A MESSAGE from the Team

We invite you to take a few minutes with a warm cup of coffee or tea and enjoy our Winter Newsletter. We hope you will find it brief, yet interesting and informative. If you are like most investors, you have been shaken by the recent short-term turbulence in investment markets around the world. We acknowledge the declines are disappointing and disconcerting. We are hopeful the global economic environment will improve soon, and become a little less volatile. We encourage you to contact us if you would like to revisit your investment mix and risk tolerance. Some informative links include historical information about other periods of market volatility, an October 17, 2008 article by Warren Buffett, entitled “Buy American. I am”, and a November 13, 2008 article from the Globe & Mail entitled, “10 flawed assumptions at the heart of the financial crisis”.

We also welcome two new individuals to the Arbutus Financial team. Dana Russell comes to us with a diversified background in the financial services field. She has worked for a large national financial institution and with a local financial planning firm. Dana supports us in our analysis and design of investment portfolios and contributes in a number of operational areas. Dana has three small children and embraces the challenge of juggling work and family life! You can learn more about Dana by clicking here. Kamara Kroeker has very recently joined us and we are thrilled to have her with us as well. She also has diversified experience in the financial sector and has recently returned from an extended period of time away in Japan. Kamara is involved with all aspects of our planning process, bringing a strong analytical bent to financial analysis, problem solving and the design of financial solutions to meet your needs. You can learn more about Kamara by clicking here.

Last newsletter, we mentioned 2008 is one of our Associates, Bruce McRae’s 50th anniversary in the financial industry. 2008 is also the five-year anniversary for another of our Associates, Gardy Frost. Congratulations to both of you! We are blessed to have the energy and contributions of each of these fine individuals.

Again this year, we have chosen to support our local community in lieu of sending Christmas cards. This year, we are supporting the YMCA Partners With Youth. This program provides children access to programs they would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial constraints. The “Y” is truly a community organization, with an impact on many families in the Lower Mainland. It works to “build strong kids, strong families and strong communities, today and tomorrow”. Our colleague Bruce McRae has been involved with the Y for many years, and we are very happy to support such a worthy organization.

We thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your family. We understand and appreciate the level of trust you've placed in us to help protect you and your family's financial security and success.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your time over the holiday season with friends and family. Best wishes for 2009.

Arbutus Team Update

To hear about the latest events happening in the lives of Neil, Paul, Gardy, Dana, Kamara and Eddy, click on the name of the advisor you are interested in.

Click to learn even more about Neil, Paul, Gardy, Dana, Kamara and Eddy.

Featured Articles

Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)

Effective January 1st, 2009, Canadians may contribute to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). The money held in a TFSA earns investment income on a tax-free basis, and you can contribute up to $5,000 per year.

Learn more about this important topic »

Elder Planning

Continuing to enjoy the fullness of life is everyone’s dream as we get older.   We want to retain our dignity and be treated with respect.  People in their mature years are often concerned they will run out of money.  They are worried they will be a burden on their children.  Imagine how your parents would feel, if they knew they would not run out of money, and their children did not find them to be a burden.  Communication within a family is so important…and so difficult to do.

Learn more about this important topic »

Year-End Tax Strategies for 2008

As the final weeks of 2008 draw to a close, most of us our focused on Christmas shopping, holiday parties and New Year’s festivities. However, this is also the time to implement any final tax strategies that could help put more tax dollars in your pocket. Mackenzie Investments has put together a list of strategies that may go a long way to helping reduce your taxes for 2008.

Learn more about this important topic »

If you have a suggestion for a topic you feel may be of interest to others, please let us know by contacting info@arbutusfinancial.com.

About Us

At Arbutus Financial, we help our clients achieve financial and life success. We work hard to cultivate strong relationships with our clients first and foremost. We focus on knowing our clients well, not just their finances. To provide high quality advice and service, we need to truly understand our clients. Then, and only then, can we help them achieve the financial security and success they aspire to.

At Arbutus Financial, we work with four distinct groups.

Click here to learn more about Our Team »

Please remember that while strategies outlined within this newsletter may be appropriate for some people, you should always consult us to ensure they are appropriate for you.

The statements and statistics contained herein are based on material believed to be reliable but we cannot guarantee they are accurate or complete. This newsletter is solely the work of Arbutus Financial Services Ltd. for the private information of our clients. Although we are registered Mutual Fund Representatives with Dundee Private Investors Inc. (“Dundee Private Investors”), this is not an official publication of Dundee Private Investors. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this newsletter are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, Dundee Private Investors.

* Only securities related products and services referenced are offered through Dundee Private Investors Inc. Insurance products provided through multiple insurance carriers.

Dundee Wealth Management is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company

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