VAD Society's Podcast
VAD Society's Podcast
The Voice - Tina C - Primerica
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Join Tina and I as we learn about the services offered by Primerica and how Tina is an expert in the RDSP.
Welcome to Voice of Albertans with Disabilities podcast from March 2026. I'm Teresa Makarewich, your host and VADS program and services manager. Thank you for joining us today. Voice of Albertans with Disability greatly acknowledges that what we call Alberta is the traditional and ancestral territories and gathering place for diverse indigenous peoples whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant communities. We make this acknowledgement as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to the many First Nations, Metis settlements, and the six regions of the Metis Nation of Alberta and Inuit, who have lived in and cared for these lands for generations. Hy, Hy. VAD has been talking with local agencies to learn about the resources that are available to the disability community. And in today's podcast, I'll be talking to a VAD member, Tina from Primerica. VAD uses this service for RDSP education for interested individuals. Thank you, Tina, for coming on the podcast to discuss your services. I'm excited to hear about your business. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role in Primerica?
Tina C, PrimericaYes, thank you, Teresa. It's actually an honor to be here with you today. My name is Tina Coulomb, and I am a passionate financial educator and I work with Primerica Financial Services.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerGreat. Now that we know a bit about you, for listeners who may not be familiar, can you tell us who Primerica is as an organization?
Tina C, PrimericaOh, I'd be happy to. Well, Primerica started in 1977 and is the largest and most trusted independent financial services company in North America. And what makes Primerica unique is its focus on financial education. Most people are not taught basic financial concepts in school or in most homes. Our goal is to make finances easy to understand and provide guidance that is accessible to everyday families. I know that today we're focusing on the registered disability savings plan, but I'd like to mention that I run a full-service financial brokerage. We help people with tax-free savings accounts, education savings plans, RSPs, pensions, and offer low-cost, high-value term life insurance.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerBuilding on that, what is the mission, mandate, and overall vision?
Tina C, PrimericaGreat question, Teresa. Our purpose is to create financially independent families. Primerica's focus is to serve Main Street families, and this actually means focusing on everyday people who often are underserved or overlooked in our traditional financial institutions. We believe that financial education is a right, not a luxury. Primerica's mission statement is also quite simple. It's to help families become properly protected, debt-free, and financially independent. We educate people using time-tested concepts from our How Money Works financial education guide so that people can make informed decisions about managing their finances. We provide a complementary financial needs analysis to clients to give them a clear snapshot of their financial situation. Primerica also offers a variety of products and services designed to help people get on the path to a better financial future.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerTaking that a step further, what difference does Primerica make in the community for people with disabilities?
Tina C, PrimericaOh, one of the biggest ways that we can support the disability community is through awareness of government programs that many families don't even know exist. In Canada, one of the most powerful tools is the RDSP, which allows individuals with disabilities to receive government grants and bonds to help build long-term financial security. Unfortunately, many eligible families either don't know about the program or really don't understand how to maximize it. So part of what I do is to help families understand how the RDSP works and how to make the most of the available grants and bonds. When families understand the programs that are available to them, it can significantly improve their long-term financial stability. One major benefit of an RDSP is there's no clawbacks to any government programs.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerThat's really helpful context. For someone listening and wondering if the service is for them, can you explain eligibility criteria and who qualifies to use your services?
Tina C, PrimericaThe explanation of who qualifies to use our service is something that I'm deeply passionate about. Everyone qualifies and is worthy of solid and trustworthy advice and guidance. I will help anyone who would like clarity around their finances starting an RDSP or a complimentary review of one they already have set up to make sure that it's properly set up and invested well. Outside of the RDSP, I would also like to take a deep dive into their financial world to see where I can help. I have numerous tricks and tips that can help make a difference. For families in the disability community, eligibility for the RDSP requires that the individual be approved for the disability tax credit, be a Canadian citizen, and really just have a social insurance number. The accounts should be set up as early as possible because the government stops contributing at the age of 49, and the power of compound interest would really grow this RDSP. The minimum personal investment is $25 a month. The government will contribute up to 300% in matching grants and bonds, which will make a huge impact on their long-term growth.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerPerfect. Once someone is approved, and for those who've never used a financial service before, can you walk us through the typical education process?
Tina C, PrimericaI'd be happy to. We begin by setting up an appointment either at their home, my office, or virtually, whichever they prefer. The process starts with explaining how an RDSP works, answering questions so I can fully understand their situation. I will also answer any questions that they have, and next I'll gather their financial information and create a complementary, customized and confidential financial needs analysis, which looks at things like income protection, debt, savings, and long-term planning. I can also help with budgeting and reviewing products and services they already have to make sure that they're not paying hidden fees or unnecessary expenses. The goal is always clarity and education first so people can make informed decisions.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerIf someone is listening today and thinking this could really help me or someone I support, how does someone get in touch or get started on the financial path?
Tina C, PrimericaWell, they can call or text my personal cell at any time, and my phone number is 587-873-0050. And I'm quite flexible and I will always call back if I'm unable to pick up when they call. I work days, evenings, and weekends and holidays, really whenever people need me. Again, my cell is 587-873-0050.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerBefore we wrap up, what's one interesting or lesser-known fact about Primerica that you think everyone should know?
Tina C, PrimericaJust one I'm teasing. Actually, we've actually been recently recognized in Time magazine, listed as one of the most trustworthy financial companies. And we are also the largest sales force in Canada that supports the RDSP.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerThat's amazing. Thank you for your time and energy today, Tina. Your support of the community is of value to all. Is there anything else you want to say today that I haven't asked you?
Tina C, PrimericaNo, I guess just thank you for inviting me and uh and for all VAD does to support the community of people with disabilities.
Teresa M, VAD Program & Services ManagerThank you again for joining VAD's podcast. Voice of Albertans with Disabilities is a cross-disability nonprofit organization of and for people with disabilities. We are guided by the principles of accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Learn about VAD services on our website at www.vadsociety.ca or call 780 488 9088 for more information. If you have a topic you would like to hear more about in a podcast, please email Teresa at vad@ vadsociety.ca with topic ideas, speaker suggestions, or your feedback. Signing off for today, together in support, inclusion, and community.