When the world locked down and Canadians hunkered indoors, many people took the opportunity to do some long-overdue organizing.
Tidying their physical space was first on many lists, but Scotia Wealth Management Senior Wealth Advisor, Dave Lee, says many of his clients tackled their finances as well.
“People had more time to think about the things that matter, and think about them more deeply. Getting a Will and powers of attorney in place, having conversations with adult children about wealth transfer, figuring out a tax strategy and wealth plan — things that most of us know we ought to do, but often get neglected.”
Total Wealth Planning
Dave has been happy to help new and existing clients build stronger investment portfolios, and says many took time to think more profoundly about the bigger picture.
“Our firm focuses on Total Wealth Planning, looking at the breadth of clients’ lives,” Dave says. “We can’t give the best possible advice unless we consider all the components, and over the past year, I’ve been able to have a lot of deep, two-way conversations to get a better sense of my clients’ goals and challenges.”
Complicated business and real estate structures, divorce, a grandchild struggling with substance abuse: every financial picture contains elements that can benefit from professional guidance. And the new world of digital communication has made that guidance easier to get.
Accessible advice
“I work with a lot of seniors, and a decade ago, many said they were throwing out their computers because they were too complicated. Now, those same seniors have embraced new technology — they’re on Facebook keeping up with the grandkids, they pull out the iPhone to look at documents, and they’re gaining comfort with at-home video conferencing.”
Technology has allowed Dave and his team to continue serving clients, whether they’re planning for the future or facing an immediate crisis.
“I’m a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Manager, but my years of experience mean that I see things many times in my career that most people only see once in their life — downsizing, the death of a parent or spouse, selling a business — and that experience helps me guide clients through these things.”
As Scotia Wealth Management celebrates 100 years, Dave and his team are celebrating the many clients who’ve adapted to a challenging year and are eager to help more British Columbians in 2021.
Dave Lee is based in White Rock, and he is available to discuss investments, life insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, generating income and minimizing taxes. Call 604.535.4743 to book an appointment, or email dave.lee@scotiawealth.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin for more financial insights.