Learn from a top Canadian Advisor
On March 6, 2024, Snap user Jamie List sat down with Snap Projections for an Advisor interview to share his background and depth of knowledge after working in the Canadian financial services industry for the last 30 years.
Jamie is the co-founder of Bearing Capital Partners, which is a wealth management firm serving emerging affluent clientele, and has spent his career building a multi-disciplinary, team-based financial consulting practice. Jamie has provided planning, investment, and risk management guidance in a multi-family office format to senior executives, professionals and family-owned businesses for over 25 years. Jamie’s professional accreditations include Certified Financial Planner, Canadian Investment Manager, Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, Chartered Life Underwriter, Financial Management Advisor, and Chartered Professional — Strategic Wealth.
Watch the interview
You can watch the Advisor interview recording below.
Questions asked by Snap
Questions asked by Snap during the session include:
- Why did you become an Advisor?
- How did you get started?
- What would you consider the major milestones to reach where you find yourself today?
- How would you describe your practice today?
- Can you share the structure of your practice now?
- Who is your typical client, and what do they want from you?
Questions asked by the audience
Audience questions answered live include:
- I am a CFP 25 years experience plus 2 years online Coaching. I want to establish a fee for services business alone or with other established group. How do I do this?
- What do you think is the biggest factor of your success?
- What is the single most useful information you get from Snap Projections that helps direct your advice for clients?
Audience questions that were answered via email afterward include:
What is a competitive fee for a financial plan?
We charge $1,500 for a plan with only T4income, and $2,500 for a plan if there are corporations and/or trusts involved (i.e. structures other than individuals). Once a planning client is in the system, we charge $500 for a plan update (after 2 years). Also note that, if a client is also paying for another service, such as money management, we don’t charge any planning fees.
What CRM are you using and why?
Microsoft Dynamics because it is incredibly powerful and flexible. Downside is that it is somewhat complex to implement, but it is so flexible that it allows you to build your own modules, etc., to track anything (i.e. not just client contact).
When does he do a letter of engagement? It always seems too early or too late. Also how detailed is the Letter of Engagement without it feeling overwhelming?
Get the engagement signed early. Be clear when you have your initial “get to know you” conversation that you have right from the get-go. Don’t be embarrassed to charge for your time. You advice and insight are worth it.
Do you turn down clients that don’t meet your ideal client profile? If so, how do you do it?
Yes, but keep in mind that your client profile should just be “clients that will grow with you.” For example, I would take a younger person with less assets under management, because I know they will be around longer. So we tend to take most clients, and those that don’t fit the profile usually weed themselves out.
Do you use mutual funds in your wealth planning?
I am licensed as a portfolio manager. We use mutual funds, ETF’s, individual Stocks and bonds, GIC’s, private funds, and options. The only financial instrument we are not licensed to put in client portfolios are futures/forward contracts.
Next steps
Snap Projections is currently being used by thousands of Canadian Advisors, Planners, and Wealth Managers to provide transparent and personalized financial planning. Canadian Advisors can start a 14-day Free Trial of Snap Projections today.
If you’d like to learn more about Snap’s financial planning software, you will find user testimonials, product comparison charts, and third party reviews here.
