Your experience, our white glove services:
ONE: investment management
Model Portfolio:
The Kirkby Group runs a model portfolio that 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. Clients' return objectives are determined by their asset allocation which are based upon their individual risk tolerance.
We have an in-depth presentation called "Processes and Principles" for any client interested in thoroughly understanding how and why we manage investments and make decisions. We currently manage over $600 million* in assets. Investing is personal. Our relationships with our clients are built on trust and we want you to feel confident and secure in every decision you make.
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How we stay transparent:
- We establish a customized benchmark for your portfolio performance right from the beginning, so you always know what we're working toward and how we're measuring up to what we said we'd achieve.
- We break down your personal performance clearly by showing annual returns, 1-10 year compound returns and exact dollar figures - how much you started with, what you've contributed or drawn out and how much you've earned.
- Fees are fully disclosed.
- We are fee based (as opposed to transactional) - we believe this compensation model fully aligns client and advisor goals.
- We distill everything into a clean, one-page summary that you can take home and reference at any time.
- We meet our clients face-to-face minimum on an annual or semi-annual basis, our meeting schedule is determined by you.
- We are available to take a phone call at any time during business hours.
- We are available for meeting requests outside of your review schedule at any time.
Two: Financial Planning
Financial Plan
Financial Planning is often a buzzword. So what exactly does Financial Planning mean to the Kirkby Group and how do we differ from other teams?
We believe that truly effective financial planning is about much more than numbers on a page - it’s about understanding your life, your priorities, your fears, your unique family dynamics and your vision for the future. While many institutions offer generic, one-size-fits-all plans churned out from a template, our approach is fundamentally different and deeply personal. We have a dedicated seven-person team, including two full-time CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, focused exclusively on creating, developing, updating, and maintaining comprehensive financial plans for our clients. Our financial plans are provided as a value-added service, included in our management fee, because we believe they are essential and foundational to your financial well-being. We encourage every client to participate in our tailored planning process, as it is fundamental to how we fully serve your needs.
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Your Personalized Blueprint + Cashflow Projections
Every client receives a personalized database we call their Blueprint. Think of your Blueprint as a living document - continuously updated with relevant information as your life evolves. This comprehensive resource brings together all the pieces of your financial puzzle, allowing us to fully assess and support your entire situation.
Your personal Blueprint includes details such as your family tree, personal and corporate assets and liabilities, insurance coverage, trusts, corporate structures, income, goals, concerns, past achievements, and all other relevant information. By organizing this data in a clear and logical manner, we are able to review each aspect step by step, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and every part of your financial picture is thoroughly considered. We leave no stone unturned.
So, what's next? Once we establish a solid foundation with your Blueprint, we input all of your information into our powerful planning software. This allows us to generate meaningful cash flow projections and explore a variety of “what if” scenarios tailored to your unique situation.
We then meet in person to walk through every page of your Blueprint together, engaging in open discussions about each aspect of your financial picture. Together, we review how your personalized inputs shape the cash flow projections and discuss potential strategies moving forward.
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"WHAT IF...!?" Scenarios:
"What If...?" Scenarios - This is often the stage where clients feel the most excitement - aside from the peace of mind, improved sleep, and sense of financial security that come with having a comprehensive plan. With your personalized Blueprint and financial plan in place, you gain valuable insight into how different decisions can impact your financial situation both now and in the future. This clarity empowers you to make informed, confident choices about your next steps.
Some common “what if” questions we explore with clients include:
- What if I decide to retire earlier than planned?
- What if I purchase a second property?
- What if I increase my charitable giving?
- What if I want to travel extensively in early retirement while I'm healthy and vibrant?
- What if I sell my business?
- What if there is a change in my family situation?
- What if I want to help my children or grandchildren financially?
By modeling these scenarios together, we help you understand the potential outcomes and guide you in making decisions that align with your goals and values. Your financial plan evolves with your life.
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How we stay transparent:
Each financial plan begins with a review of your “Achievements and Continuing Goals” page. Together, we reflect on your progress—where you’ve been, where you’re headed, and how that aligns with the milestones you set. This step ensures we recognize your accomplishments and keep your future goals in clear focus as we move forward with your planning.
- Each financial plan concludes with an action plan that we will facilitate and follow up on with you.
- We recommend we update, review and monitor your plan every 2 years, unless the need arises sooner.
Other Key Areas Covered in Comprehensive Financial Planning
Estate planning: We discuss all relevant legal documents to ensure they are current and accurately reflect your wishes. We have trusted lawyers we can refer to for additional assistance. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing your estate is structured according to your intentions. We also work closely with our CIBC Trust and Estate Planning partners.
Tax planning: We work closely with your accountant to ensure tax efficiency is always a top consideration. We have a network of trusted accountants we work with if you require their assistance.
Retirement Planning: Retirement is a significant life milestone, both emotionally and financially. We help you assess whether you are financially prepared for retirement and support you through the emotional aspects of this transition. Our advisors have guided many clients through this important stage, offering insight and reassurance every step of the way.
Family Planning: Did you know that our clients can bring their children and family members onboard to receive all our services at their same low fee rate? This includes financial education to help them get an early start, as well as comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and more. We are committed to supporting your family’s financial well-being across generations.
Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: We work closely with you to develop strategies that facilitate the smooth and tax-efficient transfer of wealth to the next generation. Our approach ensures your legacy is preserved and your wishes are honored, while also preparing your heirs to manage their inheritance responsibly. We guide families through important conversations and planning steps, helping to minimize potential conflicts and maximize the long-term impact of your wealth.
Business Succession Planning: If you are a business owner, planning for the future of your business is essential. We help you design and implement a succession plan that aligns with your personal, family, and business goals. Whether you intend to transition ownership to family members, key employees, or an outside party, our team provides the expertise and support needed to ensure a seamless and successful transition.
Philanthropic Solutions: Giving back can be a meaningful part of your financial plan. We offer guidance on philanthropic strategies that align with your values and maximize the impact of your charitable giving. Whether you are interested in establishing a family foundation, creating donor-advised funds, or supporting specific causes, we help you structure your giving in a way that is both tax-efficient and personally fulfilling.
Special Situations: Addressing unique circumstances such as blended families, cross-border considerations, or complex estate issues is a normal part of our services.
Major Purchases and Lifestyle Planning: We can provide valuable guidance on significant financial decisions, such as buying property, travel, or other lifestyle goals. Health Care and Long-Term
Health Care and Long-Term Care Planning: We can help assess your family member's future health care and housing options, including in-home care, retirement residences, and supportive living facilities, and plan for the associated costs of funding potential long-term care.
Risk Management: Together with our Estate Planning partners, we can provide a comprehensive insurance needs review of insurance to ensure you and your family have the appropriate level of coverage to protect you and your family from unforeseen event and financial risks.
Cash Flow and Debt Management: Through our financial planning, we provide a detailed analysis of income, expenses, and debt to ensure financial stability and efficiency throughout your life.
THREE: INCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR FAMILY AND CHILDREN
Extend the 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.
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Key Benefits Of Extending Our Services To Your Children:
Early Financial Advantage:
Time in the market is a powerful tool. By starting your children’s financial journey early, you can significantly enhance their long-term financial prospects. One of the greatest advantages of investing is time in the market.
Comprehensive Access:
Your children will enjoy the same financial planning, investment services, and access to our network of professionals as you do.
Financial Education:
We provide tailored education on investing, budgeting, and future planning to empower your children with the knowledge they need for lifelong financial success.
Multi-Generational Wealth Sustainability:
Our services are designed to help preserve and grow your family’s wealth for generations to come.
Lasting Impact and Peace of Mind:
Rest assured that your children will continue to receive expert guidance and support, ensuring their financial well-being long into the future.
Informed Decision-Making:
We assist your children in making sound financial decisions today that will have a lasting positive impact on their futures.
FOUR: Roundtable Services
No longer reserved for the "ultra-wealthy". Once we complete a full financial plan, we offer an additional service that naturally follows: our Roundtable process.
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One table. One team. One goal: Your success.
To the clients of the Kirkby Group it means we act as your quarterback - bringing all your professionals together in a coordinated, roundtable style meeting where we collaborate for you, not around you. When clients have complex wealth situations or require input from multiple professionals - such as lawyers, accountants, trust and estate specialists - we host and facilitate a Family Office-style meeting. We handle all the background work, preparing your other professionals, setting the agenda, and asking the right questions to ensure a productive discussion. We have hosted many Roundtable meetings and have seen firsthand the positive results they deliver. This approach, once reserved for the ultra-wealthy, is now available to any client for whom it makes sense, as an added value.
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The Benefits?
This service saves our clients time, frustration, and potential costs. For years, our team has focused on building strong relationships with Centers of Influence (COIs), both within and outside of CIBC. We regularly partner with lawyers, accountants, private and commercial bankers, estate specialists, wealth strategists, trust specialists, and more. Our extensive network allows us to confidently refer and collaborate with the right professionals for your needs.
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The Roundtable process is a powerful way we simplify your life, ensuring your financial affairs are managed seamlessly and efficiently.
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Here is what these meetings deliver:
- One cohesive strategy that works in sync
- Streamlined communication
- Unified, proactive planning aligned to your goals
- No more acting as the go-between
- Less stress and mental load on your shoulders
- Clear accountability across all professionals
- Tangible action steps moving forward
- Potential savings on time and fees
FIVE: Philanthropic Solutions
We are dedicated to helping you achieve your philanthropic goals through tailored strategies and specialized solutions. We understand that charitable giving is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact, and we offer comprehensive support to help you give with confidence and purpose.
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How We Support Your Philanthropy
1. Personalized Philanthropic Planning
We work closely with you to understand your values, charitable interests, and long-term objectives. We help you develop a giving strategy that aligns with your financial plan and maximizes the impact of your contributions.
2. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Through CIBC Benefaction, we offer access to Donor Advised Funds—an efficient and flexible way to manage your charitable giving. With a DAF, you can make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax receipt, and recommend grants to your chosen charities over time. This allows you to support causes you care about, while benefiting from professional investment management and administrative support.
3. CIBC Benefaction Foundation
The CIBC Benefaction Foundation provides a streamlined platform for establishing and managing your Donor Advised Fund. Our team handles all administrative details, from issuing tax receipts to managing grant distributions, so you can focus on your philanthropic vision.
4. Expertise and Guidance
We offer expert guidance on tax-efficient giving, legacy planning, and structuring gifts to maximize both your charitable impact and financial benefits. We can also facilitate family discussions around philanthropy and help you engage the next generation in your giving strategy.
SIX: The CIBC Network
At CIBC Private Wealth our vast team offers comprehensive support for ever client. You benefit from access to an extensive network of in-house professionals and Centers of Influence (COIs). This collaborative approach ensures you receive holistic advice and seamless service across all aspects of your financial life. Here’s an overview of the key professionals within our CIBC network and how we work together to support your goals:
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THE TEAM
1. CIBC Wood Gundy - Kirkby Wealth Advisory Group
2. CIBC Private Banking
Role: Offer customized banking solutions for high-net-worth clients.
How They Help: Deliver specialized lending, cash management, and day-to-day banking services with a personalized focus on privacy and convenience.
3. CIBC Commercial Banking
Role: Support business owners and entrepreneurs with commercial banking needs.
How They Help: Provide business financing, cash flow solutions, and industry expertise to help grow and manage your business.
4. CIBC Trust Services
Role: Administer trusts and estates with professionalism and care.
How They Help: Offer trustee, executor, and power of attorney services to ensure your legacy is managed and distributed according to your wishes.
5. CIBC Insurance Specialists
Role: Advise on risk management and insurance planning.
How They Help: Recommend and implement appropriate insurance solutions to protect your wealth, family, and business interests.
6. CIBC Estate Planning Specialists
Role: Guide clients through complex estate and succession planning.
How They Help: Develop strategies to minimize taxes, facilitate smooth wealth transfer, and preserve your legacy for future generations.
7. CIBC Wealth Strategists
Role: Provide advanced planning for complex wealth scenarios.
How They Help: Integrate tax, estate, and financial planning to optimize your overall wealth strategy.
8. CIBC Philanthropic Advisors (Benefaction Foundation)
Role: Support charitable giving and legacy planning.
How They Help: Structure and manage donor advised funds and other philanthropic vehicles to maximize your charitable impact.
9. CIBC Business Transition Specialists
Role: Assist with succession and transition planning for business owners.
How They Help: Guide you through the sale, transfer, or restructuring of your business to achieve your personal and financial objectives.
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How We Work Together
Our professionals collaborate closely, sharing insights and expertise to deliver integrated solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require investment management, complex estate planning, business succession, or philanthropic guidance, your CIBC advisory team alongside the Kirkby Group coordinates with the right specialists to ensure every aspect of your financial life is managed seamlessly.
This team-based approach means you benefit from the full strength of CIBC’s resources, experience, and commitment—helping you achieve your goals with confidence and peace of mind.
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* As of June 30th 2025
