support they hoped to offer over the next 20 years. That moment changed the direction of the plan.

"Every financial plan tells a story," Robichaud says. "When we slow down and look beyond the basics, we can focus on what matters most to people and build something that supports their family and community well into the future."

That is where legacy planning begins. It combines many parts of a person's financial life, from how they give back, to how they prepare loved ones, to how they want to be remembered. These conversations usually start with simple questions about values rather than spreadsheets. What do you care about most? Who do you want to help? What kind of impact feels meaningful to you?

Charitable giving plays a big role for many clients. Robichaud often works with people who feel deeply connected to their community but aren't sure how to turn that feeling into action. Some choose tools like donor-advised funds or charitable trusts to support causes close to their hearts. Others prefer more direct methods, such as funding scholarships, supporting local programs, or helping small businesses get started. These choices allow clients to give thoughtfully while also benefiting from tax efficiency and flexibility over time. Legacy planning also involves preparing the next generation. Passing on wealth without preparation can create stress and confusion, even in close families. Robichaud encourages clients to start discussions early, even if they feel uncomfortable at first.

"I often meet parents who tell me they do not feel confident talking to their kids about money," he says. "Many grew up in homes where finances were stressful or never discussed, so silence feels safer."

One family he worked with felt exactly that way. They worried they would say the wrong thing, so they avoided the topic completely. Instead of starting with investing or complex concepts, Robichaud suggested beginning with everyday decisions. Their first real money talk happened during a family discussion about a vacation budget. When the parents explained the costs, their teenage son looked at them and said, completely serious, "Wait, so the money does not just come from the bank app?"

Everyone laughed, but the moment mattered. In another situation, a younger child listening in asked, "Why do you not just use the bank machine?" Those small, honest questions opened the door to simple conversations about income, expenses, and choices. Money stopped feeling awkward and started feeling normal.

Over time, those discussions gave the kids confidence. Not because they knew everything, but because the money was never treated like a forbidden topic. That confidence often carries into adulthood and determines how future generations handle responsibility and opportunity.

Legacy building also reaches beyond the family. Many people in Atlantic Canada feel a strong sense of pride in their hometowns. They want their success to support the communities that shaped them. Advisors who understand those local ties can help clients turn that intention into action in ways that feel personal and lasting.

Creating a legacy takes time and thought. It often involves working with accountants, lawyers, and other professionals to coordinate estate planning, investments, and tax strategies. At first, the process can feel complex. Over time, it becomes meaningful as clients see how each piece fits together and supports a bigger picture.

Robichaud believes legacy planning is ultimately about intention. "Money gives people options," he says. "When those options are guided by clear values, they can create lasting impact. I help clients see their wealth as something active, something that can continue to do good even after they're gone."

More people are starting to view their financial plans this way. Advisors who take the time to listen, involve families, and focus on long-term purpose help clients build something that truly lasts. The result is a plan that reflects who they are, supports the people and places they love, and leaves a meaningful mark for generations to come.