Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our best work is done with people who recognize that working with us helps them achieve their goals, while allowing them to focus on what's important. We provide the support and guidance that our clients need - often when things are not going well. If you're not sure if we would be the right fit for you as your financial planning team, book an introductory meeting with us so we can learn more about each other and determine if we would be a good match.

  • While some firms do require you have a minimum amount of assets to become a client, we do not have any minimum requirements. We only ask that our clients allow us the privilege of handling all aspects of their financial lives as this allows us to provide the best possible level of service.

  • Insurance

    We are compensated by sales commission on policies we sell and may receive a renewal (or service) commission on policies that remain active. Commissions are paid by the insurance company that provides the product you purchased. For certain products such as, Solutions Banking™ brand products and Canada Life mortgages, we may receive a referral fee. If our sales reach a certain level, we may be eligible for additional compensation, such as bonuses, and other benefits. For insurance business placed through an MGA, compensation may be received from both the insurer and the MGA. MGAs may also provide additional benefits including professional conferences and related travel expenses.

    Investments

    For segregated funds and individual mutual fund accounts under $10K, we receive a service fee or trailer which helps compensate us for the ongoing maintenance of your accounts. This fee is an embedded cost and for mutual funds, it is contractually not able to be negotiated.

    For individual mutual fund accounts above $10K, we are able to be more flexible with our fees through the use of fee-based investments. Our unique program reduces fees based on level of household assets as well as number of years in the program;

    • $10K to $100K Dealer/advisory fee of 0.95%

    • $100K to $250K Dealer/advisory fee of 0.9%

    • $250K to $500K Dealer/advisory fee of 0.85%

    • $500K to $750K. Dealer/advisory fee of 0.8%

    • $750K to $1M Dealer/advisory fee of 0.75%

    • $1M to $1.5M Dealer/advisory fee of 0.7%

    • $1.5M to $2M Dealer/advisory fee of 0.65%

    • $2M to $3M Dealer/advisory fee of 0.6%

    • $3M+ Dealer/advisory fee of 0.55%

    Along with this, we incorporate a “loyalty” reward program. Once an account for a client in a fee-based plan reaches five years, we “reward” them with a reduction in their dealer/advisory fees of 0.05%. This is done every five years that a client is with us.

    Special notes - we cannot go below 0.5% regardless of values or length of time invested for contractual reasons. Investment fees are set at the discretion of We Listen Financial. The above fee structure is used as a guide and is not guaranteed.

    Important information about mutual funds is found in the Fund Facts document. Please read this carefully before investing. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Unit values and investment returns will fluctuate.

  • The primary focus of our practice is the financial planning work that we do for our clients. We build full financial plans that act as a "roadmap" to help clients make decisions that will help them reach their destination. The products we recommend are the resulting output of the financial plans and are the tools that help clients achieve their goals.

    Services

    • Personalized financial plans that are unique to you

    • Regular meetings and discussions to make sure you’re still on track

    • Referrals to other service providers

    • Financial advice - we’re always here to answer your questions

    Investments

    • Mutual funds

    • Segregated funds

    • ETF Wrap Funds

    • Annuities

    Accounts

    • Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)

    • Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)

    • Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)

    • Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs)

    • Non-Registered or Open Investment Plans

    • Locked-In Plans (LIRAs, LIRSPs, LIFs, LRIFs)

    • Corporate Accounts

    • Group Retirement Plans

    Insurance

    • Term Life Insurance

    • Critical Illness Insurance

    • Disability Insurance

    • Long-Term Care Insurance

    • Whole Life Insurance

    • Universal Life Insurance

    • Group Insurance

    • Health & Dental Insurance

    • Travel Insurance

    Other Products and Services

    • Mortgage referrals

    • Individual securities referrals

  • For investments, we are licensed in the sale of Mutual Funds and Segregated Funds and do not offer individual securities at this time. We are licensed with the MFDA (Mutual Fund Dealers Association) and our contracts do not allow us to be licensed with IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). If you are interested in individual stocks, we can refer you to a securities specialist through Canada Life Securities Ltd. For more information, go to the brokerage service landing page.