BEFORE YOU REACH OUT
Here are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
These answers will help you understand how we work and what you can expect.
WHO THIS IS FOR
We work with Canadians who are approaching retirement or already retired and want help making important retirement decisions.
We find that the more complex your financial situation, the more value we’re able to provide. Whether you’re planning your retirement income, looking to reduce taxes, coordinating multiple investment accounts, or navigating other financial complexities, our goal is to help you make informed choices so you can get the most out of your retirement.
Many of our ongoing clients have approximately $1 million or more invested with us because that’s often where retirement planning becomes more complex. However, we don’t believe one number tells the whole story. Every situation is different, and whether we’re the right fit depends far more on your planning needs than your portfolio size.
There isn’t one perfect time to begin retirement planning.
However, we’ve found the greatest opportunities often exist before important retirement decisions have already been made.
Whether you’re deciding when to retire, how to generate retirement income, when to start CPP, or how to reduce taxes, having a plan before those decisions are made often provides more flexibility and options.
While many people begin planning within five to ten years of retirement, others don’t seek advice until after they’ve retired. The right time depends less on your age and more on whether you’re approaching decisions that could have a lasting impact on your retirement.
Yes.
A second opinion can help you explore different perspectives, better understand your options, or simply confirm you’re already on the right track. Some people leave the conversation feeling they’ve discovered new opportunities, while others leave reassured they’re already in a great position. Both are valuable outcomes.
No.
The first meeting is free, and there’s no obligation to move forward. We believe it’s important to first determine whether we can provide meaningful value before either of us makes a commitment.
The first conversation is simply a chance for us to learn more about you, your situation, and what’s most important to you. We’ll answer any questions you have, discuss any opportunities we identify, and make sure you clearly understand your options.
By the end of the conversation, we’ll recommend the next step based on what makes the most sense for you.
Yes.
We work with clients across Canada.
Every financial advisor is different, and we can’t speak to the services your current advisor provides.
Our approach is built around coordinating every part of your retirement plan. Rather than looking at your investments, taxes, retirement income, estate plan, and government benefits independently, we believe the best outcomes come from bringing everything together into one coordinated retirement plan.
That coordinated approach helps uncover opportunities that are often missed when each area is considered on its own.
To support that approach, every client is assigned two advisors, has access to our in-house CPA for tax planning, and follows a structured retirement planning process that evolves as life changes.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Yes. Every retirement plan we create is personalized.
No two people retire with the same goals, income sources, tax situation, investments, or family circumstances. Because of that, every strategy, recommendation, and plan is built specifically for the person or family it’s designed to help.
We start by fully understanding what’s important to you and getting a clear picture of your financial situation.
From there, we use the Atlas System to evaluate your retirement as a whole. Rather than looking at your investments, taxes, estate plan, income strategy, and insurance separately, it allows us to see how each decision affects the others.
The Atlas System helps us compare different options, explain the trade-offs of each, and show you how each choice impacts your retirement as a whole. With that understanding, you’re able to confidently choose the path that’s right for you.
If your situation changes after you retire, the strategies, recommendations, and your plan will be adjusted accordingly.
Major life events such as changes in your spending, helping children or grandchildren, receiving an inheritance, the loss of a spouse, selling a property, or changes to tax rules all affect your retirement plan.
Retirement is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Your retirement plan will evolve alongside it, adapting to new circumstances while continuing to support what’s important to you.
INVESTMENTS
We build globally diversified investment portfolios designed to support your retirement plan, risk tolerance, and income needs.
We use an evidence-based investment approach. This includes broad global diversification and, where appropriate, exposure to factors such as smaller companies and value stocks that have historically been associated with higher expected returns over the long term.
We primarily use institutional investment solutions from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), along with other carefully selected investments, to help keep costs low and portfolios disciplined.
Your investments are regularly reviewed to help ensure they continue supporting your retirement plan.
Yes. Your investments are held by National Bank Independent Network (NBIN), a division of National Bank Financial, one of Canada’s largest independent custodians. We are also a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, ensuring automatic coverage for our clients.
Information on CIPF coverage & limits can be found here: About CIPF Coverage
We’ll work with your current financial institution to move your accounts to National Bank Independent Network (NBIN). Many accounts can be transferred in kind, meaning your investments can often be transferred without being sold first. Depending on the type of account and the investments you own, this often allows the move to take place without triggering taxes.
We handle the paperwork for you, keep you informed throughout the process, and work to make the transition as smooth as possible.
BECOMING A CLIENT
If you decide to become a client, we’ll guide you through each step of the onboarding process.
We’ll begin by taking the time to understand what’s most important to you and gathering the information needed to build your retirement plan. This includes reviewing your investments, income sources, tax situation, estate plan, and any other areas relevant to your retirement.
We’ll walk you through our Atlas System, explain the different options available, discuss the trade-offs of each, and answer any questions you have along the way. Once you’ve decided on the path that’s right for you, we’ll begin implementing your plan.
If you’re transferring investments to us, we’ll coordinate the transfer process, complete the necessary paperwork, and work with your current financial institution to make the transition as smooth as possible. We know your time is valuable, so we work to make the process as efficient as possible.
For most clients, we proactively schedule three meetings throughout the year.
1.An annual retirement review where we revisit your retirement plan, investment portfolio, tax strategy, and any changes in your personal or financial situation.
2.A summer check-in to see how you’re doing, discuss any changes since your last review, and answer any questions you may have.
3.A year-end tax review with our in-house CPA to identify tax planning opportunities before the end of the calendar year.
Beyond your scheduled reviews, we’ll proactively reach out whenever planning opportunities arise or there are important changes that may affect your retirement.
You’ll also receive regular educational updates, retirement planning insights, and market commentary throughout the year.
You can contact your advisory team by phone or email whenever you have a question or need advice.
Every client is assigned both a lead advisor and a second advisor who work together on your retirement plan. This team approach helps ensure you always have someone who understands your situation and can respond when you need assistance.
Whether you have a quick question or are facing a major life change, we’re here to help.
Yes.
We regularly work with our clients’ accountants, lawyers, and other professional advisors to help ensure your retirement plan, tax strategy, estate plan, and legal documents all work together.
Our advisory fee is based on the amount of assets we manage on your behalf.
What's included in your advisory fee:
• Comprehensive retirement planning
• Ongoing investment management and portfolio monitoring
• Retirement income and withdrawal planning
• Tax planning and annual tax reviews with our in-house CPA
• Estate planning coordination
• Insurance reviews
• Regular retirement plan reviews and updates
• Proactive planning opportunities throughout the year
• Coordination with your accountant, lawyer, and other professional advisors
• Unlimited phone and email access to your advisory team
There are no hidden fees or commissions. Before you become a client, we'll clearly explain exactly how our fees work and answer any questions you may have.
Yes.
Your relationship with us is entirely your choice. If at any point you decide we’re no longer the right fit, you can transfer your accounts to another financial institution.
NEXT STEPS
Tell us a little about your situation, and we’ll help you identify opportunities you may not have considered.
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual(s) appearing and do not necessarily reflect the views of Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. The content provided is for informational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding any specific concerns or questions you may have. The Atlas System is designed for clients to benefit from all steps in the process; however, the steps required will depend on each client’s individual circumstances and the complexity of their finances. Trans Canada Wealth Management and Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. do not provide tax reporting services, will not file tax returns on behalf of a client, and accept no responsibility for incorrect filings. CPA expertise is utilized solely to help inform planning and investment strategies. Harbourfront Wealth Management Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization.
