Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Choose a question from the list below and the answer will appear underneath.
- What is ‘transparency’?
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Transparency is a term that refers to complete financial disclosure (including revealing hidden costs and commissions embedded in a financial product). From a consumer perspective, it means having access to all material facts when considering an investment so that you can determine whether the activities of the company you are investing in are consistent with your own interests, values, etc.
Stand-Up Advisor has high ethical standards and practices full disclosure when advising clients.
- What are the advantages of consulting an independently owned firm?
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Independently owned investment firms are not bound to a specific financial institution or insurance company, therefore having the freedom to “shop” around for the most competitive price of a product or group of products. In the case of insurance, an independent firm can negotiate a customized policy for you, if your needs demand it.
Working with an independently owned firm allows you to purchase customized products you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access on your own, or to comparison shop for the product that gives you the best possible coverage.
- What can I expect from a consultation?
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During the initial consultation, Stand-Up Advisor looks at your global financial situation by conducting a financial needs analysis, a confidential document that takes your income, assets, debts, investments, monthly bills and other details of your financial history into account. The goal of the analysis is to determine a strategy that will help improve your financial standing.
From the financial needs analysis, a customised product proposal is prepared based on findings from the initial meeting and presented to the client for review. During this meeting, all financial details of the products in the proposal are disclosed.
Once the client accepts the proposal, the documents are prepared for the purchase of the product(s).
- How do I know if my investments are legitimate ones?
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Regardless of how much (or how little) you invest, make sure you receive financial statements from the actual company you invest in, not the investment firm that brokered the investment.
- How do I know that I am dealing with a legitimate brokerage house?
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All companies or individuals offering financial services in Québec are required to hold a permit with L’autorité des marches financiers (AMF) and La chambre de la sécurité financière. If an individual or company is not listed in the directories of the AMF and La chamber de la sécurité financière, they are not authorized to practice in Québec.
Links:
L’autorité des marches financiers: http://www.lautorite.qc.ca/index.en.html
La chambre de la sécurité financière: http://www.chambresf.com/en/ - How do I know if my investment or insurance products are really right for me?
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Only a financial specialist can determine whether your financial products are working for you. Through a FREE consultation, Stand-Up Advisor will evaluate your current financial situation and determine whether or not your portfolio best reflects your present income and is in line with your financial goals."
- I have a pre-existing medical condition. Can I still take out life insurance?
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Very few people are unable to find an insurance policy to cover them despite having pre-existing health conditions at the time of inquiry. Even people who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as cancer may be eligible. In this case, it will warrant insurance companies to increase the premium. The amount the premium is increased depends on the insurance company and the type of product, making it all the more important to consult an independently owned firm to search for a suitable product with the lowest possible premium.
- My financial situation has changed over the past year. How can I ensure that my investments are working for me?
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It is very important that an investment advisor analyses your portfolio on a regular basis, especially if your financial situation changes. The reason for this is to ensure that your investments are working for you and that you are continuing to meet your objectives with the products you presently have.
- I am having difficulty managing my debt. What can Stand-Up Advisor do to help me?
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Stand-Up Advisor offers a wide range of strategies to help you get back on your feet and out of debt. Every financial situation is different and the right strategy for you can only be determined after a personalized financial needs analysis has been conducted. Contact us today to arrange an analysis free of charge.
