It wasn’t very long ago that Derek and his wife Andrea were just starting out together and yet what they have accomplished since 2014 is astonishing.
What guided this couple the first time we sat down with them for this story in 2015 was what they called their “5 year plan”- and a huge plan it was! It had everything from getting married, buying their dream home, settling into amazing career jobs and finishing continuing studies. This plan was big, yet if you knew this couple, there would be no question in your mind they would check off each item on the list.
It all started when Derek and Andrea were finishing college and decided they wanted to buy instead of rent, “the problem with this plan was we were young and just starting out in our jobs—not many places would take a chance on us, but Mainstreet would. They saw potential instead of where we were then” shared Derek.
The couple bought a modest 600-square-foot, $100,000 condo in London to start and worked with Jenn their financial advisor in Lambeth on a budget plan. “It was really hard, we were just scraping by at starter-jobs and young but we were determined to stick to our plan and keep our goals in sight” says Andrea.
“Jenn sat down with us and our budget spreadsheet we had set-up back when we purchased the condo and continued to adjust it as our financial picture changed.”
Jenn sat down with us and our budget spreadsheet we had set-up back when we purchased the condo and continued to adjust it as our financial picture changed. We worked on a new plan and realized we could make a builder’s lot in Talbot Village Lambeth work, which was really exciting” shared Andrea. “Soon after we called her cell at 8pm on a Friday night because we needed a certified cheque for our builder and had a few questions. Jenn came through again to make sure we had what we needed to secure our house so quickly. Nowhere else would our advisor know us this well and provide us with beyond-personalized service. She has always been supportive and opened so many doors for us” says Derek.
The couple moved in to their new home in Fall 2013 and haven’t looked back since achieving the last step of their plan. “We are so happy having the extra space, and financially we don’t stress because we have a budget sheet and a plan that Derek and I chat on almost every Saturday morning to touch base on how we are doing and connect with Jenn regularly on it too” says Andrea.
“The one thing we know for sure is wherever we go and whatever we do Mainstreet will be a part of it! We couldn’t be happier!”
Fast forward to 2025 and we are back with Derek and Andrea in their home.
For more than 16 years, Derek and Andrea have trusted Mainstreet to guide them through every stage of their financial journey; continuing a family tradition that began when Derek became a member over 40 years ago. Throughout major milestones, from purchasing their first home and beginning their investment journey to growing their family and planning for retirement, we have been a steady partner.
Their experience reflects the value of strong, long-term relationships. Our advisors have provided consistent, personalized support, ensuring a seamless transition between life stages advisors and reinforcing the couple’s confidence in their financial plan. What stands out most to them is the feeling of being known and valued—not just as account numbers, but as members with unique goals and needs.
Today, Derek and Andrea continue to work with Mainstreet to plan for their future. Their success, they say, comes from staying engaged, practicing good financial habits, and relying on trusted advice. Their story embodies what we stands for: meaningful relationships, customized guidance, and support that grows with members through every chapter of life.
“Every time I reach out, I know that I'm not just an account number. I'm actually a member, and that makes it a lot easier.”