How do I ensure I have enough money for retirement? How do I limit the impact of market volatility on my investments? How do I protect my hard earned income? How do I support my family should a devastating event occur?
These are common questions asked by many of my clients.
While no one can control the markets, I work closely with my clients to construct a portfolio that meets that meets their individual needs. My process starts by getting answers to questions that include:
- What rate of return will help achieve clients’ personal objectives?
- How much income do we need to generate to allow them to meet their lifestyle needs?
- What level of risk are they able to handle?
I look at my clients overall investment goals and ensure the portfolio I construct has an appropriate mix of cash, bonds, stocks and other securities. I strongly believe that using fixed income (bond ladder, floating rate notes and cash) reduces the volatility of the markets and that a conservative investment philosophy pays off over the longer-term.
My ideal client is someone who is actively engaged in putting a long-term plan into place, with the investment portfolio only one part of the overall financial picture. I utilize the services provided through our subsidiary, Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited*, and work with my clients to develop retirement and estate planning projections which may include solutions to reduce risks in the event of life changes such as premature death and disability.
A Little About Me
When I was a student at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) earning my Administrative Management diploma, a professor/mentor ran an investment club and he taught portfolio strategies inspiring me to invest. The growth of that investment provided the funds to pay for my wedding. It demonstrated the value of the markets to me, beginning my journey to becoming an Investment Advisor. After commuting for 24 years from the Shawnigan Lake area, my wife and I relocated to the Cordova Bay neighbourhood of Victoria in 2013. We enjoy the ocean views with our two adult children. I am currently a member of the Opimian Society, a wine-purchasing club, and other hobbies include hunting, boating and prawning.
I enjoy giving back to my community through organizations such as Rotary International, serving as President of the South Cowichan Rotary Club from 1999-2000, where I am now an honorary life member. Currently, I am the President of the Namaste Transition to Community Society, which runs a day program for people with intellectual disabilities.
One of my fondest achievements is my past involvement with the BC Portfolio Management Challenge which involved mentoring and working with students to manage hypothetical portfolios. This allowed me to teach students my beliefs about portfolio management, and motivate future entrepreneurs/investors. I have been a guest lecturer and mentor to students at Royal Roads University, University of Victoria, and Shawnigan Lake School.
I hold the Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) and Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designations and have taken the Canadian Options and Personal Financial Planning courses through the Canadian Securities Institute.
About Odlum Brown
Odlum Brown Limited is an independent, full-service investment firm providing disciplined investment advice with a singular focus on our clients. Our team helps generations of clients preserve and grow their wealth. We think differently than the crowd. We focus on investing for value, buying quality businesses and not overpaying, then waiting patiently for prices to go up. Keeping your portfolio diversified and focusing on the price allows you to maximize profits and minimize the risk of loss.
*Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products, retirement, estate and financial planning exclusively to Odlum Brown clients.