A MESSAGE from the Team
Welcome to our Winter Newsletter. It is designed for the busy reader. Take a quick scan and click on areas of interest to you. We have four topics to share with you. First, read about the use of life insurance to multiply the size of your gifts to charities. Second, reflect on an interesting overview of the importance of having the right mix of financial vehicles in your retirement income plan. Third, review timely information about Educational Savings Plans, as the December 31st deadline fast approaches. Finally, with Christmas just around the corner, we want to share a simpler outlook on this busy time of year.
In recent months, we have experienced significant gains in most major investment markets around the world. The combination of low interest rates, economic stimulus by various governments and the growing demand from emerging economies such as China and India bode well for the future. However, much uncertainty remains, leading to periods of short-term volatility. We continue to feel strongly about the benefits of a well diversified investment portfolio, including a complimentary mix of asset types, geography and professional management.
Within our firm, we have some sad news to share with you. Our colleague, Bruce McRae passed away, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Bruce’s career spanned over 50 years. In the ten years he worked with us, he had a huge impact on all of us. His integrity and kindness were cornerstones in who he was. He spoke with conviction, was client centred, and assisted many families and businesses over the years with financial issues and opportunities. We frequently drew on his wisdom, and he always had an answer to every question. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Bruce. We now welcome all his clients and look forward to meeting with everyone in the coming months. Please click here to read more about Bruce McRae’s outstanding personal and professional life www.arbutusfinancial.com/about_bruce.html
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. It works to "build strong kids, strong families and strong communities, today and tomorrow". Bruce McRae was 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 2011.
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.
Featured Articles
Charitable Giving – Having a Greater Impact
- by Paul Tidey
In a perfect world we wouldn’t need to have charitable organizations that support protecting our environment, feeding children or fighting cancer or heart disease. I dearly wish we lived in this type of world. The truth is we don’t and many worthwhile organizations require financial help to continue their good works. So how do we help these causes without hurting ourselves in the after tax world that solid financial planning requires?
Click HERE to learn more about this important topic…
Product Allocation – Maximizing Retirement Income and Helping Ensure it Will Last
- by Dana Russell
Are you concerned about outliving your retirement savings? Do you know if you have the right mix of investments to fund your retirement? Are you concerned about the impact of market volatility on your savings?
If you are like many of our clients, questions like these may be on your mind. Recent market volatility has many people examining their current investments. With Canadians now expected to live up to 30 years after we retire, we need to feel confident our financial strategies will provide sustainable income throughout the retirement years.
Click HERE to learn more about this important topic…
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)
- by Aaron Yick
An RESP is a government registered savings plan intended for families to set aside savings for their children's post secondary education. Contributions are allowed to grow tax-free and will also be eligible for a 20% grant from the federal government. Any Canadian adult who has a Canadian Social Insurance Number will be able to start up an RESP; the child/student registered must also have a Canadian SIN.
Click HERE to learn more about this important topic…
Meaningful Christmas Gifts that Count
- by Gardy Frost
The Holiday season can be pressure enough without adding the hefty price tag. As you prepare for your holiday festivities keep in mind the old adage: It’s the thought that counts. Really it does. The reason you hear it so often is because it is true. Don’t you love a present that really shows when someone cares? There is always one person who always has a knack for giving a terrific gift. Be that person this year by taking some time to think about everyone on your list.
Click HERE to 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.
Arbutus TEAM Update
To hear about the latest events happening in the
lives of
Neil,
Paul,
Gardy,
Aaron,
Dana, and
Eddy click on the name of the individual you are interested in.
Click here to learn even more about
Neil,
Paul,
Gardy,
Aaron,
Dana, and
Eddy
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 to which they aspire.
At Arbutus Financial, we work with
four distinct groups.
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learn more about Our Team »
Please remember 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 for the private information of our clients. 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, Arbutus
Financial Services.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management
fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please
read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their
values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
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