Our Process
We differentiate ourselves with a unique process and operating principles. Here are the key elements:
- Engagement Letter – we sign, with the client, an engagement letter setting out the scope and purpose of our engagement.
- Privacy Policy – we have developed and adhere to a strict “Privacy Policy”.
- Disclosure – we provide disclosure of whom we deal with, how we are paid, and what services are provided.
- Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL) – we embrace the regulations in communications with clients and advisors.
- E&O – we subscribe to the industry’s highest standard for coverage.
- Market and Products – we access the entire marketplace and most every product available.
- We work with your Team of Advisors – we do not bring our own unless requested.
- Back up professional support and underwriting expertise – we engage industry experts, including an in-house actuary.
- Expert Staff – the planning professionals, and key staff on our team have many years of experience, much of at the advanced level.
- Business Continuity – we have put in place a business succession plan to provide continuity of service for our clients through the next generation.
- Cyber security – we have a “double back up” secure system and firewall protection to minimize and respond to cyber attacks and ransom ware.
- Experience, Reputation, and Professional Relationships –our most valuable strengths.
We have been operating for almost 10 years and would be pleased to provide references.
Our Principles
These are the principles and standards we follow in our business. Nothing less. No compromise. No hidden agenda. Total Transparency.
RFG follows the fiduciary standard and put you first
You want an advisor who is a true fiduciary, which means someone who looks out for your best interest and puts it above his or her own. Fiduciaries make the right decisions for you, even when it costs them. Ask potential advisors if they follow the fiduciary standard.
Doing what’s in the client’s best interest is broader than matching him or her with the right financial product. “A great planner needs to get clients to explore all reasonable opportunities,” Garrett says. Part of a planner’s job is finding out what the client wants, even if the client isn’t quite sure.
RFG is transparent about how we get paid
It’s critically important to understand how your financial advisor gets paid: by you, by big financial firms for putting you into certain products, or something in between.
The best advisors are clear upfront about how they’re compensated. And the best scenario is that they’re compensated by you, not the big financial firms. Some people who call themselves financial advisors may be paid in a way that creates a conflict of interest, and you don’t want that conflict.
RFG focuses on motivating you the decision maker
The best financial advisors not only develop a financial plan for you, they also help you stick to it. They energize and motivate you to meet your goals. The best financial plan in the world won’t matter unless you have the determination to see it through, and that means a long-term commitment measured in years.
“The most important role of the financial advisor is to help a client get the most out of their financial lives — be the most effective catalyst for them, light the fire under the client.
The most important role of the financial advisor is to help a client get the most out of their financial lives — be the most effective – be the most effective catalyst for them.
Motivation also means keeping clients calm when the markets zig and zag, as they inevitably do. The best advisors focus on behavioral finance reinforcing clients’ good behavior, managing their expectations and making sure they’re not chasing performance.
Importantly, find an advisor whose motivational style works for you.
RFG supports the type of business relationship you are seeking
When you hire a financial advisor, you want to be absolutely clear on the relationship. Whom will you work with? How often will you meet? How will you pay the advisor?
The best advisors provide pre-engagement disclosures. They provide a plain-English summary about the relationship, the services and products, and how the client will pay for those products.” The best advisors will also show you any conflicts of interest they might have.
The best advisors provide a plain-English summary about the relationship, the services and products, and how you will pay for them.
The best financial planners are interested in your welfare and will clearly detail what you need to know before you decide. Investigate the advisor beforehand online. Invest some time interviewing them. Take your time. Don’t let anybody rush you.”
They shape a plan that meets your needs
Everyone walks into an advisor’s office with a different situation, goals and expectations. The best advisors listen to you and shape a financial plan around your requirements.
The best financial advisors have the ability to connect and get to know what clients really need as quickly and efficiently as possible. The advisor must actively listen and empathize with the client, structure a plan around client needs and then show how the plan fits together.
The best advisors aren’t the most brilliant — they’re the one most appropriate for you.