Selecting any type of advisor is a big decision, and this is especially true when selecting the individual who will assist you in managing your finances and helping you in achieving your life's dream. With this in mind, I have prepared this package of information which will answer some of the questions you may have, prior to our appointment.

1. Introduction
Package
Richard Sheppard cfp, cepa
Senior Financial Consultant
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

2. What Can You Expect at the First Appointment?
The first meeting is essentially a fact finding session, both for you, and myself, to determine to what
extent I might be able to help you, and answer any initial questions you might have. There is no
charge for this meeting - it is strictly to determine whether there is sufficient benefit in proceeding,
and whether there is a good fit. Remember, you are hiring a professional advisor and you must feel
completely comfortable with your decision. As this is a very significant decision, it is highly advisable
that both spouses (if applicable) be present, so that both can be comfortable with the decision.
Next, I would complete a thorough inventory of your current finances, very similar to the way an
accountant would for a company. This would consist of a personal Balance Sheet, listing your assets
and liabilities, as well as a Cash Flow Summary, indicating income flowing into the household, and
committed expenditures going out. This information would be available from some or all of the
following:
Tax return Bank Statements Employee Benefit Booklet
Notice of Assessment Mortgage Statements Insurance Policies
Investment Statements Loan Statements Pension Statements
Will/Power of Attorney Partnership agreements Share structure (if incorporated)
Private Health Care Plans Trust Documents Corporate Finances
The most important part of this entire process is for you to be clear as to what it is you want your
finances to do for you. Wealth, in and of itself, is not the primary objective, but the things it will allow
you to do probably are. What sort of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? What sort of sacrifices are
you prepared to make in order to achieve it? Be imaginative and think big!
It will quickly become apparent whether you are presently on the right course, or whether some
changes in approach are necessary. If you are comfortable with everything I have presented so far, and
it appears there is some opportunity for me to improve things, I would get back to you with a written
proposal outlining how I would go about implementing those improvements, and what the ultimate
benefit to you might be. At this point we would both have all of the information we need to determine
if this will be a strong relationship and should proceed.
How am I Compensated?
All of my compensation is paid by Investors Group through the fees they levy on financial instruments
and services. This will vary depending on the product or service. In general, the more the assets of
each client grow, the greater my compensation is. This creates mutuality of interest since we both
want your investment assets to grow, and for you to be totally happy in your dealings with Investors
Group and myself. We both prosper from successful relationships.

3. Over time, a comprehensive financial plan would be developed…
This would include:
Investment Analysis to ensure current mix is consistent with the your risk profile
(you can sleep at night) and proper structure for tax efficiency.
Assessment of protecting financial assets from creditors.
Comprehensive retirement projections including cash flow, net worth projections,
income tax analysis and projections, and purchasing power forecasts.
Review of cash management and possible debt restructure.
Review of current Will, Power of Attorney, Trust documents and Succession Plan.
Risk Assessment - identify what perils could jeopardize your plans and possible solutions.
Review of current income tax situation and possible strategies to reduce these both now and in the
future.
Estate Analysis - review strategies for conveying your estate as efficiently as possible to your heirs
while minimizing taxes, and any other special considerations.
What are My Credentials and Qualifications
for Providing Financial Planning Advice?
I have been a Financial Advisor with Investors Group since 1986.
Received my Chartered Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 1991.
(now known as Certified Financial Planner)
Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) Specialized training in advising business owners on
succession and exit planning from their business in order to realize optimized value.
Division Manager for 10 years - responsible for compliance, training and development of other
financial advisors with Investors Group.
Member Calgary Chamber of Commerce. (Tax and Economic Affairs Committee Member)
Attend numerous seminars, conferences and workshops in order to stay current on financial
planning issues and techniques.

4. Does My Financial Planning Practice Specialize In A Particular Area?
My practice includes clients with all types of backgrounds, however more recently I have focused on
Exit and Succession planning for Small Business Owners and Incorporated Professionals. In addition, I
have extensive knowledge of Estate Planning issues and strategies, as this impacts all clients.
The common element that clients share, is that they are advice seeking. Whereas they may or may
not have the time, knowledge and skill to manage their financial planning themselves, they prefer to
delegate this task to a knowledgeable professional who they have confidence in so that they can devote
more of their time to other priorities such as career and family.
I look forward to our meeting and the opportunity to help you map out a course for achieving financial
security, prosperity, and independence.
Sincerely,
Richard Sheppard cfp, cepa
Senior Financial Consultant
p. 1.403.226.5531
f. 1.403.226.5299
tf. 1.855.905.0199
richard.sheppard@investorsgroup.com
Mission Statement
Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license
sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. is a federally regulated trust company and the mortgagee. Mortgages are offered through I.G. Investment Management, Ltd. Inquiries
will be referred to a Mortgage Planning (Agent) Specialist. Banking products and services are distributed through Solutions BankingTM. Solutions Banking products and services are provided by National Bank of Canada.
TMSolutions Banking is a trademark of Power Financial Corporation. National Bank of Canada is a licensed user of these trademarks.