(This article discusses financial issues and uses fictitious names of people for illustrative purposes.)

Many of the approximately 10 million Canadian baby boomers born between the years of 1947-1966 can recall a time when the closest thing to a money manager was an insurance agent.

Today, clients require much more from their advisors: financial, estate and succession plans, for starters. There are retirement plans, education funds for children, spending plans for retirees. Yet for as much as the industry has adapted to meet client needs, some fundamental issues still exist. Adena Franz of the Franz Group elaborates: “People are still frustrated with our business because they are still always being sold to. And then they’re disappointed, particularly when the markets get the jitters!”

She would know. A portfolio manager for 18 years, Franz and her experienced Group work as part of MacDougall, MacDougall and MacTier, an employee owned investment firm that’s been serving investors since 1858. At 3Macs, it’s independence that counts.

“People are frustrated because today’s world is full of choices. Coffee comes on a menu three pages long. There are at least 10 varieties of Crest toothpaste. Anyone renovating a kitchen these days is faced with a ton of choices: colour, materials, sizes, layout and combinations. Often people simply don’t have the experience, courage or time to ask enough questions.”

“At 3Macs,” Franz continues, “Our unique freedom permits straightforward, transparent advice. Nothing fancy. Without products to push, portfolios are invested to reflect their owner, the client.”

There’s no hidden agenda. Clients experience honesty and sincerity. “How we conduct our business is all about who we are. Our values come across in everything we do.” She adds wryly: “Often people confuse a pleasant personality for competency, as in, if he’s a nice guy, he must be good. Well, here we’re both nice and competent and that’s important, particularly in turbulent markets.”

The Franz Group manages money on a discretionary fee basis. This emphasizes a solid client-advisor relationship. “Too often commissions create a conflict of interest. We’re on the same side of the table. We want what our clients want. More money. You won’t be sold!” Franz enthuses. “True professionalism and good business practice begin with complete candour about how and what you’re paying for.”

Today two-thirds of financial service clients are likely to be over 50 years old. Franz helps clients transition into the next phase of their lives where the focus will be on spending what they’ve built up. “Whatever your profile,” Franz says, “The first task is to build a safe and solid foundation. If we are to be the guardians of our clients’ capital, we must listen and understand their goals and aspirations and create a plan to realize them.”

More than just money managers the Franz Group offers a wide range of services including: tax planning and preparation, charitable giving, estate and succession planning. “Whatever the objectives, we tailor the account and when the needs of the account change, we adjust,” Franz says.

Clients of the Franz Group have a minimum of $500,000 to invest and are looking for a Portfolio Manager who is serious about personal financial success. “Our clients want respect, personal attention, independent thinking and superior service and we believe that’s exactly what they deserve,” says Adena.

“Trust our data, our strategy and our process… and in return you will succeed,” Franz imparts, “Our results speak for themselves.”

Celebrating their 150th anniversary this year as an independent investment dealer, 3Macs is not owned by a large financial institution or a corporate owner. They do not maintain inventories of securities nor do they act as underwriters, except in very rare circumstances. Adena Franz is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at MacDougall MacDougall & MacTier Inc. She can be reached at 514-394-3771. The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It does not account for specific investment objectives or the financial situation of any person reading it. Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc. Investors should seek professional advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities discussed or recommended here and should recognize that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized.

MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc.
The Franz Group
1010 de la Gauchetiere Ouest, Suite 2000
Montreal, Quebec H3B 4J1
www.3macs.com

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