Indeed, the focus of my practice has always been Investment Management.  Let us work together to tailor an investment solution suitable for your specific financial goals, time horizons, risk tolerances, tax situation, income and liquidity needs.  A written Investment Policy Statement will help guide investment decisions and ensure that we remain on track with respect to your near and long-term financial strategy. 

While ScotiaMcLeod is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of Nova Scotia; other than the assurance of financial strength, Scotiabank exerts no influence over product selection.  As one of Canada’s largest and most respected full-service Investment Dealers, ScotiaMcLeod can offer a wide variety of investment solutions; allowing complete objectivity in the fulfillment of one’s Investment Policy.

My practice involves two distinct disciplines; Wealth Planning and Investment Management. A comprehensive Wealth Plan may cost several hundred dollars or more; dependent upon the level of complexity and time involved in its production. Should you wish to engage me to also implement your investment strategy, I will be pleased to waive my related planning fees. My compensation then will apply directly to the implementation of your investment strategy; within a traditional account setting (where compensation relates to a specific transaction) or a Fee-Based solution (reflecting assets under management.)

Financial services is one of the most competitive and price sensitive industries. Though ScotiaMcLeod's fee structure aligns with other full-service investment dealers, from a portfolio management perspective, it is always beneficial to seek out cost efficiencies. Our ability to shop-the-market not only ensures objectivity, but cost effectiveness.

As a Planner and Wealth Advisor, I am indeed of the opinion that synergies (and significant cost advantages too) may be gained as a result of consolidation. With no specific product to represent, and by coordinating your various investment solutions in an unbiased and objective manner, we can set aside any worry of housing all of your "eggs" in a single basket.

Physical statements are mailed whenever there is activity within one’s account, otherwise statements produced at the end of each calendar quarter. (Learn how to read your ScotiaMcLeod statement here.) More timely viewing of your current account position can be accomplished by simply viewing your accounts online.

Unfortunately, ScotiaMcLeod and its advisors are restricted from providing specific tax advice and/or from preparing tax returns. As a value-added service however, and as a supplement to your various tax-slips and Annual Trading Summary, I will provide Adjusted Cost Base data (upon request) where available for mutual funds and Trust Units. A comprehensive Tax reporting package is also provided for Fee-Based accounts.

Generally tax slips are issued by February 28th. In previous years however T3 and T5013 slips were delayed until April 2nd -- the 2007 Budget however amends the filing procedure (for Trust Units) to mandate a February 20th mailing. Refer to Canada Revenue Agency for other important filing dates for individuals and/or businesses...

Self-Directed plans generally allow for the greatest flexibility and widest array of investment solutions; from stocks to bonds, mutual funds to GICs, even one’s own mortgage (see ScotiaMcLeod Mortgage RRSP.) Managed does not refer to a discretionary management arrangement. Rather, Managed RRSPs are simply more limited than Self-Directed plans in terms of product choice; Group Retirement Accounts, many Defined Contribution Penison Plans and RRSPs offered by banks, trusts and life insurance companies are typical of managed plans.

The wealth planning process generally begins with a planning discovery meeting; during which we will examine your current situation, your goals, time horizons and risk tolerances. An assessment will be provided with initial planning observations and recommendations. New ScotiaMcLeod investment account(s) may then be established and transfers (if any) initiated.