| Stephen LaPage at Guardian Financial
Planning Ltd., located in Woodstock since 1992,
is in the business of providing clients with a
clear picture of their financial future, and
suggestions on how it might be improved. As a Certified Financial Planner,
Stephen says there are essentially two ways to
face the future - one is with apprehension, the
other with anticipation. The difference between
the two, he notes, is having the future
well-designed, with a plan that takes you to
where you want to go.
"At Guardian Financial
Planning, we help people put things in
order," he explains, "and that gives
them a great sense of control and peace of
mind."
People seek help from a
financial planner for a number of reasons. Anyone
approaching retirement, for instance, should
consult a planner to ensure their investments are
properly structured to maximize performance and
minimize taxation. This can be a very detailed
and complicated process requiring hands-on
experience and a strong technical understanding
of topics such as taxation, investment analysis,
various insurance strategies, and estate
planning. Recommendations made in one area
without consideration for their impact on another
may have disastrous consequences. That's why it's
comforting to know your financial advisor is
qualified and knowledgeable in all aspects of
financial planning and investing.
"Many of our clients want
to have all of their financial affairs run in a
coordinated fashion, but haven't got the time,
resources or interest in doing it themselves.
They often have their investments scattered about
with a number of institutions and have realized
that such a practice can be both unmanageable and
extremely ineffective."
Guardian Financial Planning's
relationship with a client starts with the
development of a comprehensive plan. They
determine the current financial situation,
identify goals and objectives, both personal and
financial, and point out any potential problems.
They then provide written recommendations, assist
in the plan's implementation and most
importantly, provide ongoing review and revision
as circumstances require. This broad-based
approach to providing financial advice
distinguishes financial planning practitioners
from other professional advisors who typically
focus on only one area of a person's financial
life. ( cont'd )
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Guardian's Mission Statement sums it up
best: "To assist clients in turning their
hopes for the future into reality through the
creation, management, and preservation of wealth.
This is accomplished by prioritizing goals,
committing to an achievable plan, and determining
the ongoing strategies needed to guarantee it's
success. "Financial
Planners deal with one of the most personal and
sensitive aspects of people's lives - their
financial security," Stephen notes.
"Finding the right planner is extremely
important because your choice will almost
certainly affect your financial future. As a
result, trust is at the heart of the planning
relationship - trust in the planner's competence,
integrity and objectivity, and trust that the
planner will act first and foremost in your best
interests."
Do you need the services of a
financial planner? Stephen suggests that most
people do, but often put it off, thinking it may
cost too much or they may be uncomfortable
discussing their finances.
"I can understand how they
feel. Many of our longtime clients had similar
concerns when we first got together. But I do my
best to answer any questions people may have,
hold all information in the strictest confidence
and make sure they understand the important
benefits of a plan that not only meets their
needs, but a plan that they feel comfortable with
and fully understand. Whenever I meet with
someone, one of two things will happen: We either
confirm that their current plan is sound and that
they shouldn't change a thing, or we discover a
few things that need adjusting. As you know, even
minor adjustments can often lead to major
improvements. Either way, people usually find our
discussions a good use of their time."
"Why choose Guardian
Financial Planning?" he asks. "Simple.
For the trust in our ability to provide clients
with the best in financial solutions, the
confidence in our balance of experience,
expertise, and effectiveness, and the comfort in
knowing we are totally committed to
clients."
*From article in
"The Bugle"
Wednesday, January 26, 2000
Second section, Page 5.
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