OUR APPROACH
OUR APPROACH
OUR INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
Rather than discretionary stock picking or market timing, we focus on building well-diversified portfolios designed to perform steadily over time. We act as a steady hand, providing calm, consistent guidance through all market conditions. Our role is to steward your wealth with care, clarity, and long-term perspective, helping you to stay focused on what truly matters: reaching your financial goals with confidence.
Every client portfolio is managed individually, we do not use pooled or packaged funds. This personalized approach ensures that each client receives a tailored investment strategy aligned with their unique goals, risk profile, and circumstances.
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At the same time, we believe in the power of strong foundational holdings. To support this, we maintain a curated master list of core positions, aptly named Janus after the Roman god of transitions and duality. This “Janus List” is periodically overlaid on individual portfolios to identify and address any gaps in essential, long-term holdings.
OVERVIEW OF OUR APPROACH
Our investment strategy is grounded in strategic asset allocation, the cornerstone of building diversified, resilient portfolios. This allocation framework is reviewed annually and refined as clients progress through life’s stages. Every portfolio we construct includes a thoughtful balance of secure fixed income and equity investments, tailored to the client’s evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.
Most client portfolios consist of multiple account types such as Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs), Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), and non-registered trading accounts, each with distinct tax treatments. These range from fully taxable, to tax-deferred, to entirely tax-free. RRIFs and RESPs also offer additional benefits such as income splitting within a family.
Because of these differences, asset placement becomes just as important as asset allocation. We optimize the types of investments held within each account based on their tax characteristics. The result is a coordinated strategy: a series of sub-allocations across various account types that together form one cohesive, tax-efficient asset allocation plan.
HOW WE ALLOCATE ASSETS
EQUITIES & FIXED INCOME
Each client portfolio is thoughtfully diversified across both equities (stocks) and fixed income (bonds and similar instruments), forming the foundation of a well-balanced, risk-aware investment strategy.
Within the equity allocation, we further diversify by sector and global economic region. To guide this process, we use the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), a global framework that categorizes all of world commerce into sectors such as Financials, Technology, Healthcare, and more. Each sector is assigned a target weight, which we monitor monthly using our own proprietary sector indices. These indices are designed to track relative sector performance, providing disciplined buy and sell signals based on valuation trends. This helps reduce concentration risk and ensures exposure to a broad range of global growth opportunities.
We apply the same disciplined approach to geographic diversification, setting and monitoring target allocations across key global economic zones. These allocations are also guided by our proprietary international indices.
In total, we’ve developed four proprietary indices that together offer a high-level monthly snapshot of portfolio alignment. We call these our “Calls-To-Action” indices. They support consistent, data-driven decision-making, keeping portfolios aligned with their strategic objectives while avoiding reactive shifts driven by daily market fluctuations or emotion.
On the fixed income side, our portfolios are constructed to prioritize capital preservation, steady income, and risk mitigation. Fixed income plays a critical role by adding stability and serving as a reliable liquidity source during periods of market volatility.
We also include a carefully measured allocation to Alternative Debt, investments that occupy a space between traditional bonds and equities. These are designed to enhance yield while still offering some downside protection. However, due to their illiquid nature, we cap their weight in portfolios.
Every client portfolio is reviewed monthly. Using our proprietary tools, we ensure that asset allocations remain in line with their long-term targets, supporting a strategy that is methodical, resilient, and tailored to each client’s evolving financial journey.
WHY OUR APPROACH MATTERS
Our asset allocation discipline allows us to be ready, not reactive, in times of market stress. For example, when markets dropped sharply in March 2020, portfolios with properly managed fixed income exposure had the liquidity to take advantage of undervalued equities. That’s the power of thoughtful planning: having the flexibility to act when others can’t.
WHY WE MANAGE PORTFOLIOS
INDIVIDUALLY
We manage every client portfolio individually, rather than pooling client funds into a single investment product. This allows us to build portfolios with a personalized asset allocation plan that reflects the client's unique financial goals, time horizon, and stage in life. Whether you’re focused on long-term growth, drawing income in retirement, or preparing for a major life transition, your portfolio is designed to support your journey.
Our portfolios are constructed from the same carefully selected group of high-quality exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual companies, and fixed income assets. The difference lies in how each portfolio is built, which holdings are chosen, and in what proportions, to align with each client's specific plan and needs.
This individualized approach also allows us to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to contributions and withdrawals. Life doesn’t always follow a schedule, and we understand that financial needs can arise unexpectedly. Because we manage accounts separately, we’re able to plan ahead for income needs, reduce unnecessary tax events, and ensure the right assets are available at the right time.
We often liken our approach to building a home. A strong investment portfolio, like a well-constructed house, starts with a solid foundation. Each element, equities, fixed income, and alternative strategies, plays a role, working together to form a resilient, functional structure that supports your lifestyle and financial goals over the long term.
In short: we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all investing. We believe in custom-built portfolios that are as thoughtful, adaptable, and unique as the clients we serve.
OUR FEE PHILOSOPHY
We believe fees should be transparent, fair, and aligned with the value we deliver. As an independent firm, we construct efficient portfolios using cost-effective tools like ETFs, which offer broad diversification at a lower cost than mutual funds.
Our fees are tax-deductible for non-registered accounts. Fees are based on the market value of the assets at the following rates:
Fee Schedule
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0.85% per annum on the first $150,000 of assets under management, plus
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0.65% per annum on assets under management in excess of $150,000.
Our fees are calculated monthly per account and will be debited directly from your account on a quarterly, semi-annually or annual basis, depending upon the size of the individual account.
Our goal is simple: to keep more of your money working for you through thoughtful design, disciplined cost control, and clear communication.