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Getting Started

Congratulations – you've found your Certified Financial Planner® professional or Qualified Associate Financial Planner™ professional. You've taken the first step towards building a secure financial future.

Now it’s time to prepare for your first meeting. Organizing your questions and gathering materials ahead of time is the most effective way to help your planner understand your financial circumstances and your unique needs. The first meeting may also require answering some difficult questions about your personal finances and the struggles you’re experiencing with money.

 

Working Together to Plan Your Tomorrow  


Your CFP® professional or QAFP® professional will act as a partner to you over the long haul. Step-by-step, you’ll work together in your journey to financial well-being. To start the process of working with your financial planner, here’s the essential information to bring to your first meeting: 

  • Goals – Your short-, mid- and long-term financial and life goals. If your dream is to retire in the Caribbean, can you afford it? 
  • Your Responsibilities – Current financial responsibilities and those you expect to take on in the future, like putting your kids through university or supporting an aging relative. 
  • Income & Expenses – An overview of your bills, rent or mortgage payments, car payments, credit card bills, and monthly recreational expenses like gym membership or streaming services. If you have a budget, bring that. And some people track their expenses – bring that too. 
  • Documents – Various financial documents like employee benefits, credit card statements, investment statements, RRSP, RESP or TFSA statements and insurance policies. 
  • Assets & Liabilities – Your property, investments and/or inheritances, along with any debts 
  • Tax Information – Bring along a copy of Canadian and any applicable foreign tax returns for the past two years and any corporate tax returns, if applicable. Some planners will want to see tax information for a longer period, depending on your situation. If your income information isn’t clearly captured on your tax returns, be sure to include it separately. 
  • Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner – A list of questions to ensure your planner is the right fit. 

Questions to Ask Your Planner →

 

Confidentiality Matters

Sharing personal information can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Any information you share with a CFP professional or QAFP professional is strictly confidential.

Find out more →

What's next?

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