About Us

Different Financial Team, let us show you how we are Different! | Different Financial | Surrey British Columbia BC
Melissa Different, PFP®, RIS
Personal Financial Planner®
Mutual Fund Representative | Investia Financial Services Inc.
Life Insurance Advisor | Different Financial
Melissa grew up in Burnaby and South Surrey, with many cherished summers spent at her family’s cabin in Birch Bay, Washington. Those experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for family, community, and the outdoors, values that remain at the heart of both her personal and professional life.
She began her career in the credit union system in 2002 and quickly discovered a passion for helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions. Over the years, Melissa has developed extensive experience in financial planning, investment management, and wealth-building strategies, focusing on helping clients gain clarity and confidence as they work toward their goals.
Giving back has always been important to Melissa. Throughout her career, she has volunteered through both community and employer-sponsored initiatives, supporting organizations including United Way, The Full Cupboard, Sources, Girl Guides of Canada, and the Semiahmoo Arts Society. She believes strong communities are built through connection, generosity, and service.
Melissa is committed to professional excellence and lifelong learning. She has completed the Canadian Securities Course, Conduct and Practices Handbook Course, Branch Managers’ Examination Course, and the ETFs for Mutual Fund Representatives Course. She also holds the Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designation and continually pursues educational opportunities to ensure she can provide thoughtful, up-to-date guidance to her clients.
When she’s not working with clients, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Ruby and Lucy. You’ll often find her camping, kayaking, travelling, listening to music, or curled up with a good book.
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Financial Advisor,Financial Dreams,Financial Advisors
Tara MacDonald
Unlicensed Assistant | Investia Financial Services Inc.
Client Experience & Operations Manager | Different Financial
Born and raised in Richmond, British Columbia, Tara MacDonald spent many of her childhood summers in Osoyoos and much of the rest of her time on the soccer field. Those experiences helped instill the values of teamwork, resilience, and community that have shaped both her personal and professional life.
Tara entered the financial services industry in 2000, beginning her career with a credit union and spending the next two decades building a wealth of experience across a variety of roles. From her early days as a teller to later positions in administration and settlements, she gained a comprehensive understanding of client service, business operations, and the importance of building meaningful relationships.
Always eager to expand her knowledge and skills, Tara completed a Business and Accounting Diploma before broadening her experience outside financial services. She worked in accounts receivable and later served as a project coordinator within the construction industry, where she strengthened her organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Although she valued these opportunities, she was ultimately drawn back to the financial services field, where she feels most at home. Today, Tara enjoys supporting clients and helping ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the practice while continuing to grow professionally alongside Melissa and Carolyn.
Outside of her professional life, Tara is passionate about family, community, and sports. For eight years, she volunteered as a youth soccer coach, giving back to the sport that played such an important role in her own upbringing and helping young athletes develop confidence, teamwork, and a love of the game.
Family is at the centre of Tara’s life. She loves spending time with her husband, Brian, and their daughters, Kennedie and Addison, whether they’re camping, travelling, or simply enjoying life’s everyday moments together. Their home is always full of activity thanks to their two dogs, Trucker and Harper, and their cat, Rose. Tara’s favourite role is being her daughters’ biggest supporter, often found cheering from the sidelines at volleyball tournaments. One of her proudest moments was watching Kennedie sign with a university volleyball programme during her Grade 11 year, the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Most recently, Tara had the opportunity to travel to Regina to watch Kennedie compete in the Canada Cup, creating memories she’ll treasure for years to come. As Kennedie enters Grade 12 and Addison begins Grade 8, Tara continues to embrace every opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and enjoy this special season of family life.

Carolyn Holt, CFP®, FMA, FCSI®

Certified Financial Planner®
Licensed Assistant | Investia Financial Services Inc.
Paraplanner & Insurance Specialist | Different Financial
Carolyn grew up in Burnaby surrounded by a large extended family, where she developed a strong appreciation for connection, community, and helping others. Her interest in personal finance started at an early age, from creating budgets for friends to serving as Treasurer of her Grade 12 Student Council. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for helping people make informed financial decisions.
She began her career in financial services with Royal Bank and went on to hold a variety of roles, including Teller, Audit Officer, Personal Banker, and Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities and CIBC Imperial Service. After many years working within large financial institutions, Carolyn chose the independent channel so she could provide more personalized advice and individual attention to her clients. More than 20 years ago, she joined Investia, a decision she continues to value today.
Carolyn views financial planning as putting together a puzzle. Every Individual and Family has unique goals, priorities, and circumstances, and she enjoys helping clients bring all the pieces together to create a plan that supports both their current needs and future aspirations. More recently, she joined Different Financial as an Insurance Specialist and Paraplanner, working closely with Melissa Different and Tara MacDonald to help clients build confidence in their financial future.
Committed to professional excellence and lifelong learning, Carolyn has completed the Mutual Fund Course, Canadian Securities Course, Conduct and Practices Handbook Course, Life Insurance Qualification Program Levels I and II, and the ETFs for Mutual Fund Representatives Course. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Financial Management Advisor (FMA), and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®) designations and continually pursues educational opportunities to provide thoughtful, up-to-date guidance to her clients.

When she’s not working with clients, Carolyn enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her husband, Tim, their sons, and grandson. And together, they enjoy making memories with family while splitting their time between the Lower Mainland, Osoyoos, and Hawaii.

Financial Advisor,Financial Dreams,Financial Advisors
Financial Advisor,Financial Dreams,Financial Advisors