3DDOAYLSLAORNLY
KINGS VS
RU$H!
ALBERNI VALLEY TONIGHT AT 7:15 PM
$1, $2, $3 AND MORE
FREE HOME DELIVERY
JANUARY 22 TO 24 SEE FLYER FOR DETAILS 34ELw13
CANADIAN TIRE 604.485.4649
prpeak.com
Friday.January 22.2016 • Vol. 21 No. 13
HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS 4493F MARINE AVE • 604.485.5352
Canada Post Agreement 40069240
tempcohvac.com
Achieving your goals
A PEAK AT WEDNESDAY
First Credit Union and Westview Agencies build strong financial foundations • Disappointed outdoor enthusiasts respond to closure of Lois Lake boat ramp • Creative, communitybased solutions to the rising cost of fruit and vegetables • Other content: News Community Sports Culture Business Opinions
prpeak.com
SCENE AROUND TOWN Page 19
FLYERS INSIDE Canadian Tire London Drugs* Pacific Point* Quality Foods RONA* Safeway* Save-On-Foods Shoppers Drug Mart* Staples* Tempco* The Source* * Selected distribution
8
06 21 6 00 00 1
4
At a time of year when most people are thinking about financial goals and making investment decisions, First Group of Companies uses its financial blueprint as part of its wealth management offering at First Credit Union ( FC U ) a nd We s t v ie w Agencies. “Having a strong financial foundation is the base for ensuring short- and long-term goals can be met,” says Scott Kovacs, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® at FCU. “It’s about having a conversation, giving advice, looking at the big picture and drafting a financial blueprint to help you get there.” Existing and new clients are taken through the financial foundation checklist to ensure all areas of their personal finances are discussed, from budgeting and cash flow, to risk management, life insurance, investment a llocation, retirement planning and estate planning. “Each member’s life stage often determines what is of greater financial priority,” says FCU personal account manager Katryna Lawry. “A young family starting out may be looking at saving for a house in the future, but retirement planning may not be a priority at the present time.” With a young family, life insurance is something that should be taken into consideration. This is an example where the FCU team utilizes the close relationship shared with Westview Agencies team members; leveraging the
expertise they have to find the best options for clients when it comes to their life insurance needs. “We may work in separate offices but the philosophy and approach we take with our members and clients is the same,” says Katryna. “We go through the financial foundation checklist to assist us and them, to understand their financial goals,” explains Randall Smisko, life insurance agent at Westview Agencies. “Once we understand their goals we are able to draft a financial blueprint to help them get there.” Whether people are just starting out or already retired, the wealth management team inv ites them to come in and have their financial foundation checked. “You may discover that it is solid, but perhaps there are a few areas you can build upon,” says Barbara C o o p e r, i n v e s t m e n t specia list at West v iew Agencies. “Sitting down with one of us can help determine where clients are at and help them going forward financially,” adds Randall. “We want to see our clients be successful and do well. The financial blueprint is a tool we use to help make that happen.” During volatile times, many people have questions and feelings of uncertainty when it comes to their finances. Receiving i n for mat ion, a nswers, guidance and options, regardless of your investment philosophy, is im-
Wealth management team First Group of Companies wealth management team members [left to right] Barbara Cooper, Randall Smisko, Scott Kovacs, Katryna Lawry and Gilles Patenaude guide clients through important financial decisions and offer a comprehensive approach in helping them achieve financial goals.
portant for everyone. The wealth management team will host a seminar on Tuesday, February 2, from 6:30-8:30 pm at Vancouver Island University, featuring a representative from NEI Funds (Northwest Funds and Ethical Funds) delivering a presentation about socially responsible investing. “This is an area that is gaining interest across the industry, and we felt it was important to highlight it, because it is not always just about what product you buy or invest in, but how your money is invested within that product too,” says Scott.
During the seminar, Scott will also present on a topic relevant to the season. “If someone has a question about RRSPs or taxfree savings accounts, they should come and listen to the reasons as to why they should be doing one or the other or perhaps even both,” says Scott. With the RRSP contribution deadline approaching, now is a perfect time for current and new clients to schedule a visit with a member of the team. “If people want to start the year off right, the first thing is recognizing what a professional can provide,” says Barbara. “They
should take action and make an appointment.” To spea k w ith a First Gr oup of C ompa n ie s wealth management team member, call First Credit Union at 604.485.6206 or Westview Agencies at 604.485.7931. More information is available online at west v iewagencies.ca and firstcu.ca. Mutual funds and securities related financial planning services are offered through Qtrade Asset Management Inc., Member MFDA.
Advertising Feature If you want your company to make Front Page News, call 604.485.5313.
Professional showcase HD videos at MazurekAndFrost.com $600,000 NEW LISTING
$249,900 NEW LISTING
$360,000 NEW LISTING
$165,000 NEW PRICE
LD SO WE
SELL HOME
S
Mazurek & Frost
NEIL FROST
604.483.6345
AARON MAZUREK
604.414.8699
2040 Edyth • New modern home Subdividable 36.6 acres • Ocean view
3890 Quadra • Ocean view 3-bdrm up • 1-bdrm, second kitchen down
7170 Boswell • Get your home sold! PRHomeValues.ca
4739 Michigan • Fully rented 2-bdrm up • 2-bdrm down • View