Blue-Collar Workers
Blue-Collar Workers
Blue-collar workers are the backbone of many industries, performing essential manual labor and skilled trades that keep the economy running smoothly. These workers play a crucial role in various sectors, from construction and manufacturing to transportation and maintenance, contributing significantly to the production of goods and services. Understanding the importance and impact of blue-collar workers is key to appreciating their value in our modern economy.
Almost 70% of Canadian retirees did not leave the workforce when they planned to—and of those, 41% cited personal health problems as the primary reason for retiring earlier. With blue-collar workers facing high performance demands, long hours and dangers on the job site, they may find themselves retiring earlier then expected.
But health isn’t the only thing Canadian workers worry about. Around 75% of Canadians are stressed out—specifically because of personal or household finances, trying to maintain a budget and unexpected expenses.
How can we help?
75% of blue-collar workers can “make ends meet.” This might seem like a positive percentage, but are they saving and planning enough for retirement? Majority of Canadians don’t plan for retirement until their 50s and 60s.
At Bellwood Financial, we aim to make a difference in this matter
Meet Derek Jeffreys, owner of Bellwood Financial. Money coach and educator helping Canadians all over the country. A blue-collar worker giving back to his community and helping those reach financial freedom.
Derek, in his twenties, possessed limited knowledge regarding investing, budgeting, and retirement planning. He held the belief that being a blue-collar worker entailed working beyond the typical retirement age. He willingly accepted the demanding physical labor and extended work hours that came with a career in construction. This all changed when he reached the age of 30. Derek realized that there was a whole world of opportunities waiting for him. He gained expertise in the stock market and real estate investment. Finding a passion, he endeavored to expand his knowledge. Once reaching a level of confidence and success, he decided to start giving back to his community.
Derek noticed that many of his peers were struggling financially. Blue-collar workers would make a great living wage, but without the financial literacy, they fall short of financial independence and often live paycheque to paycheque. He wanted to make a difference. Bellwood Financial was created.
Originally from Courtice, Ontario, he has lived in Vancouver since 2012. Derek started as a welder at a young age in Ontario working with his brother. He eventually moved to Alberta to start pipe/structural fitting. From Alberta, he packed up and moved to British Columbia. He started at a commercial diving company as a deckhand and welder. Falling in love with the ocean, he continued working on the water, pile driving and started a crane operator apprenticeship. Now, he is a red seal mobile crane operator, and enjoys working on Derrick barges doing marine construction. In his spare time he enjoys hiking and spending quality time with his family. Once getting his finances in order, he embarked on a journey to explore new destinations, traveling all around the world. He has a deep affection for Italy, and his ultimate retirement goal is to live out his days in a villa located in the Tuscany region. With a passion for personal finances, Derek continues to learn and expand his knowledge. He focuses on helping blue-collar workers to reach their full potential. He offers in-person workshops to companies and families and works with clients across Canada online in addition to in-person appointments in the Lower Mainland.
