In movies and on the news, it’s fairly common to see wealthy families helped along through life’s big decisions by a team of specialists — the family accountant, the family investment advisor, that person at the bank who’s on a first-name basis with every sister and uncle, and helps the family earn money and minimize tax.
For everyone else, connecting the dots to make a comprehensive plan requires finding and coordinating various professionals. Assuming you know exactly which professionals you need access to, getting them all on the same page to ensure all the facets of your financial life are optimized takes a lot of effort. Unless you work with Scotia Wealth Management Senior Wealth Advisor Dave Lee, who offers Total Wealth Planning to his clients.
“After I meet with a client to learn about their current situation and goals for the future, I work with Total Wealth Manager Lisa Kurahashi to coordinate a specialist review process. We bring together a wide range of highly qualified professionals at the top of their respective fields, and together we analyze the details and create a comprehensive plan,” Dave says.
- Total Wealth Planner
- Insurance consultant
- Estate and Trust consultant
- Business and family wealth specialist
- Wealth taxation specialist
- Private banker
“The Total Wealth Planner works with a team of specialists who analyze the plan from their unique perspective, and provide input on different strategies,” Lisa says. “Then we gather together around the table — or video conference these days — and develop a roadmap for each client based on the client’s needs.”
The specialists may look at a tax effective way to pass wealth to the next generation. Some specialists may ask more questions about the planning currently in place and note any concerns. Not all of these specialists will need to meet with the client directly, but all of them take a look at the plan and offer their input.
“Clients may come in with a singular goal — saving for retirement, or putting together an estate plan — and they don’t realize how these other aspects can help until we show them. The specialist review process catches the blind spots,” Dave says.
Effortless collaboration, continued refinement
It’s a collaborative process of refinement. One advisor suggests an adjustment, then the team goes over the financial modelling again to see if that change has other effects. It’s far more in-depth than what most investors are used to. The goal is finding a custom solution — not selling a product.
“Without this process people tend to end up with something sub-par, or they give up entirely because it’s just too tough to consult and coordinate between all these experts. Our team collaborates on a regular basis, and continues to fine-tune your financial plan through every stage of life,” Lisa says.
Call 604.535.4743 to book an appointment with Dave Lee in White Rock, or email dave.lee@scotiawealth.com to discuss investments, life insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, generating income and minimizing your taxes. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin for more financial insights.
ScotiaMcLeod, a division of Scotia Capital Inc.