Steve Willems April 6, 2020 Markets

Weekly Update: April 6, 2020

Three weeks ago, it was hard to imagine a time where a state of quarantine, physical distancing, and an economy on pause seemed normal.  But that is where we find ourselves – in this new normal.  And as we all reorient our lives, routines and plans, we’re calling this phase “The End of the Beginning” (with a nod to Winston Churchill’s famous 1942 quote).

Clearly we’re not out of the woods yet, but the initial shock and reaction to the pandemic seems largely behind us.  As you may wish, stay connected this week in any of the following methods.

1) State of the Markets Web Calls

Join us for a brief 30 minute Zoom Web Conference Call where we will share recent insights we’re hearing from portfolio management teams, and/or stories from the past that we’ve been reflecting on that seem particularly relevant today.  The sessions will be led by Brad Willems and Steve Willems and will provide a platform to take your questions and engage in dialogue as a group.

2) Government to the Rescue Interview

Governments at all levels have responded in a big way to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the constant barrage of announcements can become overwhelming. In this conversation, Steve Willems interviews Cheryl Norton, Regional Vice President, Wealth Planning with Assante Private Client – for her review of the recent announcements and planning opportunities available to families and business owners.

In the video, you will hear:

  • Who should be taking advantage of the delayed tax filing deadlines (1:13)
  • Emergency benefits available to affected employees, business owners, students and families (2:57)
  • Tips to ensure you receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit as soon as possible (5:41)
  • The potentially huge cost savings achieved by refinancing (8:57)
  • Tax reduction strategies for clients drawing RIF income (9:36)
  • Details on the Emergency Wage Subsidy available for businesses of all sizes (11:28)

3) Wealth Matters Conference Calls

These calls piggyback on our broader Assante network across Canada and will bring in CI Investments’ top portfolio managers for direct access to client questions.  A summary of the call can always be made available if you are unable to join the live call. This week, we’ll hear from:

  • Sean Etherington, President at Assante Wealth Management
  • Bob Swanson, Principal & Portfolio Manager at Cambridge Global Asset Management
  • Cheryl Norton, Regional Vice-President, Wealth Planning at Assante Private Client

Listen to the Replay

The call will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 9, 2020.  A playback will be made available.

Did you miss last week’s conference call with Peter Hofstra, Chief Investment Officer at Harbour Advisors?  Listen in to the replay here.

4) Book a Virtual Review

Our Assante Abbotsford Branch has officially closed as of Thursday, March 19, 2020. As such, there will be no face to face meetings. However, virtual meetings can be booked at your convenience directly with Brad or Steve through the following links:

Book a Virtual Review with Brad

Book a Virtual Review with Steve

Our Client Service Team continues to work from home and is here to support you. Be in touch if we can assist in any way.

Take care & talk soon,

 

 

Willems Wealth Planning Group
Assante Financial Management Ltd.