How did you choose your advisor?

Mary Lynn Robertson

73, retired business owner and grandmother of three, Woodstock, N.B.

I contacted a highly recommended advisor, and he passed me on to a colleague—probably because I didn’t have much to invest. I like the referred advisor because I could easily talk to him without feeling intimidated. In fact, his mother is in a similar position to me—late to start investing—so he understands my concerns.

John Mackie

60s, musician and dog lover, Toronto

I don’t use an advisor because I don’t place a lot of trust in the industry—in either advisors or investments. Giving money to someone and expecting a lot back feels like gambling. Instead, I invest conservatively on my own at the bank.

Aaron Dalton

44, gamer and coder, Calgary

I found my advisor by using my insurance provider’s find-a-planner tool. I chose the highest-rated advisor and liked him immediately. He was willing to meet with me and my wife in our home and explain his role, how he gets paid and his obligations to us. He’s a good listener and happily answers our questions without pressuring us. He explained that we qualified for an RDSP and helped us get the extra life insurance we needed. Now, I feel less financial stress.