Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Answers to Your Financial Questions

Navigating personal finance can bring up a lot of questions, and we’re here to provide clear, straightforward answers. Our FAQ section covers common topics about investing, financial planning, insurance, tax strategies, and how we work with clients.

📌 Explore our FAQs to get the answers you need and feel confident in your financial decisions!

FAQ:

What is a fiduciary, and why is it important?

A fiduciary is an advisor who is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest. At Green Helix Financial, we operate under a fiduciary-first approach, meaning our recommendations are based on what’s best for you — not what earns the highest commissions or fees. This ensures that your financial plan is built around your goals, risk tolerance, and long-term success.

What’s the difference between wealth management and standard financial advice?

Wealth management goes beyond basic financial advice by offering a holistic, customized financial strategy. Standard financial advice typically focuses on individual investments, while wealth management integrates investment planning, tax optimization, estate strategies, insurance solutions, and long-term financial planning into a cohesive approach. This ensures every aspect of your financial life is working together efficiently.

How do I know if wealth management is right for me?

If you want a personalized, long-term strategy that goes beyond just picking investments, wealth management is the right fit. Whether you are growing wealth, planning for retirement, managing business assets, or looking to protect your legacy, we ensure that every financial decision supports your bigger picture.

Why should I choose Green Helix Financial over other advisory firms?

At Green Helix Financial, we offer a fiduciary-first, client-centered approach that goes beyond just managing investments. Our commitment to transparency, education, and tailored financial strategies ensures you receive clear, objective, and highly personalized advice. Unlike many traditional firms, we integrate cutting-edge financial tools, customized planning, and a flexible service model that grows with you. Whether you’re just starting or managing significant wealth, we are dedicated to helping you build a secure financial future with confidence.

Do I need a high net worth to work with Green Helix Financial?

No! We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality wealth management, no matter where they are in their financial journey. Our Core Services start at just $10,000 in assets under management, providing essential investment and insurance planning. As your wealth grows, so does the level of service and strategic planning we provide.

What types of clients do you work with?

We work with a wide range of clients, including young professionals, business owners, families, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals. Whether you're just starting to build wealth or managing significant assets, our scaffolding service structure ensures that your financial plan is customized to your needs.

What types of financial products do you offer?

Through our partnership with Carte Wealth Management, we provide access to a wide range of investment and insurance solutions. These include mutual funds, ETFs, registered and non-registered investment accounts, life insurance, disability insurance, critical illness coverage, long-term care plans, and more. Our independence ensures that we focus on finding the best solutions for your specific needs rather than pushing proprietary products.

How safe are my investments with Green Helix Financial?

Your investments are held in segregated accounts with trusted financial institutions, ensuring they remain secure and separate from the firm’s operational assets. Additionally, as a registered mutual fund representative with Carte Wealth Management, your investments are protected under the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) coverage for mutual fund dealers, providing an extra layer of security. We take compliance, risk management, and regulatory oversight seriously to ensure your financial well-being.

Who is Carte Wealth Management, and are they reputable?

Carte Wealth Management Inc. is a well-established, independent Mutual Fund Dealer and ETF dealer registered with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). They provide the regulatory oversight, compliance, and back-office support that allows us to offer a wide range of investment solutions while maintaining our independence. Carte is a trusted firm with a strong reputation in the industry since 2007, ensuring that your investments are managed with the highest standards of security and professionalism.

What is Carte Risk Management and Blue Harbour Financial, and what role do they play?

Carte Risk Management is the Managing General Agency (MGA) that supports our insurance operations. As an independent MGA, they provide access to leading insurance providers, allowing us to offer a broad range of life, disability, critical illness, and other insurance solutions. Additionally Blue Harbour Financial operates as our Associate General Agency (AGA). Their expertise and administrative support ensure that clients receive customized, competitive insurance options that align with their financial plans.

Is my personal and financial information secure?

Yes. We strictly adhere to Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), ensuring that your personal and financial data remains confidential and secure. We use industry-standard encryption, secure portals, and strict compliance measures to protect your information at all times.

 How do you charge for your services?

Our fees are based on a scaffolding service structure, meaning the level of financial planning and strategic guidance increases as your assets grow. Clients with $10,000+ receive core financial planning services, while those with $250,000+ gain access to the enhanced services. At $500,000+, we integrate the advanced services, and for clients with $1,000,000+, we offer fully customized financial solutions with negotiated hourly fees.

How do I get started with Green Helix Financial?

Getting started is easy. Simply reach out to schedule a free investment and insurance review. We’ll discuss your financial goals, current situation, and any concerns you may have. From there, we’ll outline a strategy tailored to your needs, whether you’re just beginning your financial journey or managing significant assets.

Can I book a one-time consultation, or do I need to commit to ongoing services?

We offer both one-time consultations and ongoing wealth management services. If you’re looking for guidance on a specific financial decision, we’re happy to provide insight without requiring a long-term commitment. However, for ongoing investment management and wealth management, we build long-term relationships to ensure your plan adapts as your needs evolve.

What is the first meeting like?

Our initial meeting is a casual, no-pressure conversation focused on understanding your financial goals, current situation, and any concerns you have. We’ll go over how our services work, conduct an investment and insurance review, answer any questions, and outline the next steps based on your needs. Whether you’re looking for investment management, insurance planning, or general financial guidance, this meeting is designed to provide clarity and direction.

What should I bring to my first meeting?

For your first meeting, it’s helpful to bring an overview of your financial situation, including investment statements, insurance policies, pension details, and any key financial goals you have in mind. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we’ll guide you through the process step by step.

What happens after our first meeting?

If you decide to move forward, we’ll begin by signing a letter of engagement formalizing our relationship. After that we will meet again to gather any necessary financial details and determine your goals and situation, such as your investor profile. The third meeting is where you will be presented a draft wealth plan tailored to your goals for your consideration. Depending on your needs, this may include investment recommendations, insurance solutions, tax strategies, or estate planning considerations. Our goal is to provide a clear, actionable plan that aligns with your long-term objectives. If you accept some or all of the wealth plan recommendations, we then proceed with implementing them.

What does a wealth plan from Green Helix Financial look like?

Our wealth plans are comprehensive, data-driven, and tailored to your long-term success. A full wealth plan typically spans 20+ pages, covering investment strategy, risk assessment, tax planning, estate considerations, insurance analysis, retirement projections, and cash flow modeling. This ensures you have a clear, actionable roadmap for achieving your financial goals.

Do you offer cookie-cutter financial solutions?

No. Every financial plan we create is customized based on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Unlike generic financial advice, we take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a tailored strategy that aligns with your specific needs.

What investment philosophy do you follow?

We take an evidence-based, risk-adjusted approach to investing, focusing on long-term growth, diversification, and cost efficiency. Our goal is to create strategic, tax-efficient portfolios tailored to your time horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals. We avoid speculation and focus on proven investment strategies that prioritize stability and wealth accumulation.

What happens if my financial situation changes after we create a plan?

Life is unpredictable, and financial plans need to adapt. Whether you experience a career change, inheritance, major expense, or shift in financial goals, we will adjust your plan accordingly to ensure it continues to serve your best interests. Our approach is flexible and designed to grow with you over time.

How often will we review my wealth plan?

We believe wealth planning should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. We conduct regular reviews based on your specific needs, market conditions, and changes in your personal or financial situation. For most clients, we utilize a system of semi-annual meetings and updates, but it is dependent on the client's situation. Our goal is to keep your financial strategy aligned with your evolving goals.

Do I have to move all my accounts to work with you?

No. We work with clients whether they are transferring accounts or keeping certain holdings elsewhere. If you want to consolidate assets for a more streamlined approach, we can facilitate a seamless transfer. If you prefer to maintain accounts at other institutions, we can still provide comprehensive financial planning tailored to your overall financial picture.

Can I transfer my existing investment accounts to Green Helix Financial?

Yes! If you have investment accounts with another financial institution, we can facilitate a seamless transfer to ensure minimal disruption to your portfolio. We handle RRSPs, TFSAs, non-registered accounts, and more, and we will review your holdings to determine if any adjustments are needed to align with your financial goals. Most transfers are completed without tax consequences, and we will guide you through the process every step of the way.

Will I have online access to my investments?

Yes, you will have 24/7 online access to your investment accounts through Carte Wealth Management’s secure client portal. This allows you to track your portfolio, view statements, monitor performance, and update account details whenever needed. If you need assistance navigating the portal, we are always available to help.

What types of accounts do you offer?

We provide a full range of registered and non-registered investment accounts, including RRSPs, TFSAs, FHSAs, RESPs, RDSPs, LIRAs, RRIFs, and Non-Registered. Whether you are saving for retirement, education, or long-term wealth accumulation, we tailor the right mix of accounts to fit your financial goals.


Do you help with retirement income planning?

Yes, we specialize in retirement income planning, ensuring that you have a strategy in place for sustainable withdrawals, tax-efficient income streams, and long-term financial security. We consider RRIF conversion strategies, pension optimization, CPP/OAS planning, and estate considerations to help you make the most of your retirement savings.

Do you help with budgeting and cash flow planning?

Yes! Effective wealth management isn’t just about investing — it’s about managing income, expenses, and savings efficiently. We can help create a cash flow strategy that aligns with your goals, whether you’re building wealth, managing debt, or planning for a major life event.

Do you offer individual stocks or alternative investments?

Carte Wealth Management provides comprehensive risk oversight, ensuring that investments meet regulatory requirements and client suitability standards. As a mutual fund-licensed advisors, we focus on professionally managed investment solutions such as mutual funds, ETFs, and other diversified portfolios. While we do not directly trade individual stocks, we provide access to alternative investment solutions, including liquid alternative funds and commodities where appropriate for your financial plan. Risk management tools, and due diligence processes to ensure all investments align with best practices and your financial objectives.

Can I work with Green Helix Financial if I already have an advisor?

Yes! If you already have an advisor but are looking for a second opinion, a different service structure, or a more holistic approach, we’re happy to review your current plan and provide insight into areas that may need improvement. There’s no obligation to switch, and we always prioritize what’s best for you.

How long does it take to transfer accounts or set up a financial plan?

The timeline depends on the complexity of your situation. Investment account transfers typically take 5-10 business days, while a full wealth plan can take a few weeks, depending on the level of detail required. We keep you informed every step of the way and ensure everything is processed smoothly.

What area do you serve? What happens if I move or relocate?

We serve clients across Ontario as we are licensed province-wide. Meetings can be held virtually, over the phone, or in-person, depending on what works best for you. Your investment and insurance accounts are accessible no matter where you are around the world. If you move to another province or out of the country we can discuss various options with you.

Do you offer financial education and tools to help me better understand my finances?

Yes! Financial education is a key part of our approach. We provide in-person seminars, webinars, a multi-part Financial Simplicity article series, and interactive financial tools to help you take control of your financial future. Whether you want to manage your finances independently or work closely with an advisor, we ensure you have access to the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions.

Do I need to work with a financial advisor, or can I manage my finances on my own?

Managing your own finances is always an option, and we encourage financial education so that you can make informed decisions. However, many people find that working with a financial advisor saves time, provides expertise, and helps avoid costly mistakes. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or want professional guidance, we tailor our services to meet your needs while ensuring you stay in control of your financial future.

Do you work with business owners and self-employed individuals?

Yes! We provide specialized financial planning for business owners, self-employed professionals, and incorporated individuals. This includes corporate investing strategies, tax-efficient income planning, succession planning, group benefits, and insurance solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're looking to optimize your personal and business finances or plan for the future, we can help.

How do you approach tax planning?

Tax planning is essential for maximizing wealth, and we incorporate strategies to reduce tax liabilities wherever possible. This includes RRSP/TFSA contribution planning, tax-efficient investing, income-splitting strategies, and estate tax considerations. For more complex tax needs, we coordinate with CPAs and tax professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Can you help with estate planning and wealth transfer?

Absolutely. Estate planning support is more than just having a will — it’s about ensuring your wealth is transferred efficiently and according to your wishes. We help structure estate plans to minimize taxes, protect assets, and ensure a smooth transition for beneficiaries. We also work with legal and tax professionals to coordinate a full estate strategy.

Do you provide philanthropy and charitable giving strategies?

Yes. We help clients incorporate charitable giving, donor-advised funds, and estate-based philanthropy into their financial plans. Whether you want to maximize tax benefits through strategic giving or leave a lasting legacy, we can develop a structured approach to charitable contributions that aligns with your values.

What’s the best way to stay updated on financial strategies and market trends?

We provide regular updates through our Market Insights section, Financial Simplicity article series, educational webinars, and in-person seminars. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest insights, market updates, and exclusive financial tools directly to your inbox.

How can I partner with Green Helix Financial?

We value strategic partnerships with professionals such as accountants, lawyers, mortgage brokers, and business advisors to provide clients with comprehensive financial solutions. If you are interested in partnering with us to enhance your client offerings, we’d love to discuss how we can work together.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your financial future starts with a conversation. Whether you have questions about investing, insurance, or long-term planning, we’re here to help.

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🎁 Top 5 Mistakes Canadians Make With RRSPs, TFSAs & FHSAs
Learn how to avoid the most common tax and retirement pitfalls.

Green Helix Financial is led by Matthew Lawrence, DFSA™, a financial and insurance advisor with a diverse background in finance and entrepreneurship. Matthew is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and education