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Asset allocation is the process of selecting a mix of asset classes that closely matches an investor’s financial profile in terms of their investment preferences and tolerance for risk.  It is based on the premise that the different asset classes have varying cycles of performance, and that by investing in multiple classes, the overall investment returns will be more stable and less susceptible to adverse movements in any one class.

All investments involve some sort of risk, whether it’s market risk, interest risk, inflation risk liquidity risk, tax risk. An individualized asset allocation strategy seeks to mitigate the risks of any one asset class though diversification and balance. 

Individual Strategy

When done properly, an investor’s allocation of assets will reflect his desired goals, priorities, investment preferences and his tolerance for risk. Asset allocation is an individualized strategy, so there really is no perfect mix of assets.  Each individual’s strategy is built on the careful consideration of the key elements of their financial profile:

Investment Objectives: What it is the investor hopes to achieve using his investment dollars – improve current lifestyle; achieve capital growth; fund a specific goal, such as a college education

Risk Tolerance: This reflects the investor’s comfort level with market fluctuations that can result in losses.  Inflation risk and interest risk need to be considered as well.

Investment Preferences: An investor may prefer one asset class over another based on a certain bias or interest towards the characteristics of that class.

Time Horizon: The length of time an investor is willing to commit to achieving his objectives.

Taxation: Investing in a mix of asset classes will have varying tax consequences.

An Evolving Strategy

A sound asset allocation strategy includes periodic reviews.

About the only certainty when it comes to the financial markets is that they will change, and so will your financial situation.  Through market gains and losses, a portfolio can become unbalanced and it may be important to make adjustments to your allocation.  As people move through life’s stages their needs, preferences, priorities and risk tolerance change and so too must their asset allocation strategy.   

Asset allocation, which is driven by complex mathematical models, should not be confused with the much simpler concept of diversification.

Learn more about asset allocation by contacting us today.

Insurance is essential to any comprehensive financial strategy. If tragic events like death, disability or critical illness strike, insurance can protect you and your family from undue hardship. Some life insurance policies also provide tax-advantaged savings that you can draw on to achieve goals like buying a house or retiring comfortably.

I have access to a variety of insurance products that can help meet your financial needs. No matter your personal situation—if you’re single or in a family; a professional or a seasonal employee; an executive or small business owner—we will work together to design a customized plan.

• Life
• Long-term care, disability income and critical illness
• Health and dental
• Group health benefits

Life insurance

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In the event of death, life insurance offers surviving family members increased financial security. As a tax-free lump sum payment, it can pay for final expenses and debts, as well as provide income for the deceased’s dependents.

The advantages of life insurance include:

• An instant estate for your loved ones at a time when funds are most needed
• Death benefits that are almost always non-taxable for named beneficiaries
• Avoid probate costs if you name a beneficiary other than your estate
• Potentially offer your loved ones creditor protection through some life insurance plans
• Build tax-advantaged capital for retirement purposes or provide liquid savings through some permanent life insurance plans

I can help you select coverage from a variety of life insurance options to meet the needs identified in your financial strategy.

Life insurance can play a vital role in your financial strategy - contact us today to find out how.

Long-term Care, Disability Income and Critical Illness insurance

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Help protect one of your most valuable assets – your income – from unexpected events through long-term care, disability income and critical illness insurance.

Long-term care and disability insurance

Income is important for both current financial obligations (e.g. grocery bills and mortgage payments) and for future financial security (e.g. planning for your children’s education or for retirement). Just think what might happen if you suddenly lost your income stream through a long-term illness or disability.

Long-term care and disability income insurance products help protect your ability to earn an income, which can be affected if you are afflicted by a disability or other condition.

I can help you choose the long-term care and disability income insurance products that provide advantages like:

• Helping maintain your financial independence, lifestyle and long-term financial security in the event your income is impacted by disability
• Assist with paying fixed expenses for your business if you become disabled
• Support the buy-out of a disabled partner’s share of a business

I can help you tailor your financial strategy so it protects your income through long-term care and disability income insurance. Contact us today to find out how.

Critical illness insurance

Suffering a critical illness is distressing for both you and your family. Help ease the burden through insurance that will reduce financial stresses and can complement disability income and life insurance protection needs. By helping pay for the additional expenses often associated with a critical illness or condition, insurance offers you, your family, and if applicable, your business, added financial security—so you can focus on recovery.

The advantages of critical illness insurance can include:

• Coverage for up to 22 critical illnesses or conditions
• Home-care costs during illness and recovery periods
• Even if you’re not disabled from working, you may receive payment
• The ability to provide a return of premium benefit (optional)
• Individuals who cannot obtain disability income insurance in some cases still qualify for critical illness coverage (e.g. a non-income earning spouse)

Contact us today to determine whether critical illness insurance fits into your financial strategy.

Health and dental insurance

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Depending on your situation, you may or may not be covered under an employer’s group benefits plan. If not, I can help you choose a health and dental plan that can help cover out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses for you and your family. These plans are designed to provide various levels of enhanced healthcare protection, depending on your needs and the stage of life you’re in.

When designing your customized health and dental insurance package, you can choose from an array of services. Options include:

• Prescription drugs, which many consider one of the most valuable forms of health coverage.
• Paramedical services, ranging from the use of an ambulance to a visit to the massage therapist.
• Vision care if you or your family members wear glasses or contact lenses.
• Protection while on vacation or a business trip with out-of-country medical coverage.
• Access to private or semi-private hospital rooms.
• Dental care can include basic dental work as well as a portion of orthodontics, depending on your level of coverage.

Contact us to find out more about enhanced healthcare and dental protection for you and your loved ones.

Group health benefits

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In today’s working environment, valued employees are looking for more than financial compensation. They also want an employer who supports their health, and the health of their families.

For this reason, either by itself or paired with group insurance products, consider attracting and retaining employees with group benefit plans. From traditional health and dental benefits to alternative arrangements like employee wellness programs, group auto insurance or flexible work situations, group benefits help make employees more efficient, productive, and happy. Employers also gain tax benefits, such as premiums that are deductible as a business expense in some cases.

Flexible plans offer employers and employees cost-effective, customized ways to address their needs. Choose from an array of benefits like:

• Extended health and dental care coverage, which includes options like prescription drugs, paramedical services, vision care, out-of-country medical coverage, basic dental work and orthodontics
• Group life insurance
• Group short- and long-term disability income insurance
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Alternative group benefits, such as group auto insurance or flexible work arrangements
• Group critical illness coverage, to help ensure your employees can survive a critical illness
• Benefits plans tailored to specialized employee groups, such as foreign or part-time workers

Contact us today to learn more about benefits products and services that fit the needs of your business.