September 2017
Our HollisWealth office would like to thank everyone for your patience and understanding over the last few weeks during our merger to the new software reporting system. We understand that there have been some minor inconveniences and we are working hard to ensure that this transition is as seamless as possible and that accuracy and service remain top priority to our clients. Should you notice any discrepancies please bring it to our attention as soon as possible so that we can address it. It has been a bumpy road but we are doing our best to prevent any disruptions to our clients.
Investia has converted all accounts to the new system and is now in the process of inputting all transactional history. Investia Financial Service Inc.’s goal is to have client transactional history from January 1 2012-December 31 2017 inputted by December 31, 2017. We are still waiting on a date that will see all history since inception updated. We appreciate your patience in this matter.
Access to our new Client Portal is available from Roman’s website at www.RomanGroch.ca. A reminder, if you are currently receiving documents as e-delivery, you will receive an email notification by Investia when your next statement is ready and when your trade confirmations and tax slips/contribution receipts are available within the portal.
You may have noticed that your regularly bank-deposited payment for August were received a little later than normal, as well RRIF/LIF payments did not have correct withholding taxes deducted. This has been addressed and now fixed for your future payments. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We have been assured that payments will resume as scheduled and are working extremely hard in the background by following up with our head office multiple times a day to minimize the impact to you. Any questions regarding deposits to your account can be directed to Mike or Sarah who are happy to help.
We would like to thank the clients that came out to the baseball game with the Buffalo Bison’s on August 20th and glad you all had a great time at the game. We at HollisWealth look forward to setting up another client appreciation baseball game next summer and hope to see you all again.
Annual Reviews:
When booking your Annual Review with our office, Ashley, Mike and Sarah require 7-10 business days to properly prepare your Annual Review and scrutinize suitability to your Financial and Life Style needs and goals. The purpose of Annual Reviews is not only to review portfolios and performance, but to keep your financial future on track despite any life changes. A personalized relationship with our clients helps us to better serve the various needs that arise. We look forward to sitting with you minimum once a year to ensure we continue to work with your best interests as our top priority depending on your Financial and Life Style needs. If returning our call after hours feel free to leave a detailed message on how best to reach you. We genuinely look forward to hearing from you.
Around the Office:
Recent News:
In the last few weeks (September 6th to be exact) the Bank of Canada increased its overnight target rate interest rate by 25 basis points to 1 per cent. This was a bit of a surprise in that, as there was an increase expected, the markets weren’t looking for an increase until the October meeting of the Bank of Canada. The Canadian dollar experienced a sharp spike in the next couple of days following the announcement almost touching 83 cents US before settling back to the mid 81 cent range at the time of this writing. The Bank of Canada’s view is that growth in Canada is becoming more broadly based and self-sustaining. Internal data such as consumer spending, job and income growth, business spending, exports and the cooling of the hot areas of the housing sector all point to a strong Canadian story. This underlying strength in Canada will hopefully attract foreign capital and ultimately boost returns for Canadian investors within a well-diversified portfolio. Although interest rates are slowly on the rise, fixed-income fund managers have a wide variety of investment opportunities within the fixed income sector which include government bonds, provincial bonds, corporate bonds (which do well when the economy does well), foreign government bonds and foreign corporate bonds. Managers are constantly positioning themselves to offer investors the best possible returns. They also manage currency fluctuations around the world which can enhance returns. Clients should have an exposure to fixed-income funds as a diversifying tool and these investments can be very stabilizing in the case of any volatility or shock that hits the equity markets. Our continuing mandate is to position all client portfolios with a suitable asset allocation which includes fixed-income investments as well as equity investments. We also diversify geographically with segments of client portfolios spread amongst international, US and Canadian investments.
Health & Dental
Manulife has established a health & dental plan for people whose benefits will be cancelled when they retire or leave any group benefit plan, called FollowMe. This plan offers client health & dental coverage for themselves and their family after retirement with no age restrictions, and has a guaranteed acceptance if applied for within 60 days of leaving an existing group plan. Below are just some of things Manulife has in the plan that are covered:
- Vision
- Hospital benefits
- Homecare and nursing
- Hearing aids
- Drug coverage
- Ambulance
The FollowMe plan from Manulife has now added travel coverage to this plan from up to 30 days per trip and coverage up to $5,000,000.00 in emergency medical expenses while travelling. FollowMe is a great plan for those who after their retirement benefits cease will be able to continue to purchase their medications, and in case of an emergency their hospital stay and ambulance ride without having to put a hole in your pocket.
Education
Roman recently attended the Dynamic LIVE due diligence conference where he utilised the opportunity to spend time with award-winning portfolio managers and hear their opinions on the markets and portfolios under management. Roman took a lot of valuable insight home with him covering areas such as the economy and financial markets. This worthwhile expense provides a unique opportunity to get a better understanding with regards to the financial markets and receive firsthand details from the managers responsible for many of our client’s investments. Roman applies the strategies, opinions and impressions to client recommendations. The experience provides an invaluable opportunity for insight to be able to better service and advise clients.
October 1—International Day of Older Persons When we think of October, we think of Canadian Thanksgiving, turkey and dressing, and finally, the ghosts and goblins of Halloween. I suspect that few of us know that October 1 is recognized each year as the International Day of Older Persons. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990, and first observed October 1, 1991, this day has been set aside to raise awareness of issues impacting members of our aging society. This year, the theme is: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.” The sad reality is that it appears we still need to be reminded of the value and contributions of this large, significant, and growing segment of our population. Ageism in its blatant and subtle forms remains evident throughout our societies. Ageism refers to the discrimination against persons based on their age, and is often applied toward older persons. Many believe that a person's value has a 'best before' date attached to their age. It is insidious, and if left unchecked, has a destructive influence on one's sense of self worth, validity, and overall health. Intentional or not -- the impact is the same. Think about the birthday cards we buy and the jokes that make us laugh. Think about the sales clerk or service professional who speaks through an adult child, minimizing and ignoring the older parent. Think about our assumption that cognitive decline must be in play simply because we do not agree with a specific decision or choice made by a person of advancing years. I have personally made many 'unfortunate' choices throughout my lifetime, and would like to know what magic number exists where that is no longer an acceptable experience in my life journey. Ageism is expressed at individual, societal, institutional, and system levels. We often don't even recognize it until it hits us within our personal sphere. It is easier to recognize when we stand back and ask ourselves, "would I think, believe, and act this way toward a younger adult?" Not always easy questions, but we must never lose the courage to explore and challenge.
The more we consider and examine, the quicker we'll move from "Stepping into the Future" to "Commemorating our Present commitment to Tapping the Talents, Contribution and Participation of Older Persons." All transformation starts in the hearts and minds of a handful of people. Gradually, and with time and persistence, it expands and evolves to a changing worldview. We don't have to wait for others to take on the cause. Both booming voice and quiet intention will make a difference. Choose your method and choose your path, while we invite you to join the call to change how the world sees and beholds older persons. Together we can progress from a future-based inspirational vision, to a present-day celebration of achievement and sustainability! Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA, Founder and CEO, Age-Friendly Business®
Tip of the Quarter
Always Stay Curious “Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.” Albert Einstein
This newsletter was prepared by Roman A. Groch who is a registered representative of Investia Financial Services Inc. (a member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada and the MFDA Investor Protection Corporation). This newsletter is not a publication of Investia Financial Services Inc. and the views and opinions, including any recommendations, expressed in this newsletter are those of Roman A. Groch alone and not those of Investia Financial Services Inc.
Investia Financial Services Inc. does not provide income tax preparation services nor does it supervise or review other persons who may provide such services.