Practice

Making your Blackberry better

Don't get me wrong. Apple makes a very good phone and the Google Android system, when coupled with companies like Sony and Samsung, is an excellent product.

By Kevin Cork |March 29, 2011

8 min read

Planning and Advice

Professionalization of the investment advisor role

Since the global market crisis of 2007-2008 there have been renewed calls in many jurisdictions for a stronger regulatory presence in securities markets. Even before the crisis though there was a rising expectation that members of the investment community conduct themselves in keeping with the standards of professional excellence that would enhance the ‘duty of care’ being provided to the client.

By Dr. Roberta Wilton |March 28, 2011

3 min read

Planning and Advice

Social media: The new economy of sharing

Facebook has now reached over 500 million users.

By Jay Palter |March 25, 2011

3 min read

Planning and Advice

Best Practices: Dealing with a troubled team

The senior advisor in our practice is amazing with people but cannot organize himself or his time and does too much of the talking in the client appointments. This often results in 2 - 3 hour appointments which cuts us down to only about 5 - 6 appointments a week.

By Joanne Ferguson |March 24, 2011

5 min read

Budget 2011: A client letter

Show clients you’re proactive by sending them this customizable letter about the Federal Budget. Dear [Client/Prospect name], As you know, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered his federal budget on March 22 in Ottawa. This budget has several items that could affect your financial plan or present additional opportunities. In case you haven’t had a chance […]

2 min read

When compliance comes calling

“Hi, I’m Andrew Symonds from Head Office; I’m calling to schedule your audit. What’s good for you the week after next?” A call like this from compliance, about an impending branch review examination, is a surefire trigger for the fright and flight response. But a branch review needn’t be a cat and mouse game. Nor […]

5 min read

Easy ways to enhance your business

I really did plan to eat healthier this year but after hanging out at my friend’s party a few weeks ago, I realized it’s tough to change your ways when hot wings, beer, chips and pizza keep calling your name — followed by the eventual moan from heartburn.

6 min read

Segregated funds offer protection

Financial advisors must make investment decisions for their clients based on whatever information is available at that moment, not unlike the physician who must make a diagnosis with limited information about his patient’s condition.

By Rod Tyler |March 11, 2011

5 min read

An IPS, your ounce of prevention

One area in the field of finance that has been growing in acceptance is that of behavioural economics- sometimes referred to as behavioural finance. In essence, it deals with the various intellectual and emotional errors that nearly everyone fact seems to make. Concepts like overconfidence, negative loss aversion, mental accounting, hindsight bias and anchoring have gained considerable acceptance in the financial services industry.

4 min read