The 6 Best Investment Companies in Ottawa
Personal finance is a topic everyone should be more comfortable discussing. Aside from budgeting and retirement planning, managing investments is an important skill to learn as early as now.
Luckily, we have a list of the best investment companies in Ottawa that can provide you with information as well as investment opportunities to get you started.
Before that, let’s discuss how much investors typically set aside for investment companies.
How Much Do Investment Companies in Ottawa Cost?
Do remember that financial advisors are often free to consult with. They manage your accounts with hopes that they can get a small cut of your financial wealth in the future.
This is why it benefits them to see your investments succeed, as they often make their money by gaining a small percentage of what their clients choose to invest in.
However, as an investor, there are still fees you need to be aware of that can eat into your investment returns. We put a summary of these investment fees in the table below.
| Brokerage fee | $50 to $75 per year |
| Inactivity fees | $50 to $200 per year |
| Trading platform fees | $50 to $200 per month |
| Stock trading fee | $3 to $7 |
| Mutual fund transaction fee | $10 to $75 |
| Expense ratios for mutual funds, index funds, or (exchange traded funds) ETFs | 0.10% of your investment |
| Management or advisory fees | 0.25% – 1% of your assets |
| Front-End Load and Back-End Load or Surrender Charge | 3% – 5% of your investment |
| Annual Account Fee or Custodian Fee | $25 to $90 per year |
The Best Investment Companies in Ottawa
Now that you’re informed about the fees and charges of investment companies, it’s time to get acquainted with the top investment companies in Ottawa.
1. McLean Wealth Creation
| SERVICES | Comprehensive financial plan, investment analysis, wealth creation, wealth management, retirement planning, corporate planning, tax-smart retirement income, strategic tax planning |
| ADDRESS | Carling Executive Park 1565 Carling Ave., Suite 610 Ottawa, K1Z 8R1 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | +1 613-728-0101 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | http://www.mitchmclean.com/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
With the focus on providing high-standard personalized customer service, McLean Wealth Creation takes its time to learn about the client’s goals and inspirations to make a customized wealth plan.
They have set a transparent approach in servicing their clients wherein they commit to abide by the five rules they have listed on their website. These five rules are based upon the four pillars of true financial planning which are the financial plan, investment plan, tax plan & cost cutting, and insurance plan.
The way they plan an individualized solution is particularly astonishing. Through their six-step wealth management process they have simplified and efficiently made a way to increase the client plan’s success rate by thoroughly reviewing, discussing, presenting, and monitoring results.
Successful people manage their finances in a specific way. McLean Wealth Creation has analyzed and distilled that format to create five specific principles better known as “The Five Laws of Wealth Creation.”
Five Laws of Wealth Creation:
- Own a few high quality businesses
- Thoroughly understand these businesses
- Ensure these businesses are domiciled in strong, long-term growth industries
- Use other people’s money prudently
- Hold these businesses for the long run
The largest and most successful institutional investors in the world (i.e., Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Yale Endowment Fund) as well as the world’s wealthiest families create true lasting wealth by investing in a mix of both public and private investments. Their goal is to democratize these private investment opportunities for wealth creation. Complementing your public equity with some private equity can offer a distinct advantage with respect to yield and non-correlation, further boosting your overall portfolio returns.
With everything they have to offer, we truly believe that McLean Wealth Creation is one of the most reliable investment companies in Ottawa. They have great attention to detail, and they are people-oriented. The rates and reviews are also great however the operating hours might differ especially through thanksgiving day.
Pros
- Pre-determined fees
- Offers comprehensive wealth creation plans
- Customized plan for future retirees
Cons
- Two-person financial planning service
- Open on weekdays only
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
Professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive
“Mitch and his team have been amazing! Professional, deeply knowledgeable, highly responsive! I am new to the investment world and he and his team have been incredibly patient, explaining every term and every option until I understand. I entirely trust them to support my financial goals and future .. and I’m so very grateful to have them on my side ” – Erin Leigh
Cannot ask for better service
“My husband and I have been with Mitch for some years now and cannot ask for better service. He has gotten us to a point where financially we feel comfortable and makes sense for our situation. The level of service and professionalism is great. My husband and I will continue our financial with Mitch and see where it will lead us.” – Nathalie Morin
2. Potvin Financial Services Ottawa
| SERVICES | Investment planning, Estate planning, Investment tax planning, Retirement income planning and investment decumulation strategies |
| WEBSITE | https://potvinfinancial.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 117 Centrepointe Dr Unit #320, Nepean, ON K2G 5X3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 224-6561 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Fridays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Customers like you can depend on Potvin Financial Services for personal finances, with a specific focus on investment, estate, and investment tax planning. They also advise their customers’ retirement income planning and investment decumulation strategies.
What makes this investment company one of the best is the focus on the long term and generally recommended risk-based, diversified, and actively managed portfolio investment solutions, designed for today’s complex markets.
The high level of service and support that they provide their customers is reflected in the reviews and feedback of the people they’ve helped along the way.
Potvin doesn’t make stock market predictions. They also don’t recommend timing the markets, which is a trading strategy where you move investment money in and out of markets and switch funds between assets by predicting future market price movements.
Instead, customers will receive recommendations based on a full understanding of your objectives and goals. For anyone looking for a deeply personalized finance strategy, Potvin is ideal.
Visiting their website will further encourage customers to schedule and book an appointment with their financial advisor and president, Kevin Potvin.
For Potvin, speaking in person is much more indicative of the kind of financial service the customer needs than a lot of formulaic information on the website which sometimes tends to be impersonal.
Pros
- Award-winning firm
- Easy scheduling process
- Flexible fee options available
- Choice between commission-based or fee-based for customers
Cons
- Limited information on the services they offer
Customer Reviews
A five-star review from Terra Branchaud via Google says:
“Kevin and staff are amazing! I have been dealing with Potvin Financial for quite a few years and Kevin has always been really great about making sure that whatever financial advice he is giving is with my best interests in mind and not about making money. He is really easy to talk to and will answer any and all questions; of which I have asked a lot! He is incredible knowledgable and the staff are all amazing to deal with as well. Everyone is friendly and very helpful. Would definitely recommend Potvin Financial to anyone!!”
Another review from Kelly Shouldice reads:
“I have been with Potvin Financial Services through many life stages over the past 20 years. Kevin and his team have provided exceptional support throughout this time for all my financial decisions – both big and small! Highly recommend them for honest & straightforward financial guidance.”
3. Adam Schacter CFP, Financial and Investment Advisor
| SERVICES | Financial Planning |
| WEBSITE | https://www.adamschacter.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1565 Carling Ave Suite 610, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 728-0101 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Adam Schacter is a financial and investment advisor with 13+ years of financial experience under his belt. In 2018, he was named a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®), which is the highest honour and most senior credential in Canadian financial services.
What makes him one of the best advisors is his focus on working with his clients to create long-term financial plans that are personalized and that his clients can depend on. He also oversees their portfolio design and ensures they are tax-efficient.
Adam also teaches a lot of accredited courses in financial planning at various levels of expertise both to investors and fellow advisors.
For anyone who needs an advisor for legacy, philanthropy, wealth transfer, retirement planning, and enhancing investment returns, Adam has the track record to help.
He can evaluate his clients’ situation, identify opportunities, and create an action plan in as fast as 15 minutes.
Pros
- Resources are available for free
- Transparent fees
- Award-winning
Cons
- Some financial concerns may be out of their expertise
- Not available 24/7
Customer Reviews
A five-star review from Derek Cheng via Google says:
“Adam has been providing financial advice to my family for quite some time. Would highly recommend his services. Adam is an excellent financial planner, often taking extra time to explain the complexities of markets and finances in a way that even I can understand. He is patient, thorough, reliable and professional and always our best interests in mind. Thank you Adam.”
Another review from Jordan Steinberg reads:
“Adam is a great financial advisor! He is honest, respectful, shows professionalism, and very understanding. He really helped me think about my financial goals and is helping me on the right track to achieve them. I didn’t know much about the stock markets or what to do with my money and he really helped break it down and explained it to me so I can understand better.”
4. McAuley Financial Services
| SERVICES | Corporate Retirement Savings Plans, Group Insurance Benefit, Personal Financial Planning |
| WEBSITE | http://mcauleyfinancial.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 535 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON K2K 3B8, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 591-3900 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
McAuley Financial Services (MFS) has vetted financial coaches who will help customers make better investment decisions. They have years of experience to understand your current situation.
Customers can count on these financial coaches to encourage sound financial decisions especially through emotionally difficult or stressful times with objective and certified advice.
They can also design an investment program that works towards their customers’ specific goals while addressing the risks.
MFS coaches also have proven satisfaction from their existing customers. New clients can have peace of mind that their financial efforts are protected and that they can obtain greater financial success with advice from their financial coaches.
Aside from personal financing, MFS is also best for group retirement savings plans and corporate services.
They partner with companies to implement corporate retirement savings plans. They offer insight, guidance and leadership on financial planning and retirement income to all of their corporate customers’ employees.
MFS’s certified financial planners can meet with the employees annually and on-site at no extra cost to get to know them, set goals with them individually, and help them with asset allocation and tax-effective planning.
Booking a personalized consultation with them is also commitment-free.
Pros
- Corporate services are available
- Provides clients unlimited meetings with advisor
- Corporate clients can have advisors meet face-to-face with their employees
- Participates in community reinvestment
Cons
- Their fees and rates are not available online
- Not available 24/7
Customer Reviews
A five-star review from Astrid Neuland via Google reads:
“I have been working with Angela and her team for over 10 years now and what I can say is, they are responsive to my needs and requests, they give sound advice (even if I don’t want to hear that piece of advice) and have guided me to a healthy financial situation. They are efficient and effective. I would highly recommend them to anyone with any financial means. To them, it doesn’t matter if you have a little or a lot, they are there to serve their customers and help them grow.”
Another review from Letitia Gatenby says:
“I can’t say enough positive things about the team at McAuley. Always professional service, highly responsive (I give Kevin heck all the time for answering my emails so quickly when I’ve sent them at oddball hours), and the admin/support staff are simply incredible…so efficient and organized! I highly recommend them for your financial planning!”
5. Scrivens Insurance and Investment Solutions
| SERVICES | Succession and Estate Planning, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), Mutual Funds, Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) |
| WEBSITE | https://www.scrivens.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 270 MacLaren St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0M3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 236-9101 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Fridays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Scrivens was established in Ottawa in 1930, making it one of the oldest financial institutions with a reputable team of insurance brokers. For almost a century, they have established and maintained a superior level of service, integrity, and stability.
Tech-savvy customers will appreciate Scrivens’ impressive adaptation of technology to ensure convenience for their growing client base.
Their website makes their insurance brokers accessible 24/7. Scrivens Online also allows customers to get access to important insurance documents with secure access on any device at any time of the day.
Scrivens provides life insurance, group benefits, and retirement planning services. They provide personalized service and help customers achieve financial freedom and meet their long-term and daily needs.
Customers can go to Scrivens for succession and estate planning services, mutual and segregated funds, and guaranteed investment certificates (GICs).
Pros
- 24/7 insurance broker
- Transparent investment rates
- Group retirement plans for employers are available
- Has experience servicing plenty of industries
Cons
- Customer service may not be as responsive
- Free consultation not guaranteed
Customer Review
A review from Period Packs via Google says:
“We are thrilled to have found Scrivens Insurance. This was our first time registering for an insurance policy. Andrew Tracy, was wonderful to work with, he made the experience approachable, was very responsive and knowledgeable. He also got as a great rate as first time insurers!”
Another review from Maha Surani also via Google reads:
“My experience with Scrivens Insurance over the last fifteen years has been amazing. I fully trust their guidance and experience. At times they have recommended alternate insurance providers for my personal and business accounts that provided the same coverage at less cost. They are always a phone call away and respond immediately, truly a professional team.”
6. Astrolabe Financial Group Inc.
| SERVICES | Financial Planning, Investment Analysis, Personal Finance Education, Consulting Services |
| WEBSITE | http://astrolabefinancial.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1775 Courtwood Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3J2, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: +1 613 221-6061 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Fridays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Customers with a knack for learning about their personal finance and investing will appreciate Astrolabe’s focus on educating their customer base.
Not only do they help their clients navigate their financial concerns, but they also help in improving their clients’ financial literacy throughout the process.
During consultations with Astrolabe’s financial advisors, customers can be sure that they are getting advice, not products.
They help customers develop a sound financial plan, map out retirement options, and ensure that customers build a solid understanding of the issues behind all of their financial decisions.
Ultimately, Astrolabe wants to properly equip their clients to slowly and gradually take on a larger role in managing all their financial affairs.
Astrolabe also charges a flat hourly rate and doesn’t accept compensation from fund companies or financial institutions. They are also flexible enough to work within the constraints of their clients’ budget and they make sure that reasonable requests are considered.
Astrolabe can also discuss any financial questions pertaining to maternity or paternity planning, understanding options with a recent layoff, modelling income at retirement, and portfolio performance.
Pros
- Free 15 minute introductory phone call for prospective clients.
- Strong emphasis on financial literacy
- Not associated with fund companies or financial institutions so they can offer unbiased advice
Cons
- Limited financial services available
- Not available 24/7
Customer Reviews
A review from Pauline Graf via Google says:
“I could not recommend Alex and Astrolabe more highly. Alex listened to our concerns and our hopes. He provided sound advice and recommendations. We feel we are in good hands and will continue to work with Astrolabe in the future.”
Brian K also left a review via Google saying:
“I received exceptional results and an immediately executable financial action plan from Ryan Kerr at Astrolabe. My wife and I can now move into our pre-retirement phase with confidence and ease of mind. We will be able to optimize our financial situation while avoiding paying high management fees on the investments in them. I highly recommend Ryan and Astrolabe for anyone who wants to take control of their finances.”
FAQs on Investment Companies in Ottawa
And that concludes our list of the best investment companies in Ottawa. We hope the list has provided you enough information to jumpstart your finances!
Know any other investment companies in Ottawa that left a mark that you think should be on this list? Send us a message.
If you need assistance in managing your financial records, you might need to check out the best accountants in Ottawa.