No two life journeys are alike, and your financial plan should be just as unique as you are. CFP® professionals and QAFP® professionals are committed to helping Canadians navigate all of life’s moments.

Financial planners can ensure you understand how your finances work, simplify your financial decisions, and help you feel more confident about reaching your goals.

Learn more: what is the financial planning process?

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No matter which life goals matter most to you, the key to reaching them lies in intentional planning. Here are a few practical strategies to help:

Achieving Your Life Goals Through Financial Planning

What does a financial planner cost? How do they decide what to charge me?

Financial planners earn money in different ways, and the cost of their services can depend on what they do for you, how you plan to engage them, and where they may work. Are you looking for a one-time consultation or are you hoping for someone to help you manage and monitor your progress? Here are some ways you may pay a planner for their services:

  • Fee-based
    • Hourly rate: an agreed-upon hourly fee, where you are billed a set rate per hour agreed to in your Terms of Engagement document
    • Set dollar amount based on the services provided, such as the development of a financial plan and maintaining and updating your plan over time
    • Assets under management (AUM): planners receive compensation based on the amount of money (your investments) they manage on your behalf
  • Commission-based
    • Planners receive a commission for a financial product, such as mutual funds or insurance, they sell to you
 
Canadians agree working with financial professionals helps them: understand how finances work, simplify financial decisions, feel more confident about their finances

The FP Canada Money & Milestones Survey

Why does this matter?

It’s important to know how your planner gets paid and how much their help costs. This lets you have a complete understanding of your working relationship. Your financial planning professional will explain how they are paid, helping you make smart choices and feel confident in your decisions.

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Determining what you can afford in the present while safeguarding your long-term interests requires careful consideration.

Six Ways to Balance your Financial Priorities

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