We have a longstanding client who sold a successful IT business. Our team worked closely with the client's accountant during this transition which saved time. Upon finalization of the sale of the business, we assisted with managing proceeds from the sale. We strategically added to their existing portfolio and assisted our client with a new business venture. To service this client we brought in our commercial banking group, which allowed the client to focus on their new business venture by advising the client on some strategies for the purchase of the business. These strategies would not only save them money through specific tax planning, but also protect their estate by providing tax free funds to their family.

Over the years, we have analyzed many portfolios that clients and prospective clients were looking to transfer to our team. Their portfolios were often constructed without professional advice and were simply random stock and investment picks. There was no process, strategy, or investment discipline. We typically see this happen when the markets have been rising for a period of time, and people have some success investing on their own without advice. This may work until markets take a downturn or they become too busy to dedicate time to their portfolio. Homemade portfolios can also be exposed to more volatility and risk. We specifically helped a new client review their current portfolio and situation, created a personalized financial plan, and then built an investment portfolio to align with their goals, risk tolerance, and asset allocation. This allowed them to sleep better at night as they are now less worried about their financial future because they are not taking on more risk than necessary to meet their goals. Because we are a full-service brokerage, we can provide a wide range of offerings that are personal to your needs.

We have some retired clients in the highest possible tax bracket. After meeting with them and getting a solid understanding of their goals, we put together a comprehensive financial plan. Through this financial plan, we identified potential weaknesses in their current situation and structured their investment portfolio to reduce estate taxes. Ultimately we increased their net worth, which left more money for their kids. This strategy also reduced their potential probate cost. We then worked with our client’s accountant to save them money through a strategy of income splitting, which provided additional tax savings for these clients. Our last strategy was consolidating these clients' assets from other financial institutions to CIBC Wood Gundy. This reduced their annual portfolio management costs, saved them time managing their investments, and allowed the clients to see how their progress was tracking to the goals they identified in their financial plan.