Do you need a Financial Advisor?

How you manage your money today has a serious impact on your future quality of life.  Yet many of us put little effort into monitoring our money.  We put more time into planning our annual vacation than deciding how to invest in our RRSP's.   We expect to provide adequately for our families and retire in comfort ---yet we have no practical plan.

Some of us may have ventured into the complex world of investments, only to discover over 3,000 different stocks and 1,300 mutual funds are available in Canada, of that markets are affected by a variety of factors such as interest rates, inflation , politics.

Taking the time and effort required to understand the many investment options and stay current on developments is impossible for those of us with jobs, families, and other obligations on our time.

Seeking the expertise of an independent financial adviser is a logical approach.   An adviser has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the maze of options and suggest the right investments for your needs.  You can expect professional advice, the best investment plan for you, and on-going guidance.   Most importantly, an independent financial adviser will help make your financial hopes a reality.   We solicit doctors, lawyers, dentists and other professionals for their expert advice. Yet, for our financial future, we often rely on our own knowledge of friends' suggestions.

Using a professional financial adviser could mean a difference of thousands of dollars towards your retirement.   In fact, in a survey by Dalbar Financial Services between 1984 and 1995, investors with a financial adviser earned almost 17 per-cent more in cumulative returns than investors with no-load, directly purchased funds.

An independent financial adviser has the qualifications to help you build a solid financial plan. Because it's their full-time job to manage investments, an adviser has an in-depth knowledge of economics, worldwide market conditions, and the wide choice of investment products.

Financial advisors are tested by the Investment Funds Institute of Canada or the Canadian Securities Institute, on investment knowledge and ethical practices. They are licensed by their provincial securities commission and their professional conduct is monitored by both national and provincial organizations.

The most crucial considerations when constructing a portfolio of investments are your unique needs.   What is your annual income? How much risk are you comfortable with? Are you saving for your children's education or planning for retirement? There are many factors to consider.

 A financial adviser will sit down with you to determine your comfort level of investment risk versus reward. Together, you will establish your financial goals and then your adviser will suggest an investment strategy tailored to your situation.

Financial planning is a continuous process. Your adviser actively manages your investments and will contact you about economic or legislative changes that may affect your portfolio.

You plan then alter your investment strategy to capture opportunities and potentially maximize your returns.  Likewise, if your personal financial goals change, perhaps with the birth of a child, an inheritance, or a raise, you and your adviser can revise your financial plan.   If you have not used an independent financial adviser before, we hope you will allow yourself the opportunity to see the difference professional advice makes.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen...others make it happen." ---Michael Jordan

Are your investments "Happening?".  Call now for a no cost, no obligation consultation with Pierre Lacasse.  
Call 867-667-6100.

© Copyright 2000 Pierre Lacasse Financial Services