For departments operating under First Group of Companies, including First Credit Union and First Wealth Management, providing solutions and helping members and clients achieve their financial goals is the top priority.
Since the wealth management team from Westview Agencies moved into second floor offices at the First Credit Union building last October, the number of services offered under one roof have been enhanced, which has proven beneficial for all members and clients.
“At some financial institutions, not all your needs are met in one place,” says financial services representative Kelly Guild. “We are a one-stop shop for members; they can come in for basic banking or more complex lending, insurance, investing or financial planning needs. That convenience is important for our members.”
Within the branch, beyond assisting with everyday banking, the member services department helps members with their registered products, such as RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts. Members are also able to sit down with a representative and talk about the full scope of their financial requirements.
“From there we can elevate their service within the branch to wealth management,” says Guild. “It just goes that extra step for the financial health of our members.”
According to mutual funds representative Barb Cooper, one area that differentiates First Credit Union from other financial institutions is the planning and advice offered.
“We have a lot of resources to choose from,” says Cooper. “All the departments work together and focus on providing the right products, advice and solutions for our members."
Whether members are looking for segregated funds, mutual funds, term deposits, or high-interest savings accounts, First Group of Companies is able to provide the right options. One way this can be accomplished is by using an integrated financial blueprint process to determine and create a successful financial path for members, while providing them guidance along the way.
“We take the time to sit down with and know our members, find out what their goals, dreams and plans are, and help them to accomplish them more efficiently, in ways they might not have thought of or understood before,” says CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Scott Kovacs.
Cooper says that by working with a financial services professional and talking about their aspirations, a plan comes together to help members get there.
“We are all here to help people become organized and stay on track in achieving their financial goals,” she adds.
Each situation is unique and not all goals and dreams are the same. Strategies and recommendations are based on each member’s particular needs as they go through transitions in their lives.
“Life is always evolving; members deal with one situation, and as their life changes, we need to talk about the next step in the plan,” says Kovacs. “We are able to offer support through all the stages, whether it involves a child’s future education, retirement or life insurance.”
While knowledge and expertise is shared among each department in order to provide the highest level of advice, sharing of personal information remains fully at each member’s discretion.
“With a member’s permission, we can share information to enhance what we can do for them,” says Cooper. “Accessing all the expertise available is an advantage.”
With a new year just underway and many people still setting resolutions or desiring a fresh start, Kovacs says it is a perfect time to talk about and make financial decisions.
“People are more motivated at this time of year to sit down and have a conversation about getting on track,” he says. “A financial blueprint is a great place to start.”
For more information, call 604.485.6206, go to firstcu.ca, or drop by the branch at 4721 Joyce Avenue.
Mutual funds and securities-related financial planning services are offered through Qtrade Asset Management Inc., Member MFDA.
