IG Intro

Editor's Notes

• #2: “ Here at Investors Group, we work with people of all walks of life and at different life stages. Some people are not familiar with who we are and what we do. What do you know or what have you heard about Investors Group? I would like to take some time and share with you what makes us unique in the industry and why so many Canadians have chosen us as their primary financial institution. ”
• #3: “ Investors Group is a large and well-known company: We are the Canadian pioneer in the financial services industry having developed and nurtured a legacy of trust with Canadian investors for almost 80 years We offer exclusive access to Investors Group’s world class investment management expertise. We are one of Canada’s largest money managers. We serve over 1 Million Canadians, most of whom were referred to us by satisfied clients. We have more than 400 offices coast to coast – in the event that you move we can refer you to another IG Consultant in your new location so that you will have no interruption in your plan or your investments. We are a member of Power Financial Corporation Group of Companies. We definitely know what we are talking about and what we do best. Do you feel comfortable in working with a company of this size and experience” Additional Questions: “ How did you first hear of us?” “ Do you have any other questions or comments about the strength and size of Investors Group?”
• #4: “ As we move through the various life stages, we know that at some point in time, we all face financial challenges of one kind or another. This is the reason why people work with Investors Group. They may feel they pay too much tax, are concerned about not have enough retirement income, have experienced a loss in purchasing power or simply overwhelmed with managing day-to-day cash flow”. The information here was taken directly from a 2008 study of Canadians PMG Intelligence. These individuals were asked to share their financial goals and thoughts about planning for their retirement. The segments in the pyramid represent their responses: Only 25% of those surveyed believe they are “Extremely Ready to retire. 38% believe they are somewhat ready 25% are not sure 7% say they are not particularly ready 5% confirm that they are not at all ready In other words, 75% of Canadians do not believe they are ready to retire. “ How do you feel? Which of these responses fit you? Would you rather be more prepared and create the freedom to retire when you’re ready to? There are a lot of strategies we can discuss to help you become financially independent. I am here to ensure that you take advantage of all the tools available. We will discuss that more in a moment. Additional Questions/Comments: “ Are there any other points here that jump out at you?” “ How do you feel about the taxes you pay?” “ Do you have a plan in place to take care of yourself and others perhaps when you are no longer able to?” “ A lot of Canada’s seniors did not have the ability to put money into RSP’s or pension plans and now have to live off CPP & OAS – do you know of any senior citizen that is in this situation?” “ Do you have concerns about having enough money to fund your retirement and that the money will last as long as you do?” Bridge to next slide/page: “ So why are Canadians so concerned? There are probably many reasons but perhaps it’s because keeping up takes time and we are all very busy.”
• #5: “ Let’s think about how challenging life can be sometimes trying to balancing career and family and other demands. We are constantly bombarded with information – news, Internet, magazines, friends, billboards all offering advice about financial planning, investments and products. Add to that – CRA changing the rules once we have just figured them out (do you still do your tax return?) and then we have the global impacts to be concerned with as well.” Questions/Comments: “ What would you be doing if you didn’t have to keep up with this information?” “ How much time do you spend reviewing your financial situation? Weekly, monthly, annually?” “ Where do you get your financial information?” “ Who do you get your financial information from?” Bridge to next slide/page: “ We want to ensure that you are spending time doing the things you enjoy doing (golf, gardening, etc.). One of Investors Group’s key strengths is that we take the time to put together the pieces of the puzzle in understandable terms so this can be accomplished.”
• #6: “ The reason why we have over 1 million clients is because we take the time to… Ask the right questions to find out what’s important to you in the short-term (today) and in the long-term (future). Has anyone taken the time to understand what’s important to you? Would you like to see this happen? Make it easy to find good answers . We drawn upon our own professional knowledge and experience as well as the depth of expertise from a team of Investors Group specialists that are available to me not only at the Region Office but also through our Head Office support system. Depending on your needs and requirements I can consult with the investment, insurance, mortgage, tax and or estate planning specialists to clarify and assist with the recommendations I make to you. Design a financial plan that meets your needs . We provide complete financial solutions customized to your unique situation, which I will be explaining shortly. Do you have a written Financial Plan in place? Would you like to see this happen?” Additional Questions/Comments: “ Do you currently work with any other professionals…. Financial advisor, lawyer, accountant, tax preparer or friend, co-worker?” “ Who gives you financial planning advice?” Bridge to next slide/page: “ This is all part of The Plan™ by Investors Group. Today (tonight) I’m going to only be doing two things: I’m going to ask you questions and I’m going to be a good listener. I’m not here to sell you anything. Now let’s take a look at how we determine where you are and where you want to go…”
• #7: “ I want to point out that this is a very important page of my presentation. What makes us unique and different in the industry and from the competition is the way we work with our clients. We recognize individual differences because we know that financial independence is different things to different people.” “ This commitment is a two-way street and requires us to work together in the following way: We will spend time later today exploring your goals and concerns , what you want to do, when you want to do it and who you want to do it with. We will determine a time frame for your objectives – are they shorter-term (within the next year), more mid-term (say the next 3-5 years) or are they longer-term (greater then 6 years). We’ll see where you are right now by looking at your income and expenses (your obligations), your net worth, insurance coverage, your Will and Power of Attorney, as well as your current taxes and investments. Are you comfortable with this? I want you to feel comfortable so that when I put your plan together, you know you are well taken care of.” Bridge to next slide/page: “ My job is to look at everything. We break down our data-gathering into six areas.”
• #8: “ Our discussions will center around these six disciplines of financial planning so that when I return with recommendations the pieces will begin to come together. You will have a written plan based on your unique situation! Take a moment to review these six disciplines. Is there one or two areas that is a concern? The questions you see here are some of the questions I will be thinking of and possibly asking for more details on as we go through the data gathering process. Are any of these questions on your mind or relevant to you at this time?” Bridge to next slide/page: “ This process is all about you. If you are comfortable with me and Investors Group in general, I’m going to ask you to do a two-part exercise shortly.”
• #9: “ Part A is looking at what is important to you (Goals & Concerns Checklist). Part B is taking a look at where you are today – realities of your current situation – your lifestyle, income needs, net worth and obligations. Together we will explore all the opportunities and the end goal is to give you the peace of mind that comes with a solid financial plan suited to your unique situation.” Bridge to next slide/page: “ I want to explain the working relationship I have with my clients…”
• #10: “ When you succeed, we succeed as a company. That is another reason why we are the largest Financial Planning Company in Canada. You can see today is not just about sorting through the maze, and answering some of your questions. We are looking at a long-term relationship that will require that we have regular contact. We will discuss those expectations and commitments once we know what we need to do to implement your financial plan. We need to be able to feel free to contact one another when there are changes or concerns and at a minimum meet at least once a year. From time to time we may need to adjust the allocation of your portfolio depending on the time frame of your goals and I’ll be glad to work with your existing advisors or refer to you to one if necessary.” Bridge to next slide/page: “ We provide individuals (and companies) with complete financial services. For almost 80 years, we have led the Canadian financial services industry through innovation, stability and strength.”
• #11: “ The key to reaching your financial goals is proper management of your investment portfolio. As an Investors Group client, you will have exclusive access to our family of funds and global team of investment management professionals located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. These professionals work closely with a talented pool of analysts, providing a strong research foundation to support and enhance solid investment management decisions. We put all of this experience and expertise to work for you through Symphony™, our scientific approach to strategic investment planning. Symphony uniquely combines our extensive analysis of over 50 years of fund and market performance data, powerful analytical tools and the insight of our investment professionals to create your personalized investment portfolio. Our substantial resources, decades of experience and global reach enable us to offer funds for every investment objective. With over 160 funds to choose from, we can build a well-diversified portfolio customized to meet your needs and withstand the test of time.” Bridge to next slide/page: “ Investors Group has driven the Canadian financial services industry for decades, from releasing the first mutual fund in Canada, to its first equity fund, to its first Japanese fund. We consistently produce results for each client without compromising his/her acceptable level of risk. Let’s take a look at some of the additional products and services we may use to fit your needs…”
• #12: “ This speaks to the scope of Investors Group’s products and services: Investments – We have a broad range of investment options to suit your investment, income and allocation objectives. We offer stocks and bonds as well as the opportunity to consolidate your investments over to one management company and Consultant, through Investors Group Securities Inc. Insurance – Based on your requirements, be it personal, estate, or for business, we have partnered up with some of the top names in the insurance industry. Lending – We also provide Solutions Banking, which offers clients a full array of cash management options including mortgages, loans and ATM access. Banking – With Solutions Banking, additional cash management options offered to clients include personal accounts such as chequing and savings, as well as credit cards. World Class Choices – These are the companies we have partnered with in order to provide you with a broad range of management styles and options, therefore providing you with some unique privileges (e.g. You can transfer between the different fund families without incurring a fee). Specialists – Along with IG offering the support of in-house specialists (mortgage, advanced financial planning, IGSI, etc.) all of our partners provide us with specialists to answer more highly specialized questions and to provide us with current information and updates.” Questions/Comments: “ Are there any names here that you don’t recognize?” “ Do you own any products from any of our partners?” Bridge: “ My role is to provide an objective recommendation and solution that is in your best interest, not mine. Do you see us working together and moving forward?”