4 Way Test

It's important to know what people stand for

The 4-Way Test is OUR WAY Of Doing Business

3 people sitting at a table looking at paperwork and a laptop. Two people with their back to the camera
A group of business people, 2 men and two women. One man and one woman are shaking hands

What is the 4 Way Test?

The 4-way test is a very unique approach to planning, a simple checklist for ethical behaviour

  • Is it the TRUTH?
  • Is it FAIR to All Concerned?
  • Will it Build GOODWILL and Better Friendships?
  • Will it Be BENEFICIAL to All Concerned?

We provide financial planning, investments and retirement planning in Welland. We want to tell you how we go about doing this.

The 4-Way Test embodies exactly those ethical principals which we hold at the core of our business, and gives us a simple way to explain how we go about doing business.

History

The 4-Way Test Association was founded by its author, Herbert J. Taylor, as a non-profit organization in 1959. Members of his family, friends, Rotarians and business associates have served on its board with a mandate to promote use of The 4-Way Test across the globe: 4waytest.org

A man and a woman sitting on a couch, with the man's arm around the woman's shoulders. They are facing a 3rd white haired man who is showing them some paperwork

Who needs it's principals?

When choosing a long-term partner for your families financial security, looking at ethical principals is as important as looking at the books and charts.

  • People trusting a professional with their personal business
  • Anyone planning for a better future
  • Those seeking ethical values from service providers
  • Those seeking knowledge and expertise from others

The Plan

Are you looking for banking, investment, retirement, risk management, education, estate or tax planning?

Having these principals guides not only our practices, but shows you how and why we proceed as we do. Having a plan to do business ethically is safety for you.

Relevance

Of course, we offer financial services, but you can ask others to act in the same way in all aspects of your life.

While it may be less important in some situations, obviously, the more important the service, the greater that security you like to have.

When does it apply

The 4-way test was developed as part of a business improvement program in the 1930's. When would this be applicable to your needs?

  • Instances or subjects of extreme importance
  • Long-term decision-making which is difficult to undo
  • Relationship building and maintenance over long periods

Old Ideas

You may think that an 80+ year olds business principal is outdated, but not so.

Ethical behaviours and transparency both in service and expectations are needed more today than ever. As is often the case, the best ideas are seldom new.

Ask Yourself

Allow yourself to see behind the facts and figures and to see the people involved in your life and decisions.

Ask yourself about trust, honesty, fairness and benefit in all things.

A man with his hand to his chin in a pondering expression. 3 more people are blurred in the background
A man and a woman seated with their backs to the camera, with their head's turned to face each other, smiling. A man blurry in the background is seated behind a desk facing them

Why you should care

In regards to financial and wealth management, you may be interested in the principals of the 4-way test:

  • Because you are trusting someone with your financial future
  • Because trust is as important as expertise and resources
  • Because those willing to make a philosophy a part of their core business are far more likely to follow it
  • Because you should ask what people stand for before you do business with them

We are a financial services team, and we put our cards on the table for our practices and ethics. So much so, that we created this site to demonstrate them openly and for all to see.

Want More Info?

Email us for more on our philosophies, services and practices today