FAQ

Questions we get asked most

If your question isn’t answered here, ask us directly. We’d rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.

Working with us

Getting started

What does a first meeting cost?: Nothing. The first conversation is a chance for both of us to see whether there is something worth working on. There is no fee and no obligation to proceed.
How are you paid?: Advisors are generally compensated by the insurer or provider when a policy or plan is placed, rather than by an hourly fee from you. We will explain how compensation works for any specific recommendation before you decide on it. If you want to ask directly, please do.
Do I have to meet in person?: No. Virtual meetings are common and work well for most of what we do. If you would rather meet in person, we can usually arrange that too.
What should I bring to a first meeting?: Nothing is required. If you have existing policies, recent statements, or your latest notice of assessment handy, they make the conversation more specific. Do not delay the meeting to gather paperwork, though.
What if I already have an advisor?: A second opinion is reasonable, and we will give you an honest one. If your current arrangement is sound, we will tell you that rather than manufacture a reason to change it.

Life insurance

How much coverage do I need?: It depends on debts that would remain, income that would need replacing and for how long, costs triggered at death, and what you already have. Rules of thumb like a multiple of salary are a starting point, not an answer.
Is the death benefit taxable?: A death benefit paid to a named personal beneficiary is generally received tax-free in Canada. Corporate-owned policies and proceeds paid to an estate follow different rules and are worth reviewing case by case.
Is my group coverage at work enough?: Rarely on its own. Group coverage is usually a modest multiple of salary and it typically ends when the job does, which is precisely when you are least able to replace it easily.
Can I be declined for coverage?: Yes. Insurers assess health, medical and family history, occupation, and lifestyle. Some applicants are offered coverage at a higher rating rather than declined, and different insurers view the same condition differently. That is one advantage of independent access.

Savings & investments

Should I contribute to a TFSA or an RRSP first?: Largely a question of your marginal tax rate now versus in retirement, plus how much flexibility you need. Higher earners often favour the RRSP deduction; lower and middle earners frequently get more from a TFSA. Many people use both over time.
How do I find out my contribution room?: The Canada Revenue Agency reports it through your CRA My Account and on your notice of assessment. Because recent transactions can lag, confirm before making a large contribution.
Why don’t you list the current contribution limits on this site?: Because they change. Publishing figures that go stale is worse than not publishing them at all, so we confirm current limits with you directly when it matters.
Can you guarantee a return on my investments?: No, and nobody credibly can. Except where a product explicitly offers a contractual guarantee, returns vary and can be negative. Any illustration we show you is a scenario, not a prediction.

Business owners

Should my corporation own my life insurance?: It depends on who needs the money and on your personal versus corporate tax position. Corporate ownership can be efficient for funding corporate obligations; personal ownership is often simpler for personal needs. We model both with your accountant.
Do you replace my accountant or lawyer?: No. We coordinate with them. Tax filings and legal drafting belong with those professionals, and plans built without their input tend to fail exactly when they are needed.
Is a buy-sell agreement necessary?: If you have a business partner, almost always. It determines who can end up owning the company, and insurance funding is what makes it executable rather than aspirational.

Careers

Do I need a licence or a finance degree to apply?: Neither. Most people who join are not licensed yet, and there is no degree requirement. We guide you through the LLQP and provincial licensing process.
Is this salaried?: Advisor compensation is commission-based and tied to results rather than hours. We go through the specifics openly and in writing before anyone commits.
Can I start part-time?: Many advisors begin alongside existing work and transition once their practice supports it. Consistency of the hours you commit matters more than the total.

Send it over. If it’s a quick answer, you’ll get one. No meeting required.