Frequently Asked Questions

Read answers to some of the common questions people ask us.

1) What services do we offer?
As financial advisors, our team offers advice and organizes all details and plans by creating a comprehensive Wealth Book for each client in the following areas: Succession Planning, Tax Planning, Will Planning, Risk Management, Retirement Planning, Investment Management, and Estate Planning. The products that we offer clients include:

• Life Insurance
• Group/Employee Benefits
• Disability and Disability Buyout Insurance
• Pensions
• Group RRSP
• Investment Products
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Business Overhead Insurance
• Buy/Sell Insurance
• Key Person Insurance
• Annuities
• Education Saving (RESP)
• GICs
• Cash Management Solutions: Lines of Credit, Mortgages, Credit Cards, and Loans

2) What is the cost?
Our fees are customized based on each client's situation, with the initial consultation (discovery interview) being free of charge with no obligation. To keep our clients in the loop, we at Assante Financial Management provide quarterly statements of the fees we are paid for working on your portfolio.

3) How do you get started?
Our first meeting provides an opportunity to explore whether our approach is a good fit with your situation. We will ask questions about your financial goals and what is important in your life. Also we will explain how we use Our Process to help manage our client's entire financial situation.

4) How are you different?
Darrell, Dale, Jim and Steven incorporate a team structure that has over 50 years of combined experience in dealing with financial issues important to business owners. We take a holistic comprehensive approach to dealing with clients, by providing ongoing management of each individual's Wealth Portfolio.

5) Who works on my portfolio?
Although we take a team approach when working on a portfolio, clients have one point of contact that communicates with them. In addition to the combined 50 years of experience Darrell, Dale, Jim and Steven possess, they also have a wealth of knowledge at their disposal through experts within the Assante Group and leading experts outside the Assante office, for no additional cost. These include a concentrated group of specialized individuals in various areas with a high level of expertise not easily accessible in the open market.

6) How do you communicate with me?
Your advisor will be in contact with you over the telephone, during meetings, by quarterly statements, newsletters and through the various seminars we host to further educate our clients.

7) Do you work with my other professional advisors?
Coordination is crucial. Your financial advisor will take a proactive approach in working with your current professional team (lawyers, accountants, etc.), through regular communications, to ensure that the work is coordinated on your best interests.

8) Do you work with businesses like mine?
Owner-managed businesses are our specialty. We have over 50 years of combined experience working on business issues with individuals similar to you. On average our clients' businesses are not only established in the community, but have been around for a minimum of 5 years.

9) How do you handle my money?
We professionally manage your money, and provide you with investment policy and accountability statements that detail your risk tolerance and analysis, tax optimization and expected rate of return. After careful analysis, most of the time we manage our clients' money differently than it has been managed in the past.

10) How long will I be your client?
Our office has developed a long-term business model and we work with our clients over many years. We are a valued advisor to both the business owner and to the business itself. We will help you work through personal financial issues into your retirement years, and will continue to provide assistance with company financial issues once your children or others have purchased your business.

Disclaimer
Investment products are provided through Assante Financial Management Ltd. Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc.