How this family is navigating a new life in Canada with trusted support

Transcript Opens a new window.

That’s when we were introduced to Eugene, a financial advisor at CIBC. Some of our relatives who already live in Canada recommended him to us. From our very first meeting, we felt a connection.

Speaking the same language helped us bond immediately, but it was more than that. Eugene didn’t just talk about banking. He helped us understand how things work here, like schooling, Canadian culture and what activities we could enjoy with our kids.

We trusted Eugene would guide us along the right path when it came to banking. He walked us through opening an account, how to start building our credit and the best credit card to help us with purchases for our new life in Canada. He explained everything clearly and helped us understand what programs and services were useful for our situation, including CIBC’s banking offers for newcomers.

One of our most important goals here in Canada is to own a home. We talked to Eugene about that during one of our early meetings. He told us, “If you want to make a life here in Canada and retire here eventually, the earlier you start planning for that, the better.”

He helped us understand that even though buying a home might not happen right away, preparing for it should start now.

“We have a saying here that the best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago,” says Eugene, “and the next best time is today, right? So, you know, you have that time to grow and let these things come to fruition.”

We trust Eugene. He understands what our needs are and what we’re looking for. He’s always available if we have questions. He’ll even call or text us just to check in to see how he can help.

We’re so happy we came to Canada, especially when we see how excited our kids are to be here. We think very highly of the education system in Canada, and we want to give them every opportunity. One day, we hope to get permanent residency here in Canada and put our roots down.

Eugene is already helping us plan for the future, including saving for a home and retirement, even though that’s still far away. Having someone like Eugene in our corner has made all the difference.

“I like to think I had a little part in helping them start their new life here,” says Eugene. “That’s what matters.”

When you’re starting a new life in a new country, the journey can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Eugene believes financial advice should go beyond just talking about money. It should be personal, culturally informed, and focused on building a trusted relationship. Here’s what he recommends.

Start by prioritizing your goals

Whether your goal is immediate, like getting your banking and finances in order, or long-term, like saving for a home, your advisor should be a GPS for you, helping you map out the route that makes the most sense. A good financial advisor takes time to understand your full picture, especially if you’re navigating the Canadian banking system for the first time.

Look beyond the numbers

It’s not just about bank accounts and investments. The best financial relationships are built on trust, starting with a personal connection. If you’re new to Canada, it helps to work with someone who understands your background and the culture shift you’re going through. A trusted advisor can even help connect you to community resources and to other networks to make your transition easier.

Start building credit right away

One of the most important steps newcomers can take is building a solid credit history. If you’re considering buying a home or getting approved for a loan or a phone plan, you’ll need credit. Start by opening a Canadian bank account and applying for a credit card. Use it responsibly. Pay off your balance in full each month and don’t take on more debt than you can manage. And consider CIBC’s Newcomer Banking Bundle. It includes no banking fees for the first 24 months and is a great way to start building credit without incurring extra costs.