Frequently Asked Questions
— Financial Services in Quebec
From insurance and investments to tax planning and mortgages — straightforward answers to what clients ask most. My goal is clarity and confidence.
General
What should I prepare for the first consultation?
Basic info on income, assets, liabilities, existing policies/accounts. This helps me give relevant, personalized advice.
Can we work fully online?
Yes. Google Meet, phone, or email. In-person meetings are available on request.
How fast do you respond?
Typically within 24–48 hours, often the same day.
Do you work outside Quebec?
I am licensed in Quebec. For clients in other provinces, I provide referrals and coordinate when appropriate. Travel insurance options may be available Canada-wide via approved carriers.
Are you independent or tied to one insurer/bank?
Independent. I compare multiple Canadian insurers/lenders available in Quebec and disclose compensation/conflicts when relevant.
Do you coordinate with my accountant/notary/lawyer?
Yes. I lead the case and bring in your tax/legal professionals when needed so the plan fits Quebec rules and your goals.
Investments
What accounts can you help with?
FHSA, RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, NR and non-registered accounts.
What are investment loans?
Borrowed funds (e.g., through Manulife Bank) invested with a disciplined plan. Used carefully, often for RRSP contributions or long-term portfolios.
How does leverage work?
You invest borrowed capital; returns compound on a larger base. Suitability depends on risk tolerance, time horizon, and cash-flow stability.
Key risks?
Market declines, interest costs, margin requirements, and the need to service debt. We model scenarios and stress-test before proceeding.
Can loans integrate with RRSP or insurance strategies?
Yes. Structuring can support RRSP top-ups or insurance-linked lending when appropriate.
What are investment loans and key risks?
Using leverage (e.g., Manulife Bank) to invest. Risks: market drops, interest costs, and servicing debt. We stress-test before proceeding.
Flow-through shares - do you help?
Yes via referral, for suitable profiles seeking tax deductions with higher risk/complexity. Coordination with a tax expert required.
Which accounts and tax slips should I expect?
Registered and non-registered (FHSA, RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, NR). Slips may include RRSP receipts, T3/T5 and Quebec Relevés; TFSA is non-deductible.
Insurance
How do I get insurance in Quebec?
Book a free consultation. I compare policies from leading Canadian insurers that operate in Quebec and recommend options for your goals and budget.
Does Canadian insurance work in the USA?
With the right travel coverage, Quebec residents can be protected during trips abroad. We’ll validate the policy terms for your destination and length of stay.
Public vs private coverage — what’s the difference?
RAMQ covers many essentials, but not all. Private plans can add prescriptions, dental, vision, and paramedical services.
Do I need life insurance if I have group coverage at work?
Usually yes. Group plans are limited and may end if you change jobs. Personal life insurance keeps protection under your control.
What happens at the medical exam?
Some policies require a short Dynacare exam (≈45–60 minutes) at home or work; results go directly to the insurer.
What types of insurance do you offer?
Life, Health, Disability, Critical Illness, Travel. Group and damage insurance are handled via referral within our team.
Can I get coverage with pre-existing conditions?
Often - via standard/rated policies, exclusions, or simplified/non-medical options. We map realistic choices before applying.
How long does underwriting take?
From instant approval to ~2–6 weeks, depending on product, age, medical checks, and doctor’s reports.
Can I change beneficiaries later (Quebec rules)?
Yes for revocable. Irrevocable needs consent. In Quebec, a spouse named as beneficiary can default to “irrevocable” unless specified.
Should my corporation own the policy?
Depends on purpose (protection, buy-sell, tax). We outline pros/cons and decide with your accountant.
Tax & Financial Planning
Do you provide tax planning?
Yes. I design goal- and tax-aligned strategies and, when needed, involve a tax expert/notary/lawyer. Focus areas include high-income planning and rental property transactions.
How do you charge for planning?
Comprehensive planning: $100–150/hour. For many insurance/investment solutions, compensation may be paid by institutions (no extra fee to you).
What’s included in financial planning?
Tax, retirement, estate, debt & risk management, budgeting, and cash-flow — coordinated with your mortgage, investment, and insurance decisions.
What does “goal- and tax-aligned” planning mean?
We design insurance/investment/mortgage choices to reduce tax drag, preserve estate value, and smooth cash-flow - coordinated with your tax pro.
Selling a rental - what should I plan for?
Timing of sale, capital gains, eligible expenses, and cash for tax. We prep scenarios and your accountant finalizes reporting.
I’m incorporated - salary or dividends?
It depends on income stability, RRSP room, CPP/QPP, and corporate tax. We frame options; your accountant confirms the mix.
Mortgages & Banking
Do you help with mortgages?
Yes. Residential and commercial solutions directly or via trusted brokers; I coordinate the case end-to-end.
Do you advise on reverse mortgages?
Yes. I explain mechanics, costs, and fit within your retirement plan and cash flow.
Can you assist with banking products?
Yes. Manulife personal/business accounts and Visa credit cards (online or PDF application).
What should I know about penalties and portability?
Prepayment penalties and portability vary by lender/term. I model total cost (including penalty vs new rate) before you decide.
When does a reverse mortgage make sense?
When staying in your home matters and you need tax-efficient cash-flow. We test sustainability, costs, and estate impact first.
Can you align my mortgage with tax and cash-flow planning?
Yes. We structure debt vs assets, payment schedule, and buffers so the plan is resilient.
Still have
questions?
I’ll give you clear answers and a financial strategy that fits your goals. Your first consultation is free.
Licensed in Quebec (AMF/CSF). Information is educational and not tax or legal advice. Where appropriate, I coordinate with your professional advisors.