• During the Meeting
• Sample Questions to Ask
   

During the Meeting
 

• I should feel free to ask any question that pops into my head. After all, if I were an expert, I wouldn't have to consult a professional!
• I should feel comfortable with the representative. If this individual is to be in charge of my financial security, there should be a bond of trust between us.
• I should ensure the representative has a good grasp of my goals, limitations, financial resources, and, if applicable, investor profile
   

Sample Questions to Ask
 

• Insurance
• Investments
• Other
   

Insurance
I can consult the Insurance Shopping Guide, which lists the main features of various life, health and disability products. This information can help me determine the points I want to discuss with my representative before purchasing coverage.

Investments
 

• Are the products recommended consistent with my investor profile?
• Why is the representative recommending a particular investment, and why is it suitable for me?
• What are the returns on the investment suggested, as compared to those of other vehicles?
• Can I cash in the investment at any time?
• What are the terms and conditions for cashing in the investment? If I redeem it before it matures, will I have to pay penalties or suffer tax consequences?
• Are there fees to be paid on purchasing or selling this type of investment?
• How often will I receive a transaction statement?
• If a mistake has been made on my statement, whom should I contact?
• If the representative suggests certain investment strategies, what are their advantages and attendant risks?
• If I invest in an RRSP, when will I receive a receipt for income-tax purposes?
• In the event of my death, what redemption or transfer options would the representative suggest for my investments?
   

Other
 

• What products can the representative offer? Are they exclusive? Is the representative acting as a broker with access to a wide range of products?
• Should I sign a contract committing me to deal with this representative over a given period of time?
• If necessary, does the representative have access to other specialists, such as a tax expert or notary, to analyze my file?
• Can the representative establish and monitor a customized action plan? Can I have an example of such a plan?
• How often will we communicate with each other? (N.B.: This means sending me the information I actually need, not a just bunch of irrelevant brochures!)
• Will I be seeing my representative again face to face, or will I have to do business with a subordinate?
• After our first meeting, will the representative be available to answer questions?