Considering the big picture



We are big believers in complete and integrated wealth planning. Our unbiased, holistic approach addresses investment planning, wealth planning, retirement planning, business and business succession planning, estate and insurance services, tax planning, trust services, and philanthropic strategies. We’re here to help with all your financial priorities at every stage of life.
 
All our clients go through a wealth planning process with us. This helps us to find appropriate investments and processes for tax efficiency and identifies risks and opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. We work closely with Shawna Albernoz of BMO Trust Company, who acts as corporate executor for many of our business owner clients’ estates. We also collaborate with Mo Zhau, BMO’s Director of Wealth Planning, to assist our corporate clients and some families with the complexities that can accompany significant wealth. Learn more about these experienced partners.

We spend a lot of time getting to know you up front before we even look at your assets. First, we will create an Investment Policy Statement – a customized document that establishes your goals, objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and preferences – which acts as a roadmap that guides all our decisions. We will also create retirement, tax and estate plans to ensure these essential considerations are well thought out.

Retirement planning

It is important to set retirement goals and stick with them. They are essential components of a smart Wealth Plan. We are proud of our track record – 100% of our retiree clients have overachieved their goals over time: they have retired with more income than they anticipated. They have been able to travel more, buy that new car, do what they’ve always wanted and really live life.
 
When you start to think about retirement, we will calculate when you can afford to retire given your desired lifestyle. 

  • We will ensure that you start planning when retirement is on the horizon.

  • We will determine how much income you will require and whether your portfolio is on track to generate that amount. We estimate conservatively to ensure you are protected.

  • Your investments will need to last for another 25 to 35 years, so we will make any necessary shifts to generate your required level of retirement income.

  • Retirement is more than just a financial change; it is major life event.

  • To help you enjoy your retirement, we will have a conversation about balance. Most of our clients come from humble beginnings as we do, so they are not accustomed to spending. We will help you to feel confident in knowing how much you can spend freely so you can enjoy the fruits of your labours.

  • We will engage our BMO insurance specialist to help you protect your income.

Estate planning

Equally important as retirement planning to your family’s long-term financial well-being, estate planning ensures your wealth flows to your loved ones and charities instead of to the CRA. 

  • We will ensure that your wills, powers of attorney and estate are updated and thoughtfully planned out.

  • We will discuss the ways that BMO Trust Company can help with executor services and other solutions.

  • When family dynamics are complicated, we will help you set up trusts to secure the tax-effective course of your estate.

  • To minimize taxes and maximize your legacy to your heirs, we will work with our Wealth Planners and your accountant to structure your holdings as tax-efficiently as possible.