John Sabourin, (BA Physical Education 86)Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: I have worked with a small number of clients who have made a decision to gift their life insurance policies .
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: As a certified financial planner, by definition, I am generalist with broad knowledge and experience in investments, insurance/risk management, tax, retirement, and estate planning. Gift planning is part of the overall conversation that I have with clients in understanding their values and determining their priorities for their estate.
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: I am a member of Advocis, a professional association for financial advisors. Advocis has a code of ethics that I must adhere to. In addition, as a CFP, I must adhere to the Financial Planners Standards council code of ethics.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: I have not made arrangements for a planned gift myself as of yet, the firm I am a partner in, actively contributes to charitable causes
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: My philosophy is that all individuals who have accumulated more than enough need to take responsibility for the “stewardship” of their wealth. At the “end of the day” the reality is that the beneficiaries of your wealth are either your government, family, friends, church, or charity. Gift planning is about doing good for others and it is indeed good stewardship of family wealth.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: I am involved in the community as a coach in the Oakridge hockey programs. In addition, my firm Selectpath Benefits & Financial contributes a percentage of all revenue to charitable causes and community foundations. We have also committed to being an Imagine Caring Company- www.imaginecanada.ca.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners – locally and/or nationally? If so, for how long? If not, would you like more information about this organization?
A: I am not a member of the Canadian Gift Planners association.
