Since Christopher Dewdney, CFP®, CLU®, CHS, CPCA, EPC, ICD.D founded the firm in 2016 — after more than a decade in practice — we have operated with a single conviction: that the families, executives, and business owners who place their trust in us deserve more than a plan. They deserve a partner.
01
Establish the Relationship
Before any planning begins, we establish the terms of our relationship — clearly, in writing, and with full transparency. We define the scope of our engagement, document the responsibilities of both parties, disclose our compensation fully, and identify any actual or potential conflicts of interest. This step is not administrative procedure — it is the foundation of a professional relationship built on trust.
02
Collect Information
The quality of a financial plan is determined entirely by the quality of its inputs. We invest significant time gathering not only the quantitative data — income, assets, liabilities, insurance, investments, tax returns — but the qualitative information that defines what the numbers are actually for. What does retirement mean to you? What are your fears? What have previous advisors missed?
03
Identify Goals, Needs & Priorities
Not everything a client wants is what they need. And not everything they need is what they would prioritize if left to their own devices. This step is where we help you get clear — distinguishing between immediate needs, medium-term objectives, and long-term aspirations, and ranking them in a way that your financial plan can actually honour.
04
Analyse & Assess
This is where the expertise of our team earns its value. Using the information gathered and the goals identified, we conduct a rigorous, multi-disciplinary analysis across all six financial planning areas: financial management, tax, investment, risk, retirement, and estate. We identify gaps, inefficiencies, exposures, and missed opportunities — and we model alternative scenarios so that our recommendations are grounded in data, not intuition.
05
Develop & Present Recommendations
Our recommendations are delivered in writing, in plain language, and with the full reasoning behind each one. We do not present a single option and call it a plan. We present integrated strategies, explain the trade-offs between alternatives, and give you the information you need to make genuinely informed decisions. You are always in control of what gets implemented, and when.
06
Implement & Monitor
A plan that is not implemented is not a plan — it is a document. We take responsibility for execution: coordinating with your accountant, lawyer, and other professionals; placing insurance and investment solutions; and ensuring every recommendation moves from paper to practice. We then establish a structured review process — meeting with you regularly, amending the plan as your life evolves.
The Six Financial Planning Areas
I.
Financial Management
Cash flow, net worth, budgeting, and debt management — the foundation on which every other planning discipline rests.
II.
Tax Planning
Strategies to minimize your tax burden across income, capital gains, investments, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
III.
Investment Planning
Portfolio construction and management aligned with your goals, time horizon, risk profile, and overall financial plan.
IV.
Risk Management
A comprehensive review of personal, family, and business insurance needs — ensuring every meaningful exposure is addressed.
V.
Retirement Planning
Projecting your retirement income needs, optimizing savings vehicles, and building a decumulation strategy you can rely on.
VI.
Estate Planning & Legal
Ensuring your wealth is distributed according to your wishes — efficiently, tax-effectively, and with minimal burden on those you leave behind.