What We Think – Surround Wealth Advisors

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The Surroundup

THE #1 QUESTION CLIENTS ASKED ME IN 2025

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and holiday break. After two weeks of my little guys being home, I think I need a break from the break. As we finish the year, I mainly just want to say thank you. The trust you place in us is something I don’t take for granted, and it...

December 30, 2025

Illustrated image of an elderly couple supported by a hand. They are surrounded by medical and financial related icons.

The Surroundup

NAVIGATING THE AGING PROCESS

As Advisors we are always looking for best practices for our client families when it comes to their financial health and wealth. A lot of the focus is on the here and now and what we can do from an investment, tax or estate perspective… proper planning goes a long way and can help paint...

November 27, 2025

Illustrated image of four sets of hands placing different kinds of money into three separate baskets.

The Surroundup

THE GOLD STANDARD OF DIVERSIFICATION

Everyone’s heard the old saying: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” That’s the essence of diversification — protecting yourself so one event, market, asset class, or policy change doesn’t derail your entire plan. Diversification isn’t about chasing the highest return every year. It’s about survival — making sure you can withstand uncertainty and...

October 30, 2025

The Surroundup, Videos

ARE YOU PLANNING FOR A 100-YEAR LIFE? HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD BE

I’ll be honest: I spend a lot of time—and not a small amount of money, energy and attention—trying to stay healthy. Not in an obsessive Bryan Johnson kind of way, but in a conscious, daily-practice kind of way. My supplements are personalized. My workouts are tracked. I walk 10,000 steps most days, hit my zone...

September 25, 2025

Image showing a paper cut out of an elderly couple holding hands. There is a stack of coins to the right of them.

The Surroundup

DEATH OF A SPOUSE – PENSION INCOME SPLITTING IN THE YEAR OF DEATH

We are often asked to assist in several areas for our client families after someone has passed. Many of the inquiries are estate related, and other are tax related. One question which often comes up is the ability to pension split for the year of death of a client. In Canada, we benefit from the...

August 28, 2025

Photo of two young boys wearing Canada shirts. One boy is smiling the other is sticking hi tongue out at the camera.

The Surroundup

WHAT TRADE WAR?

Here we are—already the end of July. I could’ve sworn summer just started, then I blinked and suddenly everyone’s talking about their end-of-summer plans. Where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday I was advising clients to keep their expectations in check heading into 2025… and now analysts are already looking ahead to...

July 29, 2025

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The Surroundup

B-SIDE – INSURANCE: A LIFE STORY IN 3 PARTS

Where exactly does insurance fit into a life well lived? I mean, isn’t it a bit of a third rail, morbid, snoozer of a topic after all? This kid here, does he really look like he’s worried about insurance? Heck no. Well you’ve got me. Despite being an immensely important way to protect just about...

June 27, 2025

The Surroundup, Videos

THE TRUTH ABOUT INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES: WHY CHEAPEST ISN’T ALWAYS BEST

Let’s get something straight: Investment management fees are not the enemy. They’re the cost of accessing expertise, strategic guidance, and opportunities to grow your wealth in alignment with your goals. Yet, in a landscape where robo-advisors, DIY platforms, and fee-for-service models have exploded, there’s more confusion than ever about what you’re actually paying for —...

June 27, 2025

Six wooden blocks are lined up in a row. A finger from out of frame presses down on top of one that has a pause button symbol on the front face. The other blocks each have a single letter on the front face spelling out Pause.

The Surroundup

TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR RRIF IN 2025?

The Liberals’ victory in the recent federal election in April has a few important campaign measures which will now need to be formally presented via a ways and means motion to enable the proposed changes. One of those changes is the potential to reduce mandatory RRIF Minimums for one year (2025) by 25%. The proposal...

May 29, 2025

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The Surroundup

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

“Hearing everyone’s thoughts 24/7 is the worst thing to happen to society since the mosquito.” – Michael Antonelli In an age where data is endless and our screens never sleep, the investing world has become both more accessible and more overwhelming. Economic reports, breaking financial news, algorithmic trading signals, and thousands of voices on social...

April 29, 2025

Computer screen showing Gillian in a video call for a podcast.

The Surroundup

BEHIND THE MIC (NEW!)

This month Gillian appeared as a guest on The Hole Shebang, a brazen and unashamed podcast that shines a light on the gaps in our knowledge to help empower us to be healthier, wealthier and wiser. Click here to listen on Apple, and here on Spotify.

March 26, 2025

Man wearing headphones sits at desk looking over papers.

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: UPCOMING EVENTS

Wealth Matters Webcast–April 23, 2025 Wealth Matters events are designed to provide Assante clients and their families with timely investment, wealth planning and lifestyle information. Your expert hosts Dilmini Bonas, TEP, LL.B., and John Christenson CPA, CA, TEP, CFP, from CI Assante Wealth Management as the explore Wealth Planning for recreational property. The webcast...

March 26, 2025

The Surroundup, Videos

MONEY WITH MEANING: WHY YOUR VALUES MATTER IN WEALTH BUILDING

Friends, let’s talk about money—not just earning it, but making it work for you in a way that actually aligns with who you are. Too often, financial advice comes at us like a soulless math problem: earn, save, invest, repeat. And for some people, it feels like using tools and instruments that don’t quite seem...

March 26, 2025

Yellow sign in front of a blue sky that reads Market Volatility.

Blog

ASSANTE MARKET UPDATE: MAKE VOLATILITY GREAT AGAIN

Assante Friends and Family, Over the past few weeks, I’ve had several conversations with clients, friends and family who are understandably frustrated, annoyed and nervous about the recent tariff noise and are concerned about the potential implications. These conversations almost always end with some form of “Trump is such a…” I’m not saying I disagree,...

March 11, 2025

Image of a calendar with the 30th day circled in red with the words taxes due inside. A Government of Canada document is seen in the bottom right corner.

The Surroundup

TAX TIME! LET’S GO!

It’s that time of year again! You got it… tax time! First things first… The RSP deadline is March 3, 2025 – that is the last day to make eligible contributions for the 2024 tax year. If you constantly struggle to get your RSP maxed out each year… consider moving contributions to a monthly...

February 26, 2025

Candid photo of Adil and his family celebrating a birthday.

The Surroundup

TEMPER YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Let me start by wishing you all a very Happy 2025! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season with an opportunity to relax, unplug, and spend time with friends and family. As I write this, my birthday was a couple of days ago, so I thought I’d start by sharing a few candid photos of...

January 30, 2025

The Surroundup, Videos

BEING KIND COMES BACK TO YOU

Watch this month’s Surroundup video to learn more about who we are talking about this holiday season. Once again, this year Surround plans to honour the work we are privileged to do with and for our clients with a significant contribution to The Surround Foundation – a charitable donor advised fund we run through one...

December 19, 2024

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS ANOTHER AWESOME YEAR WITH SURROUND

Here it is once again, our Christmas Wish List! A list of some of the things we are very excited to talk to you about in our communications and meetings with you in the New Year. Stay tuned for more on this as we roll out the 2025 Surround Wealth Client Experience for you. Creating...

December 19, 2024

Image of a calendar with the words Year End Planning in large bold letters.

The Surroundup

YEAR-END PLANNING – TAX & LEGAL

CHECKING ITEMS OFF YOUR LIST! It’s that time of year when we are all busy checking those important holiday lists before the rush starts. Another important list to check-off comes during the holiday season which isn’t typically as much fun to plan around, but it can impact you and your family if not handled...

November 26, 2024

Image of a cut out piece of paper with the word Update on it.

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: UPDATE ON OUR PARENT COMPANY CI FINANCIAL

I am writing with an exciting development about our parent company, CI Financial. The firm has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mubadala Capital to take CI private. As a globally recognized, sovereign-backed investor, Mubadala Capital invests with a strategic, long-term outlook, bringing stability and certainty to support the continued development...

November 26, 2024

The Surroundup

WHEN SHOULD YOU START TAKING CPP?

IS THERE AN OPTIMAL AGE TO TAKE THE CANADA PENSION PLAN? For many, the answer is yes: the optimal age is to delay CPP to age 70. Before we get into the reasons why, let me say that this isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s circumstances are different. So if you’ve already started taking CPP and you...

October 30, 2024

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: RE-INTRODUCING ASSANTE’S WEALTH MATTERS WEBCASTS

Also in response to the diverse interests that were expressed in The Client Survey, we are happy to reintroduce you to Wealth Matters Webcasts, which take place quarterly and offer cutting edge content from a wide variety of experts in both financial and non-financial fields. Earlier this summer, Dr. Greg Wells hosted the Wealth Matters...

September 19, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

GOOD STRESS. BAD STRESS.

In late August, I had the honour of working as a Judge at the 2024 Masters CrossFit Games in (you are reading this right!) Birmingham, Alabama. If you go look it up on YouTube, scan the judges for a strawberry blond with a white knee sleeve and yup, that’s me. Certainly, one city in the...

September 19, 2024

Blog

ASSANTE MARKET UPDATE: EXPECT VOLATILITY

Surround Friends and Family, You’ve heard me say it many times – market corrections are normal, necessary, and part of the plan. If you want the long-term returns of the market, you must go through the short-term ups and downs – that’s how it works. Last week was a volatile one and the question is whether this...

September 9, 2024

The Surroundup

BARE TRUSTS – RULE CHANGES FROM 2023 AND WHAT’S AHEAD FOR 2024

You may recall in our prior writing from February of this year we had detailed the changes for Trust reporting rules starting for the 2023 filing year which came with the inclusion for new reporting Trusts. Those new rules came with many questions for investors which included the issue for “bare trusts” which are an...

August 28, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

B-SIDE: SEPTEMBER – IT’S OFF TO UNIVERSITY FOR MY OLDEST!

As the summer draws to a close many of us are finishing up vacations and prepping for back to school. This year is especially important for my wife and myself as our oldest is heading off to his first year of University (The RESP funds are finally going to be used!) I am excited to...

August 28, 2024

Blog

DO MARKETS PREFER A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN?

HOW WILL THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFFECT MARKETS? Above are the questions I am getting a lot lately. Here’s my answer: The general playbook in the fourth year of a presidential cycle is consolidation during the first half of the year. This basically means a range-bound or sideways market, before accelerating into the back half...

August 7, 2024

The Surroundup

REAL ESTATE OR STOCKS?

WHICH DO YOU THINK IS A BETTER LONG-TERM INVESTMENT – REAL ESTATE OR STOCKS? If you said real estate, you would agree with the latest results from Gallup’s 2024 survey, in which Americans at all income levels perceive real estate as a better investment than other options. In fact, real estate has been at the...

July 30, 2024

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: CLIENT INSIGHTS SURVEY FINDINGS

Photo by: Ann H (Pexels) The Client Survey from Absolute Engagement landed in your inboxes on April 25th. A very important exercise conducted by this leading client research company, the exercise and its various reports and insights gives us critical feedback on our ability to delivery on what you deem most important. Our highest priority...

June 27, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

DOMESTICATE, OR BE DOMESTICATED: LIVING WITH PURPOSE IN THE A.I. REVOLUTION

“Good morning. It’s 7 A.M. The weather in Malibu is 72 degrees with scattered clouds. The surf conditions are fair with waist to shoulder highlines, high tide will be at 10:52 a.m.” – J.A.R.V.I.S, Tony Stark aka Iron Man’s A.I., from the movie Iron Man. Imagine waking up every day to a voice like this,...

June 27, 2024

The Surroundup

PROPOSED CAPITAL GAINS INCLUSION TAX RATE CHANGES

The last Federal Budget was delivered on April 16 of this year with several new tax measures. Perhaps the biggest news of this budget was the proposal to increase the capital gains inclusion rate from 50% to two thirds (66.7%) effective for transactions after June 25th, 2024. Capital gains incurred prior to this date will...

May 29, 2024

Blog

Surround Market Update: Healthy Pullback

It’s the end of April, Q1 is in the books, tax season is just about behind us, weather is warming up and May flowers are beginning to bloom, so I thought now would be a good time for a brief market update. On a personal note, I just got back from our first family vacation. ...

April 30, 2024

Shorts, The Surroundup, Videos

DON’T BE SCARED.

When the market is down, everyone is worried. And when the market is up, everyone is still worried. How should you feel about it? My advice is in this month’s video. By Adil Mohammed, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. NEW! You can watch my usual full-length video (above), or watch it in...

April 29, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

WHAT KIND OF ADVISOR DO YOU HAVE?

Most people assume all advisors do pretty much the same thing. But that’s not the case. What’s the difference between an investment advisor, financial planner, financial advisor and wealth advisor? It’s all in this video. By Adil Mohammed, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. This material is provided for general information and should...

April 29, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

THE RISE AND FALL AND RISE AND FALL… AND RISE (FOR NOW), OF BITCOIN.

Have you seen Bitcoin’s price lately? It’s skyrocketing! For good reason, this has raised the interest level of many clients to ask why, and when it might be a good time to consider cryptocurrency as part of a diversified investment strategy. At the same time, many are still cautious about investing in it just yet....

March 26, 2024

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: PLEASE COMPLETE THE CLIENT SURVEY!

The Client Survey is coming to your inboxes on April 25th This is a very important exercise conducted by leading client research company Absolute Engagement, giving us critical feedback on our ability to delivery on what you deem most important. Please participate by completing the survey. It only takes about 7 minutes to answer and...

March 26, 2024

Image of a desk surface scattered with tax forms. A large calculator sits atop the papers with the words Tax Time on the display.

The Surroundup

IMPORTANT: NEW AND EXPANDED TRUST REPORTING

It’s about that time of year where the mailbox starts getting filled with tax related documents. Many of us wait until the last minute to file, but here is a reason to start working on your taxes now! The Government of Canada has introduced new trust reporting rules that require all trusts, unless specifically exempted,...

February 27, 2024

Shorts, The Surroundup, Videos

FIVE THINGS THAT WILL STAY THE SAME IN 2024

There is so much time and effort put towards trying to predict the changes that will occur in a new year. Want to know what will stay the same? Find out in this month’s video. By Adil Mohammed, CFP®, CIM®, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. NEW! Introducing video shorts, in which Adil breaks down...

January 29, 2024

The Surroundup, Videos

WHAT’S IN A WISH?

This December, Surround marks the fourth anniversary of The Surround Foundation by making a very important wish come true. We hope you enjoy this year’s holiday video introduction to a girl, named Zoey, an examination of the power of wishes, and what it means to live a good life.

December 18, 2023

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: INTERVIEW WITH A PRO, YULIA REUTER

In early November 2023, I had the absolute pleasure of being introduced and spending some time with Yulia Reuter, Head of Responsible Investing, CI Global Asset Management. Needless to say, when I began working on the task of gathering actionable intel for clients in the realm of sustainable and socially responsible investing, my immediate skepticism...

November 24, 2023

The Surroundup

FEELING FRUSTRATED? TRY FIXING YOUR H.A.L.O.

This month’s Surroundup is all about fixing your H.A.L.O. That’s right. As we continue to find ourselves in a world of conflict and polarized extremism, and at the same moment entering the season of giving and gratitude, I wanted to visit on one of the other biggest topics of the last two years that has...

November 24, 2023

The Surroundup

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT) – WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME?

AMT is a second, alternate tax liability calculation which Canadian individual and trusts have to consider annually as a parallel with their normal tax liability. This method was introduced for Canada’s tax system back in 1986. Under this parallel tax calculation method, it allows for fewer deductions, exemptions and credits than under the regular income...

October 25, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPECTATIONS

IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPECTATIONS If I had to give this year a theme, it would be “better than expected”. What’s to come? Find out in this month’s video. Hint: It doesn’t matter what happens. It matters what’s priced in. It matters what the market expects. By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial...

September 26, 2023

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: MEET IESHA ELLWOOD – OUR FINAL 2022 NEXT LEVEL SPONSORSHIP ATHLETE!

Meet Iesha Ellwood – our final 2022 Next Level Sponsorship Athlete! How long have you been doing CrossFit? What got you started? I’ve been doing CrossFit for about 5 years. I was invited by my friend Julia Lane. What aspect of our core values of authentic, driven, and inclusive do you relate to the most?...

August 28, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

GREAT COACHING MAKES THE UNCERTAIN MORE CERTAIN OVER TIME

“Trust always affects two outcomes: speed and cost. When trust goes down, speed goes down and cost goes up. When trust goes up, speed goes up and cost goes down.” These are the words of the Stephen M.R. Covey from his book The Speed of Trust, and when I first began to conceive of this...

August 28, 2023

The Surroundup

DONATING SECURITIES – PROPOSED CHANGES FOR 2024

We are all aware of the of the joy one gets from giving to Charities. It makes us feel good about having a cause or benefit that means something to us… sometimes it is a deeply rooted cause that pulls at our heartstrings, or we know someone whose life has been impacted by a sickness...

July 24, 2023

Blog

PLANNING MATTERS: 2023 FIDELITY RETIREMENT REPORT

I recently read the annual Fidelity Retirement Report and wanted to share some of its insights. This is a survey based report which began in 2005. It aims to understand the current retirement trends and strategies as well as provide insights into the attitudes and behaviour of Canadian pre-retirees and retirees. A significant part of...

July 7, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

THE GREAT DEBATE OF 2023

The great debate of 2023…. Recession or no recession? Bull market or bear market? Soft landing or hard landing? Which argument will prevail? Find out in this month’s video. By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. This material is provided for general information and should not be considered individual investment,...

June 27, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

WEALTH PLANNING IN THE MULTIVERSE

As we near the mid-point in the year, the team at Surround continues to meet with clients to review amongst other things, two interrelated key metrics. As most of you know by now, during the first half of year “AGM Meetings” we review – the client’s Wealth Plan; and how their current investment balances and...

May 29, 2023

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: BE ANYTHING BUT BE THE BEST, AND BEING KIND COMES BACK TO YOU

The Surround Foundation was created back in 2019 to support causes championed by our clients and close to the hearts of our team members at Surround. NEXT LEVEL SPONSORED ATHLETE: MAX VIGNEUX This month we are thrilled to introduce Max Vigneux from All Level CrossFit in Windsor Ontario. Max was the recipient of one of...

May 29, 2023

The Surroundup

FROM SMALL ACORNS GROW MIGHTY OAKS

We wanted to give a big shout-out to our client Darrell Dawson who recently published a fiction story for children titled From Small Acorns Grow Mighty Oaks. Darrell lives in Mahone Bay, N.S. and was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England in 1938. He attended Woodhouse Grove School, a public school for boys. While serving two...

April 19, 2023

The Surroundup

THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT IS FINALLY HERE!

We are often asked by clients for advice on ways to help their children or grandchildren learn how to invest and build wealth. Many clients want to help the next generation, but instead of just handing over money, they want to help see how it can change their lives for future generations. There are a...

April 19, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

CAN THE FED THREAD THE NEEDLE?

As rates began to rise in 2022, there were two realistic scenarios for the economy. Which scenario will prevail? Find out in this month’s video. By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. Correction: 0:33 rates began to rise in 2022, not 2020 Assante is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CI...

March 29, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

SURROUND’S WORLD CLASS WEALTH ATHLETES FOLLOW 3 SIMPLE RULES

Being a CrossFit Coach is both an honour and a duty — and the great ones live by one charter: “My competency is solely defined by my efficacy.” Being a Wealth Coach is both an honour and a duty — and if you ask me, the great ones also live by this charter: “My competency...

February 27, 2023

The Surroundup

B-SIDE: AS IN ‘BE ANYTHING BUT BE THE BEST’

Introducing Surround’s first CF24 Sponsored Athlete: Julia Lane, Windsor, ON It is my absolute pleasure to introduce the first of our Next Level Sponsorship Athletes who were awarded in October based on their submissions of what piece of training, assistance or equipment would help them take their game to the next level. As you recall,...

February 27, 2023

The Surroundup

LET’S GET THIS STARTED!

As we look back on 2022 and say good riddance, we are all well aware that our 2022 obligations are not behind us as of yet…. Yes…the dreaded tax season is upon us. As with most years we will soon begin to receive slips in the mail from the various companies and agencies you deal...

January 30, 2023

Blog

Assante Market Update: Bring on 2023!

Happy New Year all! May the new year bring good health, happiness and positive markets in 2023 with no new wars or pandemics! As for 2022 – nice knowing you…. Okay, that may be a bit harsh. Tami and I welcomed our second baby in September so I can’t write off 2022 completely. Not to...

January 13, 2023

The Surroundup, Videos

BEING KIND COMES BACK TO YOU.

This holiday season, the Surround team marks the third anniversary of The Surround Foundation by recognizing and supporting charities tackling food insecurity in our various home towns. Please enjoy this warm and festive video message. It’s sure to have you dancing in your boots by the end! In addition to sponsoring a city-wide campaign for...

December 20, 2022

The Surroundup

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS AN AWESOME YEAR WITH SURROUND

Here it is, our Christmas Wish List! A list of some of the things we are very excited to talk to you about in our communications and meetings with you in the New Year. Stay tuned for more on this as we roll out the 2023 Surround Wealth Client Experience for you. In the meantime,...

December 20, 2022

The Surroundup

SURROUND B-SIDE HOLIDAY 2022 EDITION

You asked and we answered. The Surround B-side continues its releases this time with a set of 10 specially curated holiday time and inspiring songs of warmth and joy. CLICK HERE FOR THE PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY!

December 20, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

SAVERS REJOICE

Every market correction has similarities to a previous correction but carries with it its own unique flavour. What’s different this year? Find out in this month’s video. By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd. Assante is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. (“CI”). The principal business of CI...

November 23, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

INTENSITY: HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?

Intensity is an essential ingredient to reach optimal human performance in sport and in business, but each person’s definition and requirement for what is “optimal” is going to vary. Watch the video and then read this month’s blogpost: Then and only then, Intensity. By Gillian Stovel Rivers, MA, CFP®, CEA Senior Wealth Advisor

October 24, 2022

The Surroundup

THEN AND ONLY THEN, INTENSITY.

In my April edition of The Surroundup I laid out the CrossFit Charter: Mechanics, Consistency, Intensity. Once we have the basic mechanics of movement – or in our case, wealth – defined, that’s when we can identify and practice skills which, when executed with consistency, will help us create wealth. In the July...

October 24, 2022

The Surroundup

SURROUND B-SIDE Q422

When we first started writing The Surroundup back in 2020, internally we would often refer to the second article to be included each month as “the B-side”. Meaning if The Surroundup was an album, the A-side was the main blog or article, and the B-side was something else we wanted to put out there for...

October 24, 2022

The Surroundup

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

We are about to say goodbye to what seems like the first ‘normal’ summer we’ve had in two years as many of us returned to vacations and being away with friends and family. For the most part much has returned in our daily lives, but without question… we have not forgotten about the market declines...

September 27, 2022

The Surroundup

SURROUND FOUNDATION SUPPORTS THE NEXT LEVEL SPONSORSHIP FOR CF|24

On October 1st, members of your team at Surround are participating in a one- day fitness fundraiser called CF|24. We will be completing one “hero” style workout and all funds raised will be donated to Special Olympics Canada Foundation. Any pledges made to our fundraising page are greatly appreciated and will go a long way...

September 27, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Well, the first half of 2022 is officially behind us. It was certainly one for the history books. To provide some context, here’s what we just experienced: First half of 2022 ranks in the worst 3% of all 6 month returns since 1926 for stocks (only 6 months performance numbers that were worse occurred during...

August 26, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

CONSISTENCY AT ANYTHING YOU CHOOSE WILL ACHIEVE RESULTS. CHOOSE WISELY.

Consistency at anything you choose will achieve results. Choose wisely. Watch the video and then read this month’s blogpost: You don’t get what you wish for. You get what you work for. By Gillian Stovel Rivers, MA, CFP®, CEA Senior Wealth Advisor Assante Financial Management Ltd.

July 27, 2022

The Surroundup

YOU DON’T GET WHAT YOU WISH FOR. YOU GET WHAT YOU WORK FOR.

In my April edition of The Surroundup I laid out the CrossFit Charter: Mechanics, Consistency, Intensity. Once we have the basic mechanics of movement – or in our case, wealth – defined, that’s when we can identify and practice skills which, when executed with consistency, will help us create wealth. Humans process information through different...

July 27, 2022

The Surroundup

ONTARIO STAYCATION CREDIT: HOW IS GILLIAN USING IT?

For clients who live here in Ontario, this is a nice little perk in the 2022 personal tax year that I am definitely taking advantage of. Having tried out some international travel via airports earlier this year, I find myself craving something easy to access, that doesn’t require the hassle of an airport, and allows...

July 27, 2022

The Surroundup

The GRAND RE-OPENING!

Can I just say how great it is that things have opened up? As you may know, my family is a busy bunch. One of the many tough things about the pandemic was that families did not have the ability to participate in their normal activities. In our family, it was largely our kids’ sports...

June 27, 2022

The Surroundup

DO YOU REALLY KNOW?

Do you really know? What’s in your safety deposit box, that is. Or maybe it’s the bottom drawer in your desk. Or the top shelf in your closet. We find that for many clients, things that are out of sight are out of mind. Especially when it comes to insurance policies. Do you know where...

June 27, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

THERE’S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO ACCEPT.

There’s no way to sugar-coat it, we are in the midst of an extended market sell-off. In periods like this I’m reminded of a quote from famous investor Peter Lynch “In the stock market, the most important organ is the stomach. It’s not the brain”. We know market pullbacks are expected, normal and necessary, however...

May 25, 2022

The Surroundup

A SHORT PRIMER ON WHY CANCER STILL SUCKS

Have you ever wondered why cancer remains such a dreadful illness? Or why it’s so common? Or how you can you reduce your cancer risk, and why screening isn’t better at finding cancer early? So many questions – and more – all answered by our client (!), Dr. David Stewart, MD, FRCPC, in his new book: ...

May 24, 2022

The Surroundup

IT’S JUST YOU AGAINST YOU

What are the mechanics of wealth creation? It starts with finding something you love to do, and then learning to do it well. Which will translate into making money, yes, and also earning and learning a lot more than that. Here’s how I learn: CrossFit. It has officially been a while since I referenced CrossFit in...

April 27, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JOINT ASSETS

What is Joint Ownership of Assets? What are its advantages – and pitfalls? Watch this video from our expert on this topic: Keith Masterman, Vice President, Tax, Retirement and Estate Planning from CI Global Asset Management. From our Spring Web Event #2.

April 27, 2022

The Surroundup

IT MIGHT BE A BIGGER DEAL THAN YOU THINK

Are you paying the least tax possible? Are you filing your taxes at all? Taxes can really, really nag at you. Not getting them done as expertly as possible, or not getting them done on time – those are the two big issues, both of which we can help you with. If you haven’t yet...

March 24, 2022

Videos, Events

WHAT A CROWD WE HAD!

Our web event on inflation and interest rate hikes, with a presentation by Geof Marshall, was fantastically well-attended. With good reason: as SVP, Head of High Yield at CI Global Asset Management, Geof was the perfect speaker on a very timely topic. And naturally we recorded it! Whether you missed the event, or attended and...

February 27, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

HOW TO AVOID BEING AVERAGE

The average investor gets returns that are worse than the markets they are invested in. How on earth is that possible? Because the average investor makes investment decisions based on biases and emotion. How can you avoid that fate? Watching this video would be an excellent start. By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante...

February 27, 2022

Blog

Update on the Russia and Ukraine Situation

With the recent escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine causing market uncertainty, we wanted to share with you commentary received from Drummond Brodeur, Senior Vice-President, Portfolio Manager and Global Strategist at CI Global Asset Management. “The Russia/Ukraine situation remains fluid and will likely continue to deteriorate with a series of escalating actions from Russia...

February 24, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

SAVE THE DATES! WINTER WEB EVENT SERIES

In this short video, Andrew tells us more about the topics next up in our 2022 Winter Web Event Series. Join us for three webinar events in February, April and June to stay connected to critical aspects of exceptional wealth management!

January 26, 2022

The Surroundup

I NEED SOME SILVER LININGS. MAYBE YOU DO TOO.

Omicron is running rampant, our lives are locked down (again!) and winter is just getting started. The New Year, normally a time of great optimism, is in its infancy – and already it risks being a big bummer. But I am finding hope. In an unexpected place, considering that economics is supposedly the dismal science....

January 26, 2022

The Surroundup, Videos

THERE IS HOPE. BIG TIME.

The year is off to a crummy start, but Gillian has found hope in an unexpected place. Watch the video and then read this month’s blogpost: I need some silver linings. Maybe you do too. By Gillian Stovel Rivers, MA, CFP®, CEA Senior Wealth Advisor

January 26, 2022

Blog

Market Volatility: Part of the Plan

Stock market volatility is back. We’re here to hopefully provide some context and perspective. If you takeaway anything from this message, it’s that stock market volatility is normal, it’s expected and it’s part of the plan. Okay, so let’s start with what’s happening. What’s happening: Inflation hit a 30 year high in Canada and a...

January 24, 2022

The Surroundup

HERE’S WHAT WE WANT YOU TO FOCUS ON

It is that time of year. For the holidays, yes, and all the good things that come with them. It is also a time for reflection, on what we accomplished this year as human beings, what we still have to do – and what our focus should be on in the next trip around the...

December 21, 2021

Videos

FAMILY GIVING AT ITS FINEST

Happy Holidays from your team at Surround Wealth Advisors! Click to play our special video about the 2021 grants we are giving through the Surround Foundation. We wish everyone a season of health and peace.

December 16, 2021

The Surroundup

WE’RE PROUD OF OUR PARENT

Our parent company, CI Financial Corp., is making moves to bring wealth management to hundreds of thousands of families across North America. We are very proud to be part of this movement. The full story is in this PDF.

November 26, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos

WE HAVE A POWERFUL NEW INVESTING TOOL FOR YOU

How would you like a powerful new tool in your investing arsenal? In this video for the November edition of The Surroundup, I explain liquid alternatives and how they may help reduce risk and provide performance potential – regardless of market conditions. Check it out! By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor Assante Financial...

November 26, 2021

Blog

“I AM STILL IN THE HABIT OF USING THIS HABIT”

We’ve got our clients thinking about their habits. In the July edition of The Surroundup, I wrote about Atomic Habits, the huge bestseller by James Clear. And I asked our readers: **Which new, positive habits did you form in lockdown – that you’re going to take with you into the post-lockdown world??** We received some...

November 1, 2021

Blog

“SOME OF MY COVID HABITS HAVE NOT BEEN GOOD ONES.”

“Some of my Covid habits have not been good ones. Late night iPhone scrolls, to name the worst.” That’s what one of our clients told us via email. But she made many more great habits that outnumber that one in a very big way. What about you? Which new, positive habits did you form in...

November 1, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos

AN EPIPHANY: “WEALTH HYGIENE”

Gillian talks about an epiphany she had this summer while working with a new CrossFit coach. Turns out, there are several wealth habits that Surround’s longest-tenured clients have in common. What about you? Watch the video and then read this month’s blogpost: All of Our Long-Time Clients Do This. By Gillian Stovel Rivers, MA, CFP®,...

October 28, 2021

The Surroundup

ALL OF OUR LONG-TIME CLIENTS DO THIS

“Tell me about your food hygiene.” That’s what my new CrossFit coach asked me this summer. He was putting me through a smart and thorough interview about all aspects of my life, before devising new training plans and determining how he was going to push me, motivate me, and get me outside of my comfort...

October 28, 2021

The Surroundup

PODCAST! EXPLORING THE BUSINESS OF LONGEVITY

Gillian’s fascination with human performance companies like Whoop is a natural spinoff from her love of CrossFit. Whoop is one of a growing number of “human performance” companies positioned to help everyday citizens learn to manage their bodies as part of this huge potential area for economic expansion. As the New York Times says, “billions...

October 28, 2021

The Surroundup

TIME FOR AN ATTITUDE CHECK?

Covid-19 has changed a lot of things – some of them for the worse. But it also changed many of us for the better. Consider people’s attitude towards their will, for example. According to a survey done by Legalwills.ca in February 2021, Covid-19 influenced 53% of respondents to write or update their will in the...

September 23, 2021

The Longevity Economy by Joseph Coughlin

The Surroundup

HOW DO YOU INVEST IF YOU LIVE A LONG, LONG TIME?

Just prior to the pandemic, CI Financial CEO Kurt MacAlpine announced a long-term partnership with MIT professor Joseph Coughlin: a researcher of demographic change, founder of MIT Agelab and author of The Longevity Economy: Inside the World’s Fastest Growing, Most Misunderstood Market. As Kurt put it, “Joe Coughlin’s work is directly relevant to a critical...

September 23, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos

THINK YOU CAN TIME THE MARKET?

Think you can time the market? Even with the remarkable gyrations of the last 18 months, some people still do. But not me. In this new video (with a sharp new on-brand look!), I make my case. Do you buy it? By Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI® Wealth Advisor

August 26, 2021

The Surroundup

CI FINANCIAL EARNS 2021 GREAT PLACE TO WORK® CERTIFICATION

We think that ours is a great place to work – and the experts agree! Check out this announcement from our parent company, CI Financial Corp. — TORONTO (August 12, 2021) – CI Financial Corp. (“CI”) (TSX: CIX; NYSE: CIXX) announces it has been certified as a Great Place to Work® after a thorough, independent...

August 26, 2021

The Surroundup

CI CLIENT LETTER JUNE 2021

The global economy continued to recover in June and July, helped by the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, U.S. fiscal stimulus programs and supportive monetary policies from the Fed and other major central banks. Here are a few updates on this past month’s notable market-related events. COVID-19 and market developments US., Canadian and global markets rallied...

July 27, 2021

The Surroundup

TURNS OUT YOU *CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU

You know what? As a species, we’ve done quite well in the pandemic – compared with past global calamities. Although the history of famine, plague and war in the first world has diminished substantially over the past 100 years at an exceptional rate, Covid was quite a shock to the whole global system, and is...

July 27, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos

I’D LIKE YOU TO THINK ABOUT YOUR HABITS

Gillian talks about how she overcame a somewhat embarrassing problem – with a powerful new habit. Watch the video and then read this month’s blogpost: Turns out you *can take it with you. You created new habits in lockdown. Which ones will you keep as the world reopens? By Gillian Stovel Rivers, MA, CFP®, CEA...

July 27, 2021

The Surroundup

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

Our vision is To have a close personal and professional connection with every one of our clients. Only in that way can we help them be wealthier in all the ways important to them. In order to one day achieve that level of connection, we have to understand our clients deeply. This year’s client satisfaction...

June 24, 2021

The Surroundup

ASSANTE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN CANADA

In the J.D. Power 2021 Canada Full-Service Investor Satisfaction Study, Assante Wealth Management has been ranked highest in overall investor satisfaction with full-service investment firms – including ranking first in trust. Click here for the press release, which includes comment from Assante president Sean Etherington, and from Kurt MacAlpine, the CEO of Assante’s parent company,...

June 24, 2021

The Surroundup

SHOULD WE GET CRAZY ABOUT INFLATION?

How much fun would it be to get paid for making bold predictions, and then never be held accountable when we’re wrong? If we really want to know the answer, we should be asking the talking heads on TV and online – the financial pundits whose job it is to make headlines by saying something,...

May 31, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos, Events

GILLIAN SPEAKS AT THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE

The largest wealth transfer in Canadian history, $400-billion from one generation to the next, is in process right now. How is that transfer of wealth – and the role women play in financial matters – changing perceptions around philanthropic planning? That was the question tackled April 14th by Senior Wealth Advisor Gillian Stovel Rivers and...

April 29, 2021

Gillian Stovel Rivers of Surround Wealth Advisors

The Surroundup

WHAT IS WEALTH?

At Surround, why do we do what we do? What is our core purpose, in other words? It is: To enrich lives by showing people that wealth is more than money. We fundamentally believe that true wealth cannot be counted in dollars and cents. Our core purpose is our why, our raison d’être and our dealbreaker: either our...

April 29, 2021

The Surroundup

THE GREATEST INVESTMENT IN THE WORLD

I’m going to ask you to imagine something beautiful. Ready? Imagine something you could do – something very easy and small – that would preserve and even build harmony in your family. Something that would avoid unnecessary confusion, conflict and unhappiness. Something that would leave your spouse feeling much better about herself or himself. Something...

March 25, 2021

The Surroundup, Events

HAVE YOU PICKED THE RIGHT EXECUTOR?

Choosing your executor could be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. And yet, most of us do not have a thorough understanding of what the job entails, both in terms of roles and risks. We can fix that. Just join us on April 14th – and bring your executor – for...

March 25, 2021

Gillian Stovel Rivers, Adil Mohammed and Andrew Hawryluk of Surround Wealth Advisors

The Surroundup

MARCH IS MANIFESTO MONTH!

This month we have been talking about The Surround Manifesto, our declaration to the world of our core values – and the value they bring to our clients. Do you know all seven elements? Here they are: Money is not wealth. Great communication around money is great for families. Our clarity gives you control. Small...

March 25, 2021

Adil Mohammed, CIM®, QAFP™, FCSI®, Wealth Advisor

The Surroundup

The markets have changed. Your portfolio has to as well.

Ever feel like things just aren’t the way they used to be? Some people might accuse you of misplaced nostalgia. But the fact is this: when it comes to the markets, you’re absolutely right. Things have definitely changed. So, portfolio strategies that worked 10 or 20 years ago need to be evolved and adapted accordingly....

February 26, 2021

The Surroundup

Gillian presents at Power2Women Conference

Our very own Gillian Stovel Rivers presents today to Power2Women, an online conference of physicians and other healthcare professionals. Her message? True wealth can only be achieved by managing your time. Click the link below to see her slides and notes. Gillian Stovel Rivers presentation to Power2Women Conference PS CLICK HERE for the other...

February 26, 2021

The Surroundup

Could things possibly be more uncertain?

Could things possibly be more uncertain? It’s impossible to know. Let’s just agree that 2021 has started off the same way 2020 ended: rife with uncertainty in pretty much any sphere you can think of. Personal and political. Economic and emotional. Social and psychological. Financial, familial and physical. The news media and social media –...

January 21, 2021

The Surroundup, Videos

Introducing Surround Wealth Advisors

Watch the video for our big announcement! Then check out today’s other blog posts to experience more of the story.

December 7, 2020

Andrew Hawryluk, Gillian Stovel Rivers and Adil Mohammed

The Surroundup

2020 was a year of change. But some things always stay the same.

On March 1st of this year, we officially became equal partners in this business. Two weeks later – as if we have to remind anyone – came the lockdown. The markets plummeted: 34% in a 33-day period in February and March, the fastest bear market in history. What did it mean for you? What did it mean for...

December 7, 2020

The Surroundup

Check out our new website!

Welcome to surroundwealth.com! We have so much to show you. You’ll learn about our new name, brand foundation and manifesto. You’ll see our new bios. You’ll see a number of new videos that tell the story of our unique team approach. Go ahead and explore. To get started, click on our photos to see our...

December 7, 2020

Videos

New video! Our story.

Three advisors, all partners. Three skill sets, all different. Whatever you need, we’ve got it surrounded.

December 7, 2020

Blog

Market Corrections: Part of the Plan

On December 21, 2018 I sent out an e-mail that began with “Following a relatively stress-free investment environment in 2017 with low volatility, 2018 has been a much different story”. Just over one year later, I could essentially repeat that sentence (updating the years of course) and it would basically tell the current story. Following...

February 28, 2020

Blog

Key Takeaways from 2018: Remain Engineered for the Long Term

Following a relatively stress-free investment environment in 2017 with low volatility and strong returns, 2018 has been a much different story. Markets have yet to bring any holiday cheer as the last few weeks have been particularly turbulent for stocks. I’m writing to offer some critical perspective about the latest market developments and to reassure...

December 21, 2018