ABOUT BRIAN
Brian Poncelet is an INDEPENDENT certified financial planner (CFP) working in the financial services industry since 1994.  He serves clients in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto and surrounding areas.  Many of Brian's clients are couples working toward retirement or have already retired.  A large number are self-employed.



A certified financial planner must complete a rigorous examination that covers financial planning, investment planning, family law, risk management and the adherence to a professional code of ethics. The CFP designation is an internationally recognized credential held by almost 100,000 people in 18 countries.

Because Brian is an independent planner, he has no ties to a specific bank or mutual fund company. There is no pressure or incentive for him to sell "in-house" services.  This allows him to seek out the best product in the marketplace according to the specific needs of his clients.

Each prospective client receives a complete financial plan (a $549 value) free!  This includes risk management, insurance needs assessment, tax saving strategies and mortgage advice.

How am I different from other planners? I hope the information on my site has been helpful to you, and that you've learned some important facts about mortgages, retirement planning and life insurance.  However, you may still be wondering "why should I deal with Brian and not someone else?"  I'll tell you.

I Can Help You Find the Right Mortgage I am one of a select few CFPs who can help arrange the mortgage that's right for you - most of my competitors have nothing to do with mortgages.  The reason I can do this is that I work with representatives of established and highly trusted financial institutions.

For the past twelve years, I have been helping people like yourself to save thousands on their mortgage every year with no change to their monthly mortgage payment.  I am one of a few, independent Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) in Southern Ontario who will provide you with a free hard copy financial plan ($549 value!) focused on your mortgage.

Another important difference is that I can help you find a Tax Efficient Mortgage, using what's called Tax-Efficient Debt.  This strategy can be very effective in paying down your mortgage while simultaneously building your savings.  Although the technique is not right for everyone, I will carefully examine your situation and, if possible, help you structure your finances so that you can enjoy the benefits many other Canadians have discovered and Structure Your Mortgage Debt to be more Tax-Efficient!

Straight-talking, real-world advice I believe in giving clients the most realistic and accurate financial analysis and advice possible. I will not make or even suggest any drastic changes to your strategy until I have fully informed you of all the possible pitfalls and risks associated with any given decision.  In particular, I will state upfront that I am not necessarily an advocate of leveraging your mortgage.  In some cases this is appropriate; in others it is not.  As always I will examine your particular situation and tell you whether it's the right path for you.

I won't necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but I will always give you the best advice for your particular financial situation.

Clear Statements When you receive financial statements from me, they will show your rate of return since inception.   Many planners and planners will show only the rate of return in the last year, rather than from the beginning.  This reporting method can be misleading and it does not give you an accurate overall picture of how your investments are performing.

My statements are clear, easy to read, and comprehensive.

Working with your current cash flow When we work together, I can help you improve your financial outlook using your cash flow as it now stands.  Without contributing an extra penny, I can put you in a position to save more money and make smarter mortgage, investment and retirement choices.  I'll show how to max out your RRSP contributions and, where appropriate, try to structure your mortgage debt to be more tax-efficient.  Of course, I will not suggest any changes until I've fully informed you of all the possible pitfalls and risks.

Working with your current bank or broker Even if you are happy with your current bank or mortgage broker, I can still help you.  You can maintain your existing relationships and I can show you additional ways to save money and prepare for your future.

Preparing for the unexpected Let me ask you this.  When you obtain a mortgage through a broker or bank, will they show you a plan that will provide for you in the event of an unexpected income-affecting problem?  For example, job loss or serious injury, say for a year, with zero income.  How about two years?

The truth is that very few banks or brokers are able to get you through a rough spot like this without racking up huge credit card and other debt.  I can put you in a position to endure unanticipated difficulties and make it through to the other side.