Our clients are varied in age, background and goals, but they share a number of common qualities. Whether they are business owners or farmers contemplating transition in ownership of a business or the family farm; professionals approaching the prime of their careers; retirees focused on enjoying their retirement years, they are all affluent individuals who are looking to preserve their capital while investing productively without unnecessary risk.
Additionally, our clients are interested in building an open and honest relationship around their financial matters; receiving advice and direction from a professional advisor; and having a disciplined investment process with transparent reporting that is reviewed regularly against their goals.
Often they are looking for wealth management strategies that efficiently pass assets to family members or valued charitable organizations as part of a plan that is professionally managed and executed that keeps them free to focus on their families, businesses and other activities which are important to them.
It is a great compliment that many of our existing clients are the result of referrals from family members or friends that have been extremely satisfied with their relationship with us. Our process isn't for everyone but if you can identify with these qualities, it might be for you.
Farming Couple Approaching Retirement
A farming couple in their mid-50s sold their livestock and quota for more than $1 million and needed to invest their money to generate a monthly income. They enjoyed living on their farm and wanted to maintain that lifestyle.
Our team created some retirement income projections and determined that if their investments were geared primarily to generate regular income and preserve capital, it was feasible to stay on the farm. Their portfolio was constructed based on their income needs and we now deposit a fixed amount electronically to their bank account each month.
In the five years that we have worked together, they have enjoyed income certainty and we've also been able to grow the portfolio. They have paid our team the ultimate compliment by introducing some of their friends who are going through the same situation.
Small Business Owner
A long time small business owner recently sold his business for a large lump sum. He is married with two children, one of whom is still attending university. As he is only in his early 50s and not ready to retire, he is staying on with his former company and working with the new owners. His primary concerns are capital preservation, tax minimization, and efficient wealth transfer to his kids.
To address the client's goal of capital preservation, we use a conservative asset mix to protect his capital. We have minimized his taxes by moving highly taxed income into the client's and his wife's RRSPs. We also use other tax shelters and income splitting. With the help of our CIBC Wood Gundy Estate Planning Specialists and the client's accountant, we have developed a strategy whereby a good portion of their wealth will be transferred tax-free to their children as well as to their future grandchildren when they pass away.
We have worked with this client and his wife for over 15 years and have a good family friendship on top of our business relationship built on competence and trust. These clients take great comfort in knowing that our team works with their lawyer and accountant to maximize our collective experience, leaving them to focus on family and leisure.
