Trust our partners to find you the best financial products to improve your financial security.

 

Trust our partners to find you the best financial products to improve your financial security.

 

Our network consists of finance professionals including Financial Advisors and Insurance Brokers who work with individuals and families in Ottawa.  Their goal is to help plan a secure financial future using custom financial solutions from financial and insurance companies.

If you want to know:

  • Can I retire in 10 years?
  • Do I have enough saved for retirement?
  • How can I save more for retirement?
  • Can I lower my tax payments?
  • Will my family be financially secure if I die unexpectedly?
  • Am I under or over-insured?

A Financial Advisor in Ottawa can help you assess your finances and recommend how you can achieve your goals and dreams.

If you need help in planning your finances, find a qualified financial advisor in Ottawa using the short online form. This service is FREE and NO OBLIGATION.

 

What Can a Financial Advisor in Ottawa Do for You?

 

For simplicity, a Financial Advisor is a professional to gives advice related to financial products and services. These may include insurance, investments, educational funds, banking, loans, retirement, taxes, etc.

Financial advisors may offer financial products such as insurance policies and mutual funds but they must have training in this area and hold specific certifications/licenses.

Services offered by financial advisors:

  • Cash flow and income tax planning
  • Retirement or estate planning
  • Financial planning and investments
  • Life, Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance

A financial advisor will obtain relevant information from you to paint your financial picture and create custom solutions to help you save money and achieve financial success.

Why should you meet with a Financial Advisor?

You may be thinking that you are just an average Joe and don’t need a financial advisor. The truth is, every average Joe needs one.

 

 4 Good Reasons to Work with a Financial Advisor

You don’t have a solid financial plan and don’t know how to get started on that. Maybe, you have prepared a plan but it doesn’t seem to be working well. If you need help in spending, saving, managing debt, managing investments, or making decisions about insurance coverage, and taxes, you need a financial advisor.

Example:

Tom and Cathy have been married for 14 years and have 2 children, 7 and 11 years old.  Tom manages his own bar while Cathy is a stay-at-home mom.  Tom is worried that he isn’t able to save enough after making payments for his mortgage, taxes, and debts.  He currently subscribes to RESP and RRSP and has a 20-year term life insurance policy for $250,000. He has little or no knowledge of the financial market. Does he need a financial advisor?

Tom is the perfect candidate to work with a Financial Advisor. He needs someone to help him grow his money with the right investment vehicles, review his insurance coverage to protect his loved ones, and help him to manage spending and increase his savings.  A financial advisor can recommend types of coverage which are essential, including critical illness, disability insurance, and business insurance. 

You are considering a major financial step such as buying a home or participating in a business investment. A financial advisor will do a thorough analysis to see if this an advantageous step based on your income, tax-rate, assets, and goals.

Example:

Michael works as an IT professional and makes an annual income of C$85,000. His wife works as a healthcare professional drawing an annual salary of $66,000. They plan to use their combined savings of about $65,000 to buy a house worth $480,000 and take out a mortgage.

A financial advisor will study if the home purchase is practical based on their available funds and the impact of their monthly mortgage to their monthly budget. He can also assess if they have the right insurances or refer them to a specialist for mortgage loans. He can draw up a financial plan for them to be able to afford the purchase now or in the near future and how they can grow their money.

You are retiring soon or want to plan your retirement funds.

As retirement looms, many Canadians are concerned about growing their money.  With increasing longevity, they worry if their savings will be enough for retirement.

There are many savings programs offering tax incentives. A financial advisor can point you to the best savings and pension programs that will benefit you.

Example:

Tony has been working as a sales executive for 27 years and is approaching retirement in a few years.  He worries if his savings will last him throughout retirement. He wants to use the remaining years in employment to fast-track an increase in his retirement savings.

A financial advisor will check if you have maximized the benefits of RRSP/RRIFs, NON-REG, TFSAs, RDSPs and LIRA/LIFs. He will also check your life, disability, and critical illness insurance coverage to ensure you have protection from these risks.  He will recommend strategies to ensure that you enjoy your lifestyle during retirement. 

You are a small business owner or entrepreneur who wants to protect his business and finances.

Some financial advisors specialize in assisting entrepreneurs towards a smooth financial path.  They help with tax, risk management, and wealth management.

Example:

Jim is an entrepreneur with 35 employees. He has a business partner, with both of them sharing equal ownership of the business.

A Financial Advisor can recommend group life insurance for employees and key insurance to protect from the loss of a business partner due to accident of illness. He can find solutions to reducing taxes such as income splitting or take advantage of capital tax gains.  He will also assess Jim’s participation in a Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA), an RRSP, or an individual pension plan (IPP).

 

A Financial advisor has the expertise and knowledge to give you valuable advice about money matters and help you reach your financial goals.

 

Life Insurance is Critical for Retirement Planning

Have you thought of what you want to do when you retire?  Even if you are not retiring any time soon, it is important to think of what will happen when you stop receiving a pay check.  Whether you plan to travel, enjoy new hobbies, or move to another place, you will need enough savings to cover your daily expenses.

Life insurance is critical for retirement planning because it can generate additional cash that can be used for retirement. Whole life insurance provides significant cash benefits to your loved ones and builds cash value.  It is best to speak to a financial advisor or insurance broker about buying whole life insurance so you can get your best options and understand the terms of the policy.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that also has an investment component which allows you to earn dividends from investment vehicles you choose.

A financial advisor can explain thoroughly the benefits of these types of permanent life insurance and their cost and rewards so you can make a well-informed decision.

Financial products that can be used for retirement planning

 

What financial products can be used for retirement planning? 

Financial product Persons who can benefit
 

Permanent life insurance
(Whole life or universal life insurance)

 

Suitable for persons who want to leave a legacy to their heirs but also want living benefits via dividends or cash-value

It is best to purchase permanent life insurance as young as possible to get lower rates.


Annuities
Well-off seniors who worry about running out of funds in retirement. It is best to buy annuities from age 70 to 75.  It is not suitable for individuals with sizable pensions or those with poor health conditions because the pay-off will be of short duration.
Long-term care insurance For individuals who think they will require private care in their twilight years.
Segregated funds For elderly and frail individuals with shorter life expectancy because you receive a particular value upon your death.

 

Permanent Life insurance for retirees

Life insurance for seniors is practical only in certain circumstances. Generally, elderly people don’t need to buy life insurance in their senior years because the premiums are high and they may be uninsurable. However, there are still possibilities for buying life insurance in your 60s or 70s. If you are nearing retirement such as in your 50s and you don’t have adequate insurance protection, a financial advisor can help you find the right coverage under the best terms.

It is recommended to buy permanent life insurance in your 30s or 40s.  You can maximize your legacy to your heirs with participating life insurance.

 

Annuities for retirees

Annuities give a guaranteed payout for life. It is a type of investment that can increase your portfolio and is suitable for middle-class individuals who worry about living longer than their wealth.

Annuities have an insurance component that varies the payout duration depending on how long you live. The fewer payouts you receive, the higher the payout amount. Thus, it is advisable to wait longer to buy an annuity.

 

Long-term care insurance for retirees

Similar to life insurance, it is better to buy long-term care insurance when one is younger to pay lower premiums. This type of insurance covers the cost of private care later in life.  It will cover your needs in case of a disability (involving daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and toilet). Cognitive impairment can also be covered.

If you are meeting with a financial advisor, he will check your life insurance coverage and determine if you need long-term care insurance.

 

Segregated funds for retirees

Segregated funds are mutual funds from insurance companies with a guaranteed value of your investment if you hold on to the funds for a certain time. They have fees (from 2.5% to 3.25%) therefore your financial advisor will assess if segregated funds would be beneficial in your situation.

It can be difficult to evaluate the financial benefits of these products, particularly if you are not good with financial projections (cost vs. rewards vs. risks). The best way to find financial products that are suitable for your retirement would be through the guidance of a financial advisor in Ottawa.

To find a reliable financial advisor, fill out the form on this page (it only takes 2 minutes) and get connected with a qualified professional, FREE OF CHARGE and NO OBLIGATION!

 

How Financial Advisors are paid in Ottawa

We want to get this straight – when you look for a Financial Advisor using our platform, you don’t pay anything and you are under no obligation!

We will be happy to connect you with a great financial advisor or insurance broker in Ottawa – from among our more than 200 partners. We match your criteria with a qualified professional who can satisfy your needs and offer you an outstanding service.

If you decide to hire a Financial Advisor to help you reach your financial goals, the compensation could vary depending on the financial product or service you obtain.

Below is a presentation of how financial advisors are paid in Ottawa.

  • Some financial advisors charge a flat fee that includes all of their services (generally from 1% to 1.5% of the portfolio).
  • Some financial advisors charge an hourly fee on specific services
  • Some financial advisors charge on ongoing-management fee which range from 2% to 3% based on the contracts, type of funds, and benefits.
  • Some financial advisors are compensated by the insurance companies through commissions from new business they place.

A reputable financial advisor, generally associated with a financial or retirement planning company, will be forthright and transparent with the fees.  It is important to ask during the initial consultation about the fees for your specific services.

 

Is it worth hiring a Financial Advisor?

Some people may be wondering if it is worth hiring a financial advisor if they can manage their money themselves. They also have a life insurance and putting money in the bank for the future.

That may well be true but the thing is that if you are handling your finances on your own, without the guidance of a finance professional, you are most probably making these mistakes:

  • Not getting the best returns on your investments
  • Being under-insured or over-insured
  • Facing risks that you are not aware of and have no current protection
  • Not saving enough for your retirement
  • Paying for insurance that does not provide you with the right coverage
  • Missing out on opportunities to grow your money

Paying a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of your needs or budget, to receive valuable advice that can add thousands of dollars to your savings is worth the cost!

Of course, there are certain individuals who obsessively follow the market, understand financial trends and markets well, enjoy making projections, and possess incredible savvy in investment strategies. These people don’t need a financial advisor, perhaps, but they are about 15% of the population.

About 80 to 85% of individuals don’t possess these skills and it is good to know that there are professionals such as Financial Advisors who can direct your financial strategies and help you attain your financial goals – under the right circumstances!  These pros will take the worry out of your financial planning.

If you plan to retire at a certain age and want to ensure you have enough savings to sustain your retirement, speak to a Financial Advisor in Ottawa today! Avoid making mistakes with your money through professional coaching.

With the variety of DIY tools such as low-fee online brokerages, exchange-traded funds, online money trading, and online insurance, consumers have never had it so easy with financial products and services.  But these options also have many potential pitfalls and tax considerations that you may not know of. Mistakes are rampant and beginners can find themselves in a lot of trouble.

Avoid making financial mistakes with help from a Financial Advisor in Ottawa.

Fill out the form on this page, free of charge, and be connected to a Financial Advisor in your area. You will have no obligation!

 

Do you need a financial advisor or insurance broker?

You may be wondering right now whether you need a financial advisor or an insurance broker.

Compared to a financial advisor, an insurance broker would be concerned with managing your risks and getting the best insurance protection for you at the most affordable price.

For example, if you are 36 years old and want to get a whole life or term life insurance and want to find the best product and price, you can speak to an insurance broker, free of charge!

He will work hard to compare life insurance products from a variety of life insurance companies so he can make you an offer with the best value!

An insurance broker will not just make a few clicks on his PC and get a list of insurance products for you. Rather, he will make an assessment of your personal situation, what risks you face, and look for the best protection available that suits your needs and budget.

This is so much better that just purchasing the first life insurance product you see online with the lowest price!

Keep in mind that life insurance policies differ from one insurance company to another. In terms of coverage, they may have different terms and conditions, and of course, the price of premiums also vary.

Thus, the best way to look for the right life insurance product is to speak with an insurance broker who works with multiple insurers in Ottawa!

However, if you have other financial concerns such as planning to save using savings programs, building wealth through low-key investments, or retirement planning, you will do well to talk to a financial advisor. He can assess your financial health, including your insurance coverage, for a more comprehensive financial strategy.

Whether you need an insurance broker or a financial advisor, connect with the right professional using our short online form today.
It only takes 2 minutes to find the finance professional who can help you with your needs. You won’t pay anything for this referral and you have no obligation!

 

Questions people ask Financial Advisors and Insurance Brokers in Ottawa

We have gathered below some frequently asked questions from people interested in financial advisors and insurance brokers.  The answers can help you decide on your goals and find the right finance professional you need.

 

Do you specialize in a specific financial service or product?

Financial Advisors in Ottawa offer a host of financial products and services. Some may specialize in retirement planning whereas others offer life insurance, mutual funds, and investments.  Others may offer comprehensive services which include estate planning, tax strategies, group life insurance, investment management, and more.

 

What financial products are you licensed to sell?

This varies from one financial advisor to another. But as an example, he can be licensed to sell bonds, GICs, mutual funds and other investment products, life insurance and health insurance.

 

Do you sell products only from one company?

This also varies depending on the financial advisor you choose. Some offer life and health insurance from a specific insurance company. Other independent financial advisors can offer products from various insurers or operate as a brokerage and provide investment products from multiple sources. They can also search the market for higher-performance products from different banks.

 

Do financial advisors have liability insurance?

Most definitely, financial advisors in Ottawa carry Errors and Omissions insurance which protects their clients in case they provide the wrong advice and a client files a claim.  Financial advisors with a conservative approach will be diligent in studying their clients’ situations and plan carefully before giving recommendations.

 

Why is it better to buy insurance from a broker instead of direct or through an agent?

When you buy direct insurance (such as TD or BelAir), you can’t compare with other insurance companies unless you make multiple inquiries. It can take you a lot of time and effort to do that. It is the same with insurance agents as most of them offer products from one insurance company. Brokers, on the other hand, don’t work for a specific insurer and will shop around among 5 to 30 insurers to get you the best coverage for a good price. He saves you time and money and offers after-sales service such as if you need to file a claim, make changes to your policy, cancel a life insurance policy, etc. Further, consumers don’t pay fees for insurance brokers so you get all these conveniences at no cost to you. Refer to this article about shopping for insurance with a broker, direct, or an agent.

 

When is the best time for me to see a Financial Advisor?

The best time for you to see a Financial Advisor is when you have a goal you want to reach (such as saving for retirement at a certain age) or growing your money with investments. You should also see a Financial Advisor if you worry about being financially sound in relation to your assets, debts, insurance, business, investments, etc. Don’t wait until you are in your 60s to see a Financial Advisor as you can start your financial planning as soon as you are earning a stable income and want to grow your money.

 

What is the difference between a Financial Advisor and a Financial Planner in Ottawa?

Although many people are confused about these two titles, a financial planner and a financial advisor have different qualifications and work. Both of them have the goal of helping their clients meet their financial goals.  In Ontario, a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is recognized by the Financial Planner Standards Council (FPSC) and can work with their clients in the areas of investment, tax, insurance, estate planning, and evaluates all major areas of your financial status.  A Financial Advisor, on the other hand, has a more limited scope and focuses on building investment plans, calculating losses and gains, and meeting specific financial goals such as retirement.

 

Is your Financial Advisor qualified or registered in Ottawa?

By law, individuals who sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and life insurance are trained and registered with territorial regulators.  Very soon, the title of Financial Advisor will be a protected one in Ontario and not everybody can use that title without possessing proper credentials based on the 2019 Financial Professionals Title Act. The objective is to prevent consumers from being confused with broadly used titles that sound similar to financial planner or financial advisor.

You can verify the reputation or qualifications of a Financial Advisor through the following means:

  • Check with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) if the financial advisor has a complaint or issue pending
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau if his company has outstanding complaints and if they are in good standing
  • Check with the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
  • Check with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO)

Our network consists of Financial Advisors and Insurance brokers who were carefully screened and verified based on their qualifications/license, reputation, experience, and track record.

Have peace of mind that you are dealing with a qualified professional when you look for a Financial Advisor from our network!

 

Our partners serve these areas in Ottawa

 

Ottawa Nepean Osgoode Vanier
Gloucester Cumberland Township Riverview Barrhaven
Kanata Goulborn Rideau Township Stittsville
Bells Corners Morgan’s Grant West Carlton Township Orleans

 

Let us help you find the right Financial Advisor or Insurance Broker who can help you with your needs. The service is FREE and NO OBLIGATION.
Just fill out our form
and you will receive an offer from a reputable finance professional near you!

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