JAYDATT BHATT, CFP®, Financial Planner for Sun Life, President, Jay Insurance & Financial Services Ltd. Edmonton, Alberta
- TAYLOR STRANAGHAN
- Apr 29
- 6 min read
Updated: May 1
JAYDATT BHATT
“Bringing value to clients is at the forefront of our decision-making”
Jaydatt Bhatt, CFP®, has built a distinctive career in the financial world, leveraging skills that set him apart from most professionals.
Holding a degree in engineering, Jaydatt says, “I have a unique perspective on problem-solving, different from someone purely focused on finance. Having a blend of skills, often referred to as ‘engineering financial planning,’ has given me the ability to tackle financial challenges with creativity and innovative solutions.”
This problem-solving approach is something Jaydatt attributes, in part, to his upbringing. “When I look back, particularly at my younger years, I see how my father influenced my career path.” Observing his father’s mid-life career change into insurance, investment, and financial advising, Jaydatt has reflected on the positive impact this career path has on clients and their families. “Seeing the difference it makes in their lives, particularly in cases when individuals pass on and their wealth needs to be managed for their surviving family members, has left a significant impression on me,” he says.
Following suit on his father’s career and making the bold decision to change careers from engineering to business, Jaydatt has embraced his role as Financial Planner for Sun Life in Edmonton, Alberta.
Building Financial Futures with Confidence
As a Financial Planner, Jaydatt emphasizes his mission to help Canadians build their savings, protect their assets, and lead healthier, happier lives.
Recognizing that financial stress is one of the most common stressors people face, Jaydatt says, “My aim is to alleviate that by helping clients plan for uncontrollable events and take control of their financial goals, such as saving for retirement or their child’s education.” By offering tailored financial planning and support, Jaydatt seeks to empower his clients to navigate their financial futures with confidence and peace of mind.
“We focus on both short-term and long-term goals by analyzing each client’s unique situation and creating a customized plan. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients, which is why our initial meetings are longer and more in-depth. Particularly my ability to understand an individual’s scenario—where they are, what they are trying to achieve in the short term and long term, and how we can help them using the tools we have.”
Jaydatt adds, “This approach helps them achieve their goals while also preparing for uncontrollable life events like disability or critical illness.”
While financial details such as income, assets, and liabilities are considered, Jaydatt places greater importance on understanding what matters most to his clients, whether it be saving for immediate needs or planning for a legacy. He says, “Bringing value to clients is at the forefront of our decision-making. Helping them achieve their goals is our primary focus, while taking care of the necessary details ensures that their financial plans are not only practical but also resonate deeply with their unique values and vision for the future.”
Educating Clients for Financial Empowerment
Another essential aspect of Jaydatt’s process is educating clients. “We spend considerable time ensuring our clients understand what we’re trying to do and why we are recommending certain actions. This involves going into the details, whether it’s about insurance or investments.”
“On the insurance side,” he begins, “We explain tax treatments, along with the guidelines, rules, regulations, and scenarios in which clients may or may not qualify. For example, we discuss what happens to benefit amounts and how they are taxed. If a policy has cash values, we cover how they are generated, how dividends work, and how participating whole life accounts function.”
“On the investment side, we cover topics like compounding, fees, and different asset classes,” he says. “The more our clients are educated, the better we can help them, as they understand the reasons behind our actions. We also discuss financial planning concepts like the time value of money.”
Jaydatt draws on an instance he often encounters in his practice related to the power of consistent investing through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). “I’ve seen clients who started by investing just $100 to $210 a month, astonished to watch their savings grow to $50,000, $100,000, or even more.”
Emphasizing strategies like front-loading the RESP—by making larger contributions early on—helps maximize tax-efficient growth while taking full advantage of government grants and compounding returns over time. He adds, “By the time their child was ready for post-secondary education, they had a significant amount saved, even if they hadn’t closely monitored their financial statements.”
Jaydatt also highlights how common it is for clients to be unclear about the differences between a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). “The key to maximizing RRSP benefits lies in understanding how accumulation works and strategically managing withdrawals during retirement, as they are treated as taxable income. Many clients accumulate substantial savings without realizing it. By educating clients, particularly those in high tax brackets, on the benefits of using RRSPs, I have helped them see the value of the tax breaks they receive each year.”
For clients in low-income years, Jaydatt recommends using RRSPs to reduce their taxable income, helping them pay lower taxes and making their retirement savings more tax-efficient. He adds, “Simply by making regular contributions and reinvesting their tax returns, clients can build substantial savings over time, leading to financial security in retirement.”
Adapting Financial Strategies and Expanding Expertise to Meet Client Needs
In working with a broad range of age groups and professions, Jaydatt notices a trend in his niche client market. “I am increasingly working with medical professionals and entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals,” he begins. “Medical professionals like nurses, dentists, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists often have high incomes but lack the time or resources to develop complex savings plans.”
“Without proper planning, even high incomes can result in minimal savings. This trend also extends to self-employed individuals who dedicate most of their time to building and running their businesses, often neglecting their financial management.”
Jaydatt finds that these clients, including lawyers, realtors, mortgage brokers, and other similar professions, share common challenges such as planning for disability or critical illness affecting key employees. “I can add a lot of value in this area.”
With a keen interest in staying informed and continuously expanding his education, Jaydatt has earned several foundational certifications that significantly enhance his ability to adapt processes and assist clients effectively. His most notable achievement is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP® ) designation. “The education and experience gained while completing the CFP® have been invaluable in helping me create comprehensive financial plans that truly serve my clients' needs,” he explains.
In addition, Jaydatt holds his Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) certification, which includes accident and sickness licensing. This allows him to advise on and implement health related insurance plans, including extended sickness and other essential coverage. “I also hold a mutual fund license, allowing me to sell mutual funds, annuities, insurance, trust GICs, and retirement savings,” he adds. This broad expertise empowers Jaydatt to provide comprehensive risk and wealth management strategies, crafting and implementing holistic financial plans that address all aspects of a client's financial well-being, leaving no gaps unattended.
Striving to continuously deepen his expertise and better serve his clients, Jaydatt is actively working towards earning the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. “I plan to challenge the exam in 2025, which will enhance my knowledge of estates and the taxation of life insurance, building on the foundation laid by my CFP® designation.”
Business and Beyond
Balancing work and life is a continual pursuit for Jaydatt, especially while running his own business and juggling family responsibilities. “With a wife and young baby at home, finding this balance is essential.”
While the flexibility of his work is certainly a positive in this career, it can also lead to complacency and insufficient client engagement. To manage this, Jaydatt and his team follow a specific schedule. He explains, “Workdays and evenings are dedicated to business, while weekends are reserved for family time, except for occasional client appointments.”
Outside of work pursuits, Jaydatt enjoys being outdoors, especially exploring the mountains either by car or motorcycle. “I’ve been riding motorcycles for over six years now, and it’s a passion of mine. Whether I'm riding solo or with friends, or exploring new areas with my family in the car, outdoor adventures are a big part of my life.”
Another important area of Jaydatt’s personal life revolves around giving back. “I’ve recently participated in several meaningful fundraising efforts, including an annual event known as Racing for a Cure in Edmonton. This initiative, which is supported by Sunlife as the top sponsor, features cars and helicopters and aims to support children facing serious illnesses. Additionally, I’ve been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, both of which hold a special place in my heart.”
Looking forward, Jaydatt expresses much excitement for the days ahead. “Having been in the industry for over six years now, I am eager to expand both my client base and my team.
Incorporating my business and adding more Advisors are steps toward achieving these goals. I am also looking to expand my expertise through new certifications in risk management and wealth management to further strengthen my ability to serve my clients more effectively.”
Taylor Stranaghan is a skilled business content writer and editor who brings forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise. With years of experience crafting compelling narratives, she excels at producing high-quality, engaging content that informs, educates, and inspires readers.
Jaydatt Bhatt, CFP® , B.Eng.
Financial Planner
Sun Life
#100 8657 – 51st Ave
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6A8
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