Meri-Li Forrest, CFP®, CIM®

Founder, Financial Planner, & Money Coach

Be Wealthy Financial Coaching is here to empower you to take charge of your finances. Our support is tailored to bring you peace of mind and confidence as you navigate your financial journey.

Get ready to achieve your important goals with less stress and overwhelm.

Welcome, you’re in the right place!

My passion for personal finance started way back in Grade 11 business class, and there’s been no looking back.

With over 24 years of experience in the financial industry, I have had the privilege of helping clients achieve their financial and life goals. This experience has provided me with a deep understanding of the practical, emotional, and behavioural aspects of money—all of which are crucial for achieving lasting financial success.

I work closely with clients to navigate these complexities and develop personalized strategies that foster both financial peace of mind and confidence in their future.

Credentials:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

  • Chartered Investment Manager designation (CIM®)

  • Canadian Securities Course (CSC®)

  • 24+ years of professional experience with Canadian Financial Institutions in Wealth Management, Personal and Business Finances

  • Passed level I Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA program)

  • Bachelor of Commerce-Finance Degree, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

  • Trauma of Money™️ certified practitioner

  • Volunteer: Mentor for Starter Company Plus with South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre and business mentor with The Forum Canada

My own money journey…

I’ve faced my own financial challenges and learned firsthand that a higher income doesn’t always equate to financial success. I understand how money can trigger avoidance, stress, anxiety, shame, and overwhelm. But I also know that it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Life threw some serious curveballs my way, but I used my financial skills to take decisive action, transforming both my finances and my life for the better.

With my finances in great shape, I was able to pursue my childhood dream of entrepreneurship. I knew exactly what kind of business I wanted to create—one that aligned with my values and empowered others to take control of their financial futures. I was seeing that:

  • There is a lack of straightforward advice for handling everyday finances.

  • Traditional financial planning skips over those who don’t already have a huge amount of money to invest.

  • It’s all about selling products and meeting with advisors in fancy suits, where it’s hard to feel comfortable asking questions.

  • I recognized finances are about way more than just the numbers, the softer behavioural side of finance is an important piece of the money puzzle.

So, I decided to do it differently!

I offer clear and impactful support to help clients move forward in their financial journey.

I believe that achieving positive financial change is something YOU CAN DO. Bring your desire and commitment, and I'll provide the strategy and support you need. I meet you where you are in your money journey. It’s a judgment-free space for open discussions about money.

My role is to provide guidance, strategy, encouragement, insight, and inspiration, as you need it. We create an environment that holds you accountable. This ensures you implement what you learn and stay motivated to stick to your money roadmap.

Because money itself isn’t complicated but your relationship with it is.

I welcome the opportunity to support you on your financial journey. Together, let's unlock your full financial potential and create the wealthy life you envision.

Get ready to do BIG things with your money:

Phase 1: BUILD your foundation

Phase 2: IMPLEMENT your plan

Phase 3: GROW your wealth

In my planning framework, the focus is to:

  1. Maximize your money's potential.

  2. Boost your net worth.

  3. Efficiently move toward your financial goals.

  4. Stay aligned with your very important life vision.

And the best part: you'll ACHIEVE MORE with your money than ever before!

With a combination of education, strategy, and mindset work, you’ll be in charge of your finances - no matter how messy they may feel right now.