FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What types of clients do you serve?
A: We work with a diverse range of clients, each with their own unique goals, challenges, and financial journeys. Our team specializes in providing tailored advice and strategies for the following client profiles:
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The Peak Earner
Examples: Senior executives, business owners, doctors, dentists, lawyers, professionals, entrepreneurs
Needs: Tax minimization, retirement planning, corporate structure, and investment strategy.
How we help: How can you capitalize on your peak earning years? Your best strategy is proactive planning and early management, maximizing this stage of your career. We will address holistic financial planning, advanced tax strategies, and investment management - giving you clarity and confidence that your finances are working as hard as you do.
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The Transitioning Retiree:
Example: Individuals recently retired or within five years of retirement.
Needs: Sustainable income, tax-efficient withdrawals, and legacy planning.
How we help: Retirement is much more than a financial decision. While having enough money is important, retirement also means a big change in your daily routine, sense of purpose, and social connections. As a wealth management team we've lived through many people's retirements. We are great contacts to provide insight on what we've learned through watching our clients transition time and time again. To help you, we offer personalized retirement income planning, drawdown strategies, and estate planning to ensure your financial security and peace of mind. Just as importantly, we’re here to support you through the emotional side of retirement, sharing insights from our experience with hundreds of clients. We make sure you feel confident and prepared for this new chapter in life.
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The Legacy Builder, Intergenerational Wealth Transfer Family or Philanthropy Person
Example: Retired or semi-retired individuals, business owners selling a company, an individual interested in protecting their legacy and wealth for generations to come.
Needs: Wealth preservation, intergenerational planning, and philanthropy.
How we help: We help clients understand their "why" and make their "why" happen. What's the point of building and creating wealth? Sometimes we get so focused on the journey and goal that we forget the why. We help clients who want to leave a lasting legacy - whether that means supporting their family across generations or making a meaningful impact through philanthropy. Our team works with you to create a clear plan for passing on your wealth in a way that reflects your values and wishes. This includes setting up trusts, opening accounts for children and educating them early, donor-advised funds through Benefaction, family office-style planning, Roundtable services, planning for tax-efficient transfers, preparing the next generation, and guiding charitable giving. We make sure your legacy is protected and your goals are achieved, both now and for the future.
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The Woman Investor, Businesswoman, Mother
Example: Executives, business owners, or widowed/divorced women.
Needs: Independence, values-aligned investing, and financial literacy.
How we help: We recognize that women often face unique financial challenges and opportunities, whether it’s planning for longevity, managing transitions, or balancing family priorities. We have a strong female presence on our team that understands women's unique perspectives, needs and values. Our mission is to bring women confidently to the table when it comes to their financial futures. We create a welcoming, collaborative environment where women’s voices are heard and valued. We understand that women are often the heart of the home - making key decisions, supporting loved ones, and shaping the legacy of their families. That’s why we focus on empowering women with the knowledge, resources, and strategies they need to take charge of their wealth and achieve their goals.
By working with us, women gain a trusted partner who truly understands their perspectives and is committed to helping them thrive - both as individuals and as the cornerstone of their families’ financial well-being.
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The Entrepreneur or Individual with a Large Liquidity Event (Sale, Inheritance etc.)
Example: Tech/startup founders or business sellers, heirs or any individual in new or sudden liquidity.
Needs: Managing new wealth, education, reducing tax impact, and building a long-term strategy.
How we help: Here is a significant new sum of wealth but what is next? Receiving a large lump sum can be truly life-changing - it can open doors to new opportunities, provide financial security, and help you achieve long-held dreams. However, its true impact depends on how it’s managed. With careful planning and the right advice, a lump sum can be used to grow your wealth, support your family, and create a lasting legacy. Proper management ensures your money works for you, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make confident decisions for your future.
Think of the example of lotto winners: studies and reports suggest that a significant percentage of lottery winners end up facing financial difficulties. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, about 70% of people who suddenly receive a large windfall, such as lottery winners, go broke within a few years. Other research and media reports have found that many lottery winners file for bankruptcy within three to five years of winning.
This highlights the importance of careful planning and professional advice when managing a sudden influx of wealth.
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The Established Fraser Valley Farmer
Example: Multi-generational farm owners/operators, often tied up in land and business.
Needs: Succession and estate planning, tax-efficient transitions, and diversification.
How we help: We understand that farmers face unique financial challenges and opportunities, from managing unpredictable seasonal cash flow to planning for succession and land transfers. Our wealth management team works closely with CIBC’s specialized Agriculture (AG) team. By combining our wealth management expertise with the deep industry knowledge of our AG partners, we help you protect your legacy, grow your wealth, and ensure your farm’s success for generations to come.
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Other Professionals and Families We Serve
We also serve a wide variety of other clients, including:
Indigenous Community Members and Families we are dedicated to supporting Indigenous community members and families in the Fraser Valley - including community leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, elders, and youth - who are seeking culturally respectful guidance for their long-term family and community goals. Our commitment is to provide financial advice that truly respects and honours Indigenous cultures, traditions, and priorities, ensuring our support aligns with your values and vision for the future.
Medical professionals (physicians, surgeons, dentists, specialists) seeking incorporation, tax planning, and practice transition advice.
Business owners and contractors looking for succession planning, tax efficiency, and integrated personal/business wealth strategies.
Families and multi-generational households planning for education, retirement, and legacy.
Retirees and pre-retirees seeking to maximize retirement income, healthcare funding, and estate planning.
Newly acquired wealth seeking education, planning and support to sustain newfound wealth.
Growing Professional in the earlier stages of their career with strong investment goals.
Q: How is the Kirkby Group different from other advisory teams?
A: 1. Heart and Client-Centric Culture
Our approach is rooted in genuine care for clients’ well-being, not just their financial outcomes. Our team’s philosophy centers on building lasting relationships, truly understanding each client’s unique story, and providing guidance that goes beyond numbers. Clients are treated as whole people, not just portfolios, and our team’s commitment to their peace of mind is evident in every interaction.
We have heard from clients and colleagues that our team culture is unique and very genuine. We believe our natural, authentic relationships - with each other and our clients - set us apart and create an environment where trust, respect and collaboration thrive.
We love who we work with, who we work for and the work we do.
The rest is history.
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2. Team Camaraderie and Collaboration
Unlike many advisory practices that operate in silos, our team is close-knit and collaborative. With a blend of wealth advisors, planners, and senior administrators, we bring together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. This team-based approach ensures that clients benefit from collective wisdom and a unified strategy, rather than relying on a single advisor’s viewpoint.
We are a team that genuinely enjoys working together and shares plenty of laughter each day. This camaraderie strengthens our collaboration and allows us to work seamlessly as a group.
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3. Bandwidth for Truly Tailored Service
The size and structure of our team allows for exceptional responsiveness and personalized attention. With seven dedicated professionals—including three Advisors, two Senior Administrators, and two CFP® professionals - the team has the capacity to deliver high-touch service, proactive communication, and timely support. This means clients never feel like “just a number” and can count on the team to be accessible and attentive to their evolving needs.
Someone is always available to answer the phone, who knows your personal situation and is able to address your specific needs immediately.
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4. Holistic and Integrated Advice
We operate with a “family office” approach and mentality, which extends our capabilities beyond traditional investment management. We have a vast network of trusted professionals within and outside of CIBC that we are very comfortable working with and referring clients to need be. By working closely with a network of external professionals (accountants, lawyers, healthcare specialists, etc.), we provide comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of a client’s financial life. This holistic perspective ensures that every recommendation is integrated and aligned with the client’s broader goals and values.
No more telephone tag between all your professionals - let us be your quarterback.
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5. Commitment to Consistency and Continuity
With a team-based model, clients enjoy continuity of service even if one advisor is unavailable. Our team's shared philosophy and collaborative processes mean that every client receives consistent, high-quality advice and support - no matter which team member they interact with.
We have a succession plan well established for continuity of service for our clients for years to come.
Q: How can you help my children or family members?
A: Did you know you can extend your elite benefits of your relationship with us to your children and/or immediate family members, providing them access to all our services and education under your same fee.
Through your relationship with the Kirkby Group your immediate family members or children who may not normally have access to these types of services now do.
Children and young adults are at a distinctly different stage of life compared to their parents. By providing them with early access to comprehensive financial planning, investment education, and advisory services, you are giving them a significant advantage in shaping their financial futures.
Not only does this provide your children with the strongest possible foundation for their own financial futures, but it also offers parents peace of mind - knowing that when wealth is transferred to the next generation, it will be managed responsibly and your heirs will be supported for generations to come.
One of the greatest advantages of investing is time in the market. Starting your kids today is hugely advantageous for them and can greatly impact their financial futures.
Q: Can artificial intelligence (AI) replace my wealth advisor?
A: When asked this question we often think of flying on a plane. The plane can fly on autopilot (AI) but we as passengers always want a human pilot on board and in control.
Investing is inherently emotional. Human lives are dynamic. While AI is an incredible and valuable tool that we use to enhance our services, there is critical value in human input, interaction, feedback, and support.
We’ve seen time and again how challenging it can be for clients and investors to remain disciplined when markets are volatile, the noise is overwhelming, or the world is facing unprecedented events with things like politics or global pandemics.
Human advisors bring empathy, experience, and personal understanding to the table - qualities that technology alone cannot replicate. We help clients navigate uncertainty, stay focused on their long-term goals, and make thoughtful decisions during turbulent times. Our ability to listen, provide reassurance, and adapt strategies to each individual’s unique circumstances is what truly sets us apart. In investment management, technology enhances our capabilities, but it’s the human connection that ensures clients feel supported, understood, and confident in their financial journey.
Q: What happens to my investments if something happens to my advisor?
A: At the Kirkby Group, we operate as a cohesive team to ensure continuity of service and advice. We have an established succession plan in place and aim for every client to get to know us all. We also have two team members dedicated to each specific role. That means there is always someone available for support in that specific role, whether it be administration, investment advice or financial planning. If your primary advisor is unavailable due to illness, retirement, or other circumstances, another qualified team member - already familiar with your situation - will step in to provide seamless support. Our collaborative approach and thorough documentation mean your financial plan and investment strategy remain on track, no matter what.
One of our clients summarized our team dynamics so eloquently when she said "Your left hand is always talking to the right"
Q: How do you help women investors specifically?
A: We are a dedicated wealth management team of seven professionals, with a strong female presence that reflects our commitment to diversity and understanding. We recognize that women often face unique financial challenges and opportunities, whether it’s planning for longevity, managing transitions, or balancing family priorities.
Our mission is to bring women confidently to the table when it comes to their financial futures. We create a welcoming, collaborative environment where women’s voices are heard and valued. We understand that women are often the heart of the home—making key decisions, supporting loved ones, and shaping the legacy of their families. That’s why we focus on empowering women with the knowledge, resources, and strategies they need to take charge of their wealth and achieve their goals.
By working with us, women gain a trusted partner who truly understands their perspectives and is committed to helping them thrive—both as individuals and as the cornerstone of their families’ financial well-being.
Q: Why do I need a wealth advisor?
A: Your money has the potential to help you realize your dreams, if managed correctly. Like a well-built home, it can provide comfort and protection throughout your life. But without good plans and knowledgeable builders, a poorly built home might be unsafe, unsuitable and uncomfortable; even lose value over time. Just as there are contractors or architects that may be able to build their own homes, some people may be qualified to and interested in managing their own investments. For those who might not have the specific know-how, time or inclination to undertake the design and administration of a well-constructed investment portfolio, a wealth advisor can be the crucial link between you and your life’s goals. A trusted wealth advisor creates a personalized strategy for your financial situation that protects and grows your assets, builds long-term value and gives you peace of mind about your future. They supply the expertise, objectivity and discipline needed to successfully navigate the financial markets using time-proven proactive processes rather than reactive emotions. Our clients are farmers, accountants, contractors, business owners, retirees, engineers, widows, doctors, couples, employees and individuals of all types. In other words, people just like you; people who benefit greatly from the value and guidance we provide.
Q: How do you charge your clients?
A: We are a fee-based advisory team, which means our compensation is based on a transparent fee structure - typically a percentage of the assets we manage for you. This approach aligns our interests with yours, as we succeed when your portfolio grows. It also means you receive ongoing advice, planning, and support without commissions on individual transactions, ensuring our recommendations are always focused on your best interests.
Our entire line of services offerings such as comprehensive financial planning, Roundtable services and more are all included under your one-time annual percentage fee.
There are never additional hidden costs, transaction costs, administration fees or any surprises to you above your one-time annual percentage fee.
Q: Why do I need a whole team of professionals?
A: The Kirkby Group is made up of individuals with a broad range of experience, expertise, talents and temperaments. Like you, we are not all cut from the same cloth, which enables us to bring a more complete set of skills to the table. We have seven teammates: three Advisors, two Senior Administrators and two CFP® professionals. Working as a team helps us provide a better client experience, build stronger relationships and ensure you have a comprehensive and collaborative assessment of your needs that is not dependent on a single perspective. We share a fundamental belief in investment strategy and client service that ensures you get consistent high-quality advice, timely service and personalized support for all your needs. In addition, our family office approach provides access to an even broader range of professionals that extend the abilities of our team for your benefit. It costs no more for you to have a team, and we believe it provides the highest level of client service and consistent results.
Q: What does “holistic” wealth management mean?
A: At the heart of our business philosophy, we believe that holistic wealth management means more than just money management. In fact, we see money as merely the tool that helps our clients achieve true comfort, happiness and overall fulfillment in life; in other words, peace of mind. We view each client as a whole person with a variety of important individual needs, not just as an investment account. A holistic approach to wealth management helps our clients address the broader needs of life in areas such as legal matters, accounting, fitness, recreation, mental health, travel and much more. By facilitating access to, and working with, a network of reputable professionals, we ensure that each client’s wealth strategy is fully integrated with the other important aspects of their life.
Q: What do you mean by “peace of mind”?
A: ‘Peace of mind’ means different things to different people. To the Kirkby Group, it means our clients live their lives without unnecessary worry about their financial matters because we’ve taken the time to know their full situation and made sure the important issues are addressed in a way that meets their needs. Having a relationship of trust with our clients, and truly understanding their needs, concerns and goals, lets us bring them a complete solution that serves them today and for the future. Our clients know that we’ve considered and planned for all facets of their lives today, tomorrow and to the end, so they can fully enjoy living without the stress of the unknown and unnecessary worry. They focus on the things that bring them joy today while reaping the benefits of their hard work and savings. This is what we call peace of mind.
Q: Why should I consolidate my investments with one advisor (simplify)?
A: Some investors believe that spreading their investments among several institutions makes them less vulnerable because “their eggs are not in one basket”. The reality is that their portfolios typically suffer from greater risk and lower performance because they lack a coordinated strategy and an efficient cost structure. Consolidating investments with one trusted advisor creates the greatest opportunity to have a properly designed and diversified portfolio that provides the appropriate level of security, growth potential and tax efficiency at a reasonable cost. It allows an investor and their advisor to develop a deeper relationship so that the strategy can be personalized and most effective for the investor’s circumstances. It also simplifies their financial matters, making it easier for them to understand the results they are getting. And when the time comes, a well-planned and consolidated investment portfolio enables an investor’s spouse or family to deal with their financial estate in the simplest and most tax-efficient manner.
Q: How often should I meet or be in contact with my advisor?
A: In most cases, it is sufficient to have a complete face-to-face portfolio review with your advisor at least once a year, though some clients prefer to meet semi-annually, and we are happy to do it. In all cases, your advisor is available to you by phone or in person (by appointment) if you have questions or concerns about your investments at any time. As well, CIBC Wood Gundy provides regular statements of your investment account(s) throughout the year, so updated information is never far away. You can receive your statements by mail or access them online. At any time, should you have a material change in your personal situation, i.e. marriage, divorce, career change, move, inheritance or major health issue, it is a good idea to contact us so we can update your information, discuss your needs and ensure that your portfolio addresses your new situation.
Q: What is a model portfolio?
A: A model portfolio is a collection of securities, i.e. stocks and bonds, selected according to specific criteria and used as a template – or model – for developing the investment portfolio of each client. Our model portfolio consists of high-quality securities that provide effective diversification of asset classes, industry sectors and geographic regions while enabling us to adjust the weighting of each asset class according to the client’s specific needs and investment temperament. Our model portfolio was developed in 2002, and has been tracked and analyzed as an ongoing benchmark of portfolio performance since 2003. It provides real life, long-term data under actual market conditions. By using this model portfolio, we are better able to provide accountability for the long-term achievement of our clients’ investment objectives.
Q: How do you choose the securities in the Kirkby Group's model portfolio?
A: The securities in our model portfolio are chosen to meet specific objectives. First, to provide an appropriate allocation of asset classes such as cash (or equivalents), fixed income, real estate and equities. This broad level of diversification is critical as asset allocation is the primary driver of overall long-term portfolio performance. Second, to provide a reasonable level of diversification within the asset classes without becoming unwieldy. We accomplish this by using a mix of individual securities and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The individual securities and the ETFs are selected for their underlying quality, long-term performance expectation, yield and liquidity. Bond ETFs are based on high-quality government and corporate issues, providing appropriate levels of capital protection and reasonable interest yields. Equity ETFs are based on high-quality companies that provide diversification, solid dividend yields, liquidity and long-term growth potential. Individual equities are high-quality (“blue chip”) companies from a range of industries that provides solid dividends, liquidity, growth potential and an appropriate level of correlation. Correlation means that the equities are selected for their different business cycles that offset each other; in other words, if some things go down in value, others go up. This provides a hedge against broad movements caused by natural business cycles. Our model portfolio is based on a conservative ‘buy and hold’ approach for long-term growth and predictability, and does not include speculative positions that depend on the use of unpredictable market timing.
Q: What is a “Roundtable approach”?
A: Typically, a Family Office is a specific type of wealth management firm that serves the overall financial needs of one or more ultra-high-net-worth families, acting as their lead Advisor on all money issues. In a similar way, our Roundtable approach also delivers a complete range of wealth advisory, financial management and related professional services; however, we make it available to all our clients, not just the ultra-wealthy. In addition to our in-house services around investments, financial planning, estate planning and insurance, we collaborate with a network of professionals on services like personal banking, law, accounting, health care, travel planning and recreation to deliver even higher value to our clients’ lives. We regularly host round table meetings with our clients and their chosen professionals to proactively work together. These meetings save our clients telephone tag between their professionals, time and money while producing actionable results.
This service saves our clients time, frustration, and potential costs.
Simply put... One table. One team. One goal: Your success.
Q: I think my financial affairs are in order; why do I need a financial plan?
A: You don't know what you don't know. There are many reasons it might be prudent to create a financial plan, even when you think your affairs are in order. To start, getting an objective second opinion of your financial situation is never a bad idea. As well, things may have changed in your life that might affect the outcome of your existing strategy. Or, things may have changed in the world of finance or economics that make your existing strategy no longer ideal for your circumstances. We believe it is such a critical part of determining your best investment strategy that we encourage the creation of a financial plan for all our clients, and recommend they revisit and update it on a regular basis. Additionally, what we ultimately create through the planning process is a document we call your BluePrint. This document is essentially a database of all your relevant information secured in one place and updated regularly to maintain its relevancy as your life evolves. Our clients always find value in financial planning and tell us the process helps them consolidate and clarify their thoughts on a wide range of deeply personal issues. In the words of Simon Sinek, “Success always takes help. Failure is done alone.”
Q: How much does it cost to get a financial plan?
A: While financial plans can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars at some companies, the Kirkby Group alongside the advisors have CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals on the team that can create a comprehensive personal financial plan as a complimentary value-added service for all our clients. We believe that thorough financial planning is an essential part of understanding our clients’ needs and long-term goals, so that we can implement the most appropriate and effective investment strategy.
Q: What is entailed in getting a financial plan done?
A: For the client, the process is fairly simple. Creating a meaningful financial plan begins with a questionnaire that guides them through the process of gathering key information such as tax statements, bank statements, insurance policies, wills and balance sheets (for business owners). The more complete and accurate the information we receive, the more relevant and useful the output of our powerful planning software. We create a document we call a BluePrint, which is essentially a database of all your relevant information secured in one place. Your BluePrint is a living document that we update and monitor over so it remains relevant as your life evolves. After the information is gathered, we examine all facets of the client’s financial picture such as lifestyle needs, income streams, net worth, estate structure, tax implications, insurance coverage and personal risk tolerance to develop an accurate snapshot of their current situation and a realistic projection of their financial future. The information and the planning outcomes are presented in a comprehensive face-to-face presentation and accompanying set of documents for the client’s personal records.
Q: Why do you require so much personal information for a financial plan?
A: A financial plan is only as good as the data used to create it. Generic plans generated with only basic information cannot address the true complexities that come with real life; situations like mixed families, business ownership, foreign real estate, family trusts, multiple pensions and potential inheritances, to name a few. To make sure a client’s investment strategy is based on their best interests, we need to fully understand their life situation, priorities, deepest concerns and most cherished goals. A comprehensive financial plan is their personal roadmap for the big decisions of life and, as such, needs to reflect the reality of their situation if it is to help them reach their goals. Rest assured, all information provided is handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality, for the client’s benefit and their benefit only.
Q: How do your financial plans differ from competitors’ financial plans?
A: Our financial plans are as unique as our clients. They are deeply relevant to their specific circumstances and consist of two important components. The first part is an extensive ‘snapshot’ we create of their life situation including personal data, family tree, earnings, net worth, business holdings, insurance summary and estate information. The second part is driven by our powerful in-house software, in which we load their complete financial data along with historically accurate – though conservative – assumptions on investment returns, inflation and interest rates. In the hands of our experienced planners, our program has the power to analyze and present realistic projections of the key drivers that will affect financial decisions going forward, examine multiple “what if…” scenarios, as well as highlight any gaps that might exist in cash flow, tax planning or estate preparation. "What if I decided to retire early?"
Q: What do I do with my financial plan when we are done?
A: Once we’ve assembled and analyzed all aspects of a financial plan, we meet with the client to review and explain the results. Together, we examine different “what if…” scenarios in real time and provide invaluable input into major life decisions, such as “When can I retire?” or “Can I afford to…?” The financial plan is a living document that can be reviewed and updated as needed to incorporate major changes in the client’s life. It becomes a relevant benchmark for how they are progressing toward their goals. We also provide a snapshot summary of a client’s family and financial situation in one document we suggest be kept with their will, which provides a concise overview of their financial details for executors and family members who may eventually have to deal with their estate.
Q: How do you ensure my information is kept confidential and secure?
A: Protecting your privacy is a top priority for us. We adhere to strict confidentiality protocols and security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information. All team members are trained in best practices for data protection. You can trust that your information is handled with the utmost care and discretion.
Q: How do you help clients navigate major life transitions?
A: Life events such as marriage, divorce, retirement, inheritance, or the sale of a business can significantly impact your financial situation. Our team is experienced in guiding clients through these transitions, providing proactive advice and customized strategies to help you adapt and thrive. We work closely with you—and, when appropriate, your other professional advisors—to ensure your financial plan evolves with your changing needs.
Q: How do you support clients with philanthropic ambitions?
A: We understand philanthropy can appear in many forms - it can be supporting your family members, your church a public charity or leaving a legacy to a variety of beneficiaries. We offer personalized philanthropic planning, donor-advised-funds, CIBC Benefaction Foundation and of course expertise and guidance on the topics in general. We've guided clients through gifting today and in their future.
Q: How can the CIBC Partners help me?
A: Every Wood Gundy client benefits from access to the full CIBC network. This means you not only receive personalized wealth management advice, but also have the support of CIBC’s extensive resources - including banking, lending, estate planning, business advisory services, insurance specialists, trust services and other specialized teams. Our integrated approach ensures you have a seamless experience and the right expertise for every aspect of your financial life.
Our team is extensive and we recognize when our clients can benefit from another professional and their services. We are closely connected with our CIBC partners and have deep relationships with them, meaning we are comfortable and confident in referring them when necessary.
Q: What other networks do you have?
A: We believe in the power of collaboration and actively build meaningful relationships with other Centers of Influence (COIs) in our community, such as accountants, lawyers, and business advisors. By partnering with trusted professionals, we ensure our clients receive well-rounded advice and support for all aspects of their financial lives. These relationships allow us to confidently refer our clients to experts who share our commitment to integrity and excellence, providing seamless solutions and peace of mind.
Ultimately, our strong network of COIs helps us deliver the highest level of service and care to our clients.
You can trust if we refer you to another professional we are very confident in doing so.
