JENIFFER TRETINA NELSON, Senior Investment Advisor, TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, Belleville, ON
- CARMEN MORGAN
- Jul 26
- 5 min read
JENIFFER TRETINA NELSON
“I once had a client visit my office after her husband died suddenly, and ask if she was going to be eating cat food,” says Jennifer. “Assisting people with their financial security, or helping them navigate complex life transitions with confidence and dignity is a large part of this work.”
Jennifer Tretina Nelson’s introduction to wealth planning came at the age of 18 when she read David Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. “My mom gave it to me, and I was able to understand it, even at that age,” says Jennifer. This early exposure to accessible financial education would later become her way of approaching client service. For over two decades, the Senior Investment Advisor at TD Wealth Private Investment Advice has found that success in wealth management isn't just about investment returns—it's about helping her clients simplify their financial lives.
After studying economics at the University of Ottawa, Jennifer began her career with Money Concepts before moving west to BC for four years. However, the pull of her home community proved strong. "I wanted to stay in the greater Belleville area," she says. Jennifer joined Scotia McLeod in 2000, spending 11 years there before transitioning to TD Wealth in November 2010.
What Jennifer believes sets her apart in the wealth management industry is her unwavering focus on client relationships over investment performance. This philosophy stems from her early realization that traditional stock-picking approaches weren't her strength or passion. “I never bought into the ‘hot tip’ culture — it’s just not how I think. What really drew me in, and still gets me out of bed every morning, is the client relationship and building plans that actually work for people’s lives.”
In her “simplifier” role, it is increasingly important to Jennifer to help her clients understand their wealth, as well as estate plan, as the industry grows more complex. “Helping clients navigate complexity and make decisions with confidence is a huge part of what I do — especially in emotional or overwhelming moments,” says Jennifer.
Women, too, are more involved in their wealth management than ever before, and managing generational wealth is an ongoing conversation that needs regular attention and planning. “I once had a client visit my office after her husband died suddenly, and ask if she was going to be eating cat food,” says Jennifer. “Assisting people with of their financial security, or helping them navigate complex life transitions with confidence and dignity is a large part of this work.” She and her team have helped their clients with the most practical support during life's most challenging moments. “If they are having a challenge at the bank, we go to the bank with them, help them to sort it out.” Figuring out joint accounts after loss of a spouse is another big one. Jennifer is not afraid to be hands-on with her clients.
“Long-term clients often become friends, and being part of a smaller community means I can support them beyond the financial,” says Jennifer. “Whether it’s helping plan a trip to Jamaica or recommending a car dealership, I love being a connector, and it's all possible because I’m not a one-person show,” she says. “I have an amazing team. Kristine has been with me for seventeen years, now. I’m the talker, the strategizer, the one moving a million miles per hour, and she is the details; she’s the one who says, ‘OK, here’s how we make it happen.’ Justin Bell, my Associate Investment Advisor, brings energy and a deep commitment to client service. Despite our 20-year age difference, we’re equally passionate about building long-term relationships and making sure our clients always feel supported,” she says.
Jennifer is not afraid to share her own personal stories and vulnerabilities with clients, creating bonds that span decades. "You don't know anyone until you've walked a mile in their shoes," she says. “I have been divorced, and been through struggle, also, and when you can share your own story, it’s then that you see this part of our life isn’t transactional.” Jennifer admits that 25% of what she and her team do is the investment piece, 75% is client relationship. “You can never look at a person and know them, ever. It's new all the time."
But this emotional investment in her clients comes with challenges, also. "You can get very attached to people. But the beautiful part is I'm glad I feel that way because it means those clients have left an impact on me, and that makes me a better person.”
The freedom Jennifer has built into her business with her team allows her to be in the community and get involved in meaningful ways. "I’ve been exploring how AI can help me cut down on time spent with administrative tasks, and how it can benefit me and my team,” she says. However, she believes technology will only amplify the importance of human connection. "In a world headed toward automation, the human relationship piece is going to matter more than ever.”
Jennifer is also passionate about encouraging more women to enter the financial services industry. As a member of the Women's Advisory Council for Wealth, she works to create opportunities and support networks for female advisors. I’ve spoken at colleges in the past, encouraging finance students to think beyond the numbers. One of my go-to questions: ‘How many of you have taken a psychology course?’ I always recommend it because this work is as much about people as it is about portfolios. Whether it’s easing decision paralysis or navigating sensitive family dynamics, emotional intelligence matters just as much as spreadsheets.”
Her advice reflects her understanding that successful wealth management requires both financial acumen and emotional intelligence. "The behavioral finance courses are equally important to traditional finance courses," she says. She believes the proof of this is in her success. In an industry often dominated by analytics and market fluctuations, Jennifer has built her successful practice on something fundamental to the business of wealth management: genuine human connection.
Carmen Morgan is a skilled business writer and storyteller, collaborating with business owners and executives to tell their stories and share perspectives on growth and success, as well as perseverance and adversity. Over two decades she has refined her interview, writing and editing skills to capture the nuggets and captivating details that engage readers and make a story memorable.
Jennifer Tretina-Nelson
Senior Investment Advisor
202 Front Street, 3rd Floor
Belleville, ON K8N 2Z2
(613) 968-5053
The views expressed are those of Jennifer Tretina Nelson, Senior Investment Advisor, TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, as of July 24, 2025, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. TD Wealth Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.