It is important that clients understand up front what we should expect from each other, and what kind of process we will go through as we move towards doing business together.

The first meeting should be all about getting information. I need to know your investment experience, and what kind of current investments you are currently holding. Statements should be brought to this meeting, or forwarded in advance, so that I can get a clear picture of your entire financial situation. Are there RRSPs, RIFs/LIFs, RESPs? Other cash accounts? Do you have a pension, and if so, what are the details? What about wills? Insurance? What are your sources of income, and what are the forecast expenditures?

You, on the other hand, will be interested in discussing further my approach and experience. What are my particular areas of expertise? What fees are there? Can you access your account on-line? What kind of reports are there? What kind of service levels can you expect? How often will we meet?

During the second meeting, I'll present a plan based on the needs and goals we discussed in the first meeting, which takes into account your income and risk tolerances. I'll go through it step-by-step, checking to see if it matches your requirements. Once we've gone through the plan and everything is in order, we can do the paperwork and open an account.