Financial Planning and Legal Services

Frequently Asked Questions, about Financial Planning Services

Questions you might want to ask about my services and how I work with you, click here for FAQs.

Legal Services

My legal services are focused around estate and financial planning issues.  I try to offer a flat rate price for my services on simpler matters whenever possible but charge a fee of $300 per hour plus taxes and my out-of-pocket expenses when this is not possible.   For example, I offer a flat fee for a basic Will Package (Wills, Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements) of $1,400 per couple ($950 for a single person) plus taxes, but charge either a higher flat fee or by the hour for more complicated matters. I offer the following:

• Wills
• Powers of Attorney
• Representation Agreements and Living Wills
• Life Insurance Trusts / RRSP & RRIF Trusts
• Shared Ownership Agreements for Life Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• Family Trusts, Alter Ego Trusts, Joint Spousal Trusts
• Spousal Loans
• Bare Trusts (used when owning property jointly with estate planning purposes).

Financial Planning Services

I offer a flat-rate packages in some instances and in others, charge my hourly rate 300 per hour plus GST and out-of-pocket expenses   I am also happy to simply consult on an hourly basis on any planning issues you may have and also offer a “chat package,” as advertised on my home page.  For a written plan without projections, I am currently charging $2,500 plus GST. For a full plan using VisionWorks software to prepare detailed projections, I am currently charging $3,500 plus GST.

• Comprehensive Financial Plans
• Small Business Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Estate Planning, download: Introduction to Estate Planning
• Tax Planning
• Investment Review
• Insurance Needs.

My Services and How I Get Paid

I understand that everyone’s situation, values and priorities are unique.  Accordingly, I offer of mixture of services, ranging in price based on the complexity of the issue and the time required.  I can assist with issue-specific problems like drafting a Will or providing a retirement plan, or I can provide comprehensive and ongoing advice that will hopefully pay for itself many times over in money saved, enhanced quality of life and problems averted.

I do not sell investments or insurance as I believe that these are both full-time jobs, but I know that most clients aren’t used to paying for their financial advice directly. Accordingly, in order to my services more affordable while ensuring my clients get top notch advice in these areas, I have developed referral relationships with select insurance and investment experts that I believe are at the top of their field. I use any referral fees or commissions to offset or reduce what I’d charge you going forward to lower your future financial planning (but not legal) costs. For flat-rate plans, I am happy to rebate 50% of any commission or referral fees I receive within 3 months after completing your plan against the planning fee.