WPCA Top 50 Advisor: John De Goey

Name: ​John De Goey

Question: What is your top tip for other advisors? 
Answer: Use reasonable assumptions when doing your  illustrations. In particular, if you’re using high-cost  products, make sure your projections take those costs  into account. If your projects cost 1 per cent less and  your fees are the same, it stands to reason that your  clients’ returns will be about 1 per cent higher – which  is massively impactful over an investor’s lifetime.

Question: What makes a good advisor? 
Answer: I incorporate actual empirical evidence, peer  reviewed research, into my recommendations. That  means using reasonable assumptions and teaching  my clients about the importance of cost. I’m also a  big believer in informed consent, meaning I try hard  to help clients understand the trade-offs involved in  the choices in front of them.

Question: What do you like most about being an  advisor? 
Answer:I like that I can help people achieve their goals  – not only the financial ones – on their terms and  based on their values and priorities. I get to work  with people who have a wide range of perspectives  and experiences. Many are experts in their fields and it is a treat to be able to work with people who are obviously competent in their field,  yet simultaneously in need of advice  in something that isn’t second nature  to them.

Question: What has been the best thing  about the last 12 months? 
Answer: The fact that people out there seem  to “get it” now. I’ve been talking about  professionalism, transparency and the  alignment of advisor and client interests  for over a decade now. I’m finally getting  the sense that the message is taking root.  I love it when a plan comes together!

Question: What are your top tips for gaining, and  retaining, clients? 
Answer: Pay attention and stay connected. Clients need  to know that you’ve got their back and that you’re  always making recommendations based on what’s  best for them.

Question: What targets do you have for the coming  year?  
Answer: Play a significant role in getting the industry to  ban embedded compensation and adopt a statutory  best interests standard. Admittedly, this might take  more than a year, but these are big and impactful  goals, too.

Question: What has been the biggest challenge for  advisors in the last 12 months?
Answer: Nothing springs to mind. I suspect it will be important to temper expectations.

Current:  Associate Portfolio Manager, Burgeonvest Bick Securities Limited
Previous: President of the Board, COCC (2011-2013) Financial Advisor,  Assante Capital Management (1999-2005) Financial Advisor, Equion Group (1993-1999)
Years of Experience: Over 21 years of experience in the financial industry.
ACHIEVEMENTS/RECOGNITIONS: National Multi-Media Awardee, Canadian Association of Financial Planners (2001) Fellow of the FPSC, (2011) Authored “The Professional Financial Advisor I, II, III” (2003, 2006, 2012)
AFFILIATIONS: President/Board of Directors, Canadian Children’s Opera Company (2011-Present) Past President, CAFP- Toronto Chapter
EDUCATION: Certified Investment Manager Certified Financial Planner Masters of Arts-Public Administration, Carleton University (1989-1991) Bachelor of Arts-Political Science, University of Guelph (Graduated with Honours) (1982-1986)
Birthday
Current Town	Etobicoke, Ontario
Hometown
Family
Interests	Running, Professional Hockey, Classic Rock
Other Information

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