Top 10 Financial Planner Services in Ottawa
If you’re in need of long-term guidance on how to save, invest, and grow your money, you’re in luck. Today, we’ll be reviewing some top financial planners in Ottawa with the reputation and experience to back up quality services.
To see which one will be best suited for your needs, we’ve carefully weighed all their pros and cons while investigating what they can offer to clients.
How Much Does a Financial Planner Charge in Ottawa?
Most financial planners in Ottawa can accommodate a variety of financial situations for their clients.
While some would offer tiered plans, others can provide hourly rates, as well. There could also be yearly retainers as opposed to paying a percentage of a client’s income or savings.
Per-plan fees can be anywhere between $500 to over $3,000 depending on how comprehensive the financial plan is and its included services. To give you an idea, here’s a table showing some of the more common per-plan structures based on national averages.
FINANCIAL PLANNER SERVICE | ESTIMATED FEE |
Cash flow plan (savings strategies, debt consolidation, income and expense management) | 20% of annual savings |
Comprehensive plan (analysis of financial independence, cash flow plan, portfolio review, planning of retirement income) | $600 (exclusive of HST) |
Basic financial plan (cash flow plan, planning for long-term planning and saving, strategies for tax minimization, insurance planning) | $500 (exclusive of HST) |
Yearly retainer (regular financial reviews, financial consultations, portfolio upgrading, current financial support) | $600 – $7,000 (exclusive of HST) |
As indicated above, most fees do not include HSTs or other related taxes yet. Yearly retainers could depend on how much your financial needs require consultation and handling.
The Best Financial Planners in Ottawa
Ready to get your financial future on track? Let’s see what the best financial planners in Ottawa can contribute with their expertise, specializations, and services.
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 |
What is your Magic Retirement Number? At McLean Wealth Creation we help you find your Magic Retirement Number, a walk away number, where you decide if you go to work or spend more time pursuing other interests. We begin with your goals, and then determine what amount of savings is required for you to achieve your goals. Once we know your current situation well, we also present financial strategies that can help you along the way.
McLean Wealth Creation’s aim is to provide tailor-made wealth plans for its clients. It follows five client-relationship rules to ensure quality service is delivered every single time.
The firm’s website carefully explains what the client can expect with each service provided using the four pillars of true financial planning. There’s an openness and nuanced manner with the way it provides information that aims to educated and enlighten potential clients from retirees to business owners.
Aside from exploring all possible avenues of wealth creation, the firm also makes a success roadmap based on the client’s goals. The client will then receive a written customized financial plan and is regularly updated by the team (Mitch and Mary Lynn Brian).
It promises reduced costs for clients which is always a good thing. McLean Wealth Creation believes that a pre-determined fee that’s agreed upon by the firm and the client is the best way to get the best value while growing your wealth.
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, deeply knowledgable, 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
Gave quality advice
“Mitch was very professional and listened to all my concerns. He also gave me quality advice!” – Chisom Arisukwu
2. Bilyk Financial
SERVICES | Summary of services, investment management, insurance, legacy planning, risk management, tax planning, and group benefits. |
WEBSITE | https://bilykfinancial.com/ |
ADDRESS | 4769 50 Ave, Vegreville, AB T9C 1L1, Canada |
CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 780-632-6770 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5 PM |
Bilyk Financial offers its clients more than 50 years of expertise in the financial industry. It provides some of the top financial planning services in Ottawa and the surrounding areas.
The first thing we’ve noticed about them is their long-lasting relationships with their clients, which serves as a testament to the superb quality of service they provide.
Their proactive customer service and process-oriented solutions are also among their strong suits. You can count on them to keep you updated on emerging trends in sustainable investing and monetary policies.
The company also offers free consultation services, but do take note that they’re only available during weekdays.
Bilyk Financial operates an institutional-grade investment management approach that they customize precisely to your situation. Most advisors start with an allocation to different asset classes and then fill the “buckets” with specific investments. They go the other way: they start with a universe of strategies, analyze each on the basis of returns, volatility, and correlations, and then build a portfolio that combines them in a way that they believe will best meet their clients’ objectives.
In practice, that means going outside the traditional stocks-bonds paradigm and into alternatives, which can be especially useful for generating income in the current environment. Each portfolio will include exposure to different investment solutions, including public equities, private equities, fixed-income, private real estate, private infrastructure, private credit, and commodities.
They believe that they can provide investors with above-average, long-term, risk-adjusted returns by consistently following their investment philosophy and process.
Overall, we think that Bilyk Financial deserves its spot among the best financial advisors in Ottawa. They also have a 99% client retention rate, which serves as a solid proof that they’ll be with you for the long term.
Pros
- Process-oriented approach
- 50 years of experience
- Offers free financial consultation
Cons
- Requires a call or appointment for more information
Customer Reviews
They provide professional advice and service
“I have been a client of Adam and Joe for over 12 years. It has been a very positive relationship from day one. They provide professional advice and service and are always available to answer questions or address any concerns I may have. Looking forward to the next 12 years!” – Darryl Vinet
Impressed with their customer service, responsiveness, and positive approach
“We have dealt with Adam and Joe for several years and have always been impressed with their customer service, responsiveness, and positive approach to managing our investments. They definitely stand out amongst financial advisors in our view.” – Mark Corkery
3. Potvin Financial Services
SERVICES | Investment Planning & On-Going Investment Management Services Insurance Planning & On-Going Insurance Management Services Retirement Transition Planning Retirement Income Planning and Investment Decumulation Strategies Estate Planning |
ADDRESS | 117 Centrepointe Drive, Suite 320 Ottawa, ON K2G 5X3 |
CONTACT NUMBER | +1 613-224-6561 [email protected] |
WEBSITE | https://potvinfinancial.com/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Contact for more information |
If you’re in need of investment fund or life insurance advice, Potvin Financial Services is the one to call.
What they focus on is being able to deliver quantifiable results for their clients with a process that’s based on a well-tested methodology and solid experience.
And experience is something they have with over 20 years of experience in personal finance, they would know exactly how to help.
We like that they’re able to provide clients with a high level of service and support when it comes to their personal finances, and they’re especially knowledgeable with investment planning, estate planning, investment tax planning, and retirement income planning and investment decumulation strategies.
They look at the long term and mostly recommend risk-based, diversified, and actively managed portfolio investment solutions, which we like.
We think another pro this company has is their flexible fee options, which commission-based or fee-based, and this depends on the client’s needs.
We’ve asked around and we’ve come to find that their clients are extremely satisfied and highly recommend them!
Pros
- Flexible fee options
- Many years of experience
- Delivers quantifiable results
Cons
- Operating hours unavailable
Customer Reviews
“I have been a customer of Potvin Financial Services since it was headed by Kevin’s father Rick in 1974. I have always received the best service I believe is possible. Kevin has done several Zoom conferences with our family in the past year and even managed to make his in person visits to our home in Vineland Ontario (near St. Catharines, Ontario) despite Covid and poor weather. I would say that I am a somewhat conservative investor and Kevin has provided excellent service with this in mind. He is always contacting us regarding changing our accounts when he deems it to be prudent or when our family members, our benefactors, information needs updating. Thanks Kevin. Ten out of ten stars!!”
“I have worked with Kevin at Potvin Financial for many years now. Everyone I have worked with is helpful, considerate and very responsive. Kevin is amazing to work with, he always makes time for questions and in my experience he treats every client like they are most important in that moment. I have really appreciated the work that Kevin has done, and I never feel like I cannot reach out if I have questions or concerns. A 5 star company for sure!”
4. McAuley Financial Services
SERVICES | Personal financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, corporate services, wealth accumulation, retirement income, group insurance benefits, corporate retirement savings plan |
ADDRESS | 535 Legget Drive Suite 120 Ottawa, Ontario K2K 3B8 |
CONTACT NUMBER | 613.591.3900 [email protected] |
WEBSITE | http://mcauleyfinancial.com/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4.30 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
Offering both corporate services and personal financial planning, McAuley Financial Services takes pride in providing different breadths of corporate and personal services. However, it asks for a similar advisory fee regardless of financial goals and the services rendered for clients.
It also deviates from the usual retirement savings plans that traditional corporations have been using. Instead, the company offers one-on-one financial planning to each employee so they won’t have to worry about their current and future financial situation.
This is also an advantage for company owners because employees can then focus on their work since they’re receiving expert financial guidance!
As for personal financial planning, clients can count on unlimited meetings with a certified financial planner, as well as in-person meetings at the McAuley offices whenever the client feels like having an update.
This Better Business Bureau-accredited financial planning group is also a three-time recipient of the Professional Business Service of the Year award. But for its promises of unlimited and in-person meetings, it would be nicer to offer weekend hours to its clients, as well.
Pros
- Offers one-on-one employee financial planning
- One advisory fee for a breadth of services
- BBB-accredited, A+ rating
- Three-time winner of the Professional Business Service of the Year Award (West Ottawa Board of Trade)
Cons
- Open on weekdays only
- No information on fees given
- No mention of flexible fee plans
Customer Reviews
Support and commitment is amazing
“Thank you to everyone at McAuley Financial Services! The support and commitment you have shown me over the last few years have been amazing. The last 16 months have created a surreal time for all of us and your ability to support at the last minute has been wonderful.
We all have these incredibly busy schedules and somehow you find a way to accommodate and visit your clients versus them having to come to you. Cheers to you and thank you!” – Shawn Cranston
Always professional, highly responsive
“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!” – Letitia Gatenby
5. Astrolabe Financial Group, Inc.
SERVICES | Financial plan creation, investment analysis, personal finance education, customized financial services, consultations, wealth management |
ADDRESS | 200 – 1775 Courtwood Crescent Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3J2 |
CONTACT NUMBER | (613) 221-6061 [email protected] |
WEBSITE | http://astrolabefinancial.ca/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
The Astrolabe Financial Group straight-up states that it wants to offer advice instead of products to its clients. Its services include helping clients develop a sound financial plan and mapping out retirement options.
The company’s main focus is on educating its clients to prepare them for managing their financial affairs on their own since the company doesn’t manage assets. This means it starts with the client’s first consultation up until their last.
And it understands that financial planning sometimes goes beyond investment analysis and well into preparing for possible untoward life incidents. So if you suddenly lose your job, get pregnant, or opt for early retirement, Astrolabe can provide special customized consultations for you.
Its pricing scheme involves a flat per-hour rate of $180 with service length depending on the complexity of a client’s financial needs. That could be anywhere between just a couple of hours to several days.
Prospective clients can avail of a free 15-minute introductory call with one of Astrolabe’s financial planners.
Pros
- Affordable per-hour flat rate
- Special focus on financial education for clients
- Open to flexible pricing structures
- Free 15-minute introductory assessment
Cons
- Open on weekdays only
- Doesn’t manage assets
- No BBB accreditation
Customer Reviews
Provided an excellent overview of the financial situation
“As we approached retirement, we realized that we had no real overall plan and no strategy for our savings and investments. Ryan provided us with an excellent overview of where we were at and a picture of our financial situation going forward. Based on discussions with him, Ryan drew up a financial plan that coordinates all our investments from pensions to CPP and RRSPs to TFSAs, with specific investment advice. We meet twice a year with Ryan and get an update and recommendations to re-balance our portfolio.
Ryan is thoughtful, calm and understands our goals. Our portfolio has performed well and most importantly, we have the confidence that we have a plan going forward.” – Alan & Susan
Excellent pre-retirement workshop
“Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS) would like to thank you for the excellent pre-retirement workshop provided to our team. The info, the flow, the guests were excellent. Your panel of subject matter experts was able to provide the required info to help our future retirees: Tax Law, Investment Management, Estate Planning, Insurance, Retiring Abroad and much more. The 2 days just flew by and the quality of the workshop was just splendid.” – Diane
6. Ryan Lamontagne, Inc.
SERVICES | Comprehensive financial plan, business owners, private clients, pension, severance and transition, retirement, estate, public servants |
ADDRESS | Carling Executive Park 1565 Carling Avenue, Suite 602 Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 8R1 |
CONTACT NUMBER | (613) 596-3353 or (800) 304-7180 [email protected] |
WEBSITE | https://www.ryanlamontagne.com/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
Ryan Lamontagne, Inc. has been around since 1994 and can review a potential client’s financial circumstances and give an exact, no-obligation quote free of charge, which is quite awesome.
The company’s fee structure is also flexible in accordance with its clients’ financial circumstances. It offers hourly rates, set fees for specific consultations or services, annual retainer fees, and an assets management percentage fee.
Its clientele is wide-ranging, as well. Ryan Lamontagne’s team accommodates private clients, business owners, current and future pensioners, current and future retirees, those undergoing severance and transition, estate owners, and public servants.
The company also offers tax planning forms in its menu of services. Its tax services aim to take the anxiety away from clients who might not be able to keep up with changes in tax legislation.
Its financial planners limit the number of client households it takes on to ensure a customized and personalized service. It’s a bit of a downer that it’s only open on weekdays, though.
Pros
- Offers flexible fee options
- Free no-obligation quotes
- Caters to a wide range of clients
- Tax services available
Cons
- Doesn’t provide info on hourly or set fees
- No BBB accreditation
- Open on weekdays only
Customer Reviews
Provides advice for both parties
“Indeed, Marc Lamontagne, founding partner, CFP at Ryan Lamontagne Inc. in Ottawa, has continued to provide advice for both parties – in some cases because that’s what they have wanted.” – Joel Schlesinger
7. Polaris Wealth
SERVICES | Investment portfolio, financial planning, life insurance, financial behavioural counselling, diversification, online investment management, full-service wealth management, insurance and risk management, retirement planning, estate planning, corporate planning, life/disability/critical illness insurance |
ADDRESS | 343 Preston Street, 11th Floor Ottawa ON K1S 1N4 |
CONTACT NUMBER | 613-688-5065 1-877-755-4004 [email protected] |
WEBSITE | https://polariswealth.ca/ |
OPERATING HOURS | By appointment only |
Polaris Wealth offers both online investment management and full-service wealth management. Its team relies on a client’s willingness to take asset allocation risks and not on what media tells them to invest in.
It’s a fiduciary firm so its financial planners are legally bound to put clients’ best interests at the forefront before their own. This is a marked difference between Polaris and other wealth management firms.
Its management fees are based on the client’s asset level. For full-service wealth management with a minimum account size of $500,000, the fee starts at 1% and declines as the asset size increases.
However, flat fees or fee-only plans for full-service wealth management are available, too. As for Robo Advisor services, there are no account minimums required.
Polaris Wealth doesn’t have fixed business hours and everything is strictly by appointment and virtual at the moment. Response time is promised within 24 hours from Monday to Friday only, though it would’ve been better to have weekend hours available, too.
Pros
- No account minimum for Robo Advisor service
- Flat fees and fee-only plans also offered
- Has a fiduciary obligation to clients
Cons
- No fixed operating hours
- No in-person meetings at the moment
- Calls and emails are entertained from Monday to Friday only
- No BBB accreditation
8. Aspire Wealth Group
SERVICES | Comprehensive financial plan, investment analysis, wealth creation, wealth management, retirement planning, corporate planning, tax-smart retirement income, strategic tax planning |
ADDRESS | Ottawa, Canada |
CONTACT NUMBER | +1-613-254-8484 |
WEBSITE | https://www.aspirewealth.ca/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
Our experience with Aspire Wealth Group, a financial advice company, was marked by the excellence of their services. From the initial consultation to ongoing support, the team exhibited a genuine commitment to understanding our financial goals, offering personalized advice that instilled confidence in our financial journey.
Efficiency was a notable strength of Aspire Wealth Group. Appointment scheduling was straightforward, and the team demonstrated a prompt and organized approach in addressing our financial queries. Their streamlined processes and clear communication made navigating complex financial matters surprisingly accessible.
In terms of quality, Aspire Wealth Group showcased a high level of expertise. The financial advisors displayed a deep understanding of various investment strategies and tailored their recommendations to align with our risk tolerance and objectives. The comprehensive approach to financial planning encompassed investments, savings, and retirement, providing a holistic perspective on our financial well-being.
Considering the quality of services, the cost-effectiveness of Aspire Wealth Group was commendable. Transparent fee structures and the absence of hidden charges emphasized their commitment to fairness. The value we received in terms of sound financial advice and peace of mind made the investment in their services worthwhile.
Pros
- Flat fees and fee-only plans also offered
- Has a fiduciary obligation to clients
Cons
- No discounts yet
9. Retirement in View
SERVICES | Comprehensive financial advice and plan |
ADDRESS | 240 Catherine Street, Suite 201, Ottawa, ON K2P 2G8 Canada |
CONTACT NUMBER | 613-416-9593 |
WEBSITE | https://retirementinview.ca/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday 9:30-5:00 Tuesday 9:30-5:00 Wednesday 9:30-5:00 Thursday 9:30-5:00 Friday 9:30-5:00 |
Our engagement with Retirement in View, a financial advice company, was marked by the excellence of their services. From our initial consultation to ongoing support, the team demonstrated a sincere commitment to understanding our retirement goals, offering tailored advice that instilled confidence in our financial future.
Efficiency was a standout feature of Retirement in View. The ease of scheduling appointments and the team’s prompt response to our inquiries reflected their organized and proactive approach. Their streamlined processes and user-friendly communication enhanced our experience, making financial planning surprisingly accessible.
In terms of quality, Retirement in View exhibited a high level of expertise. The financial advisors showcased a deep understanding of retirement planning, addressing our concerns with clarity and expertise. The comprehensive approach covered aspects such as savings, investments, and post-retirement income, providing a well-rounded strategy for our retirement years.
Considering the quality of services, the cost-effectiveness of Retirement in View was commendable. Transparent fee structures and a clear breakdown of costs highlighted their commitment to openness and fairness. The value we received, in terms of a well-crafted retirement plan and peace of mind, made the investment in their services a prudent choice for securing our financial future.
Pros
- Flat fees and fee-only plans also offered
- Has a fiduciary obligation to clients
Cons
- No discounts yet
10. Andrew Bradley
SERVICES | https://andrewwbradley.ca/services.html |
ADDRESS | 2100 Thurston Dr #13b Ottawa, ON K1G 4K8 |
CONTACT NUMBER | [email protected] 613.286.6841 |
WEBSITE | https://andrewwbradley.ca/ |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 9 PM |
Andrew Bradley is a broker and financial advisor that specializes in guiding local families to plan ahead in order to get access to their needs effectively with their current income scheme.
He is also an RRC and has extensive know-how on investments and insurance and has been in the industry since 2011.
Recognized to be one of Ottawa’s Top Financial Advisors, we find his approach to be proactive and integrated in a way that by taking the time to assess the client’s financial situation to the smallest detail, helps him create more efficient strategies.
His website is jam-packed with essential information and FAQs that clients can easily have free access to and readily consult if they are new to the industry and wish to have a background on it.
We think that his methodology of identifying which professionals, in particular, need insurances and specific retirement solutions as a foundation, makes his services solid and reliable not only in the here and now situation but also in the long run.
Pros
- Wide range of expertise
- Effective strategies employed
- Accommodating website
- Pleasant to work with
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- May have limited slots
Customer Reviews
“Andrew gave a clear plan for my retirement and fixed my cash flow issues. Now I can pay off my mortgage faster and have extra money every month. You need to see him right now if you have a mortgage, debt and no savings plan.”
“Andrew’s financial advice over the past 4 years has made me money, saved on taxes and provided me with easy solutions to improve my financial situation. I received poor service and no advice from my bank over the years and thankfully Andrew has been able to turn everything around for me.”
FAQs About Financial Planner Services in Ottawa
The best financial planner in Ottawa can help manage your assets in accordance with your financial goals and plans for the future. If you’ve had a good experience with a particular financial planner, tell us about it so it can be up for review!
And if you’re interested in other financial products or services in Ottawa or need professional consultation, we recommend reading some of our other listicles on them: