High-Net-Worth
Business Owner
Trusted, advice-only financial planning for families with high-net-worth
When you have built wealth, the greatest risk to your legacy isn't the market; it is conflicting advice. We often act as a financial “quarterback” by networking (or setting up) with your portfolio manager, accountant, lawyer, etc. Some clients think of us as a confidential “buddy” to review all of your assets with and get professional advice.
Since 2018, Merrick Financial has successfully helped clients deal with tax optimization, retirement plans, legacy preservation and corporate optimization. With our extensive experience with high net worth clients we can offer an overall, top level view of your assets and advise accordingly.
When you work with us, you can be sure we are working in your best interest. We do not sell financial products like insurance, investments, or mortgages— and accept zero commissions or third-party compensation— our focus is entirely on you.
We are based in Toronto and offer most client interactions online with the option of in-person, if preferred.
FAMILIES WHO COME TO US
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Have a net worth in excess of $10M
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Own corporation(s), with substantial sales
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Have a complex corporate structure
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Own multiple real estate properties
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Have recently received a windfall - like an inheritance or business sale
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Deal with multi-generational wealth which requires specialized oversight
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Have complex permanent life insurance policies
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Want to leave a legacy to your children and family
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Are looking for a clear path toward legacy wealth management, or intergenerational wealth planning
CLIENTS' SUCCESS STORIES
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What we do
Corporate and personal optimization
Aligning tax, compensation and currency exchange for optimization
The classic business owner dilemma: compensation via salary or dividends
Income splitting, as applicable, for spouse and kids
legacy and preservation
Comprehensive estate planning, addressing the “massive unfunded tax bill” that often catches families off guard upon transition
Exploring how to leave a legacy for your children and the next generation
portfolio oversight
Assessing your current financial advisor(s) for performance, fees, diversification and fit
Professional advice-only DIY investing advice as appropriate
strategic philanthropy
Providing tailored guidance on tax-reduction outcomes for donations
Recommending eligible charities in Canada that align precisely with your personal values and philanthropic vision
retirement planning
Is your current rate of spending sustainable? Can you afford that additional luxury you want? When to retire?
Determining the most tax efficient way to withdraw money for retirement
business owner exit planning
Ensuring a smooth transition for exiting your business including any tax and valuation implications
Assistance dealing with a large windfall that might create a lifelong financial legacy.
updating and monitoring yearly
Making sure that you stay on track with your financial plan and goals
Providing continuous updates on your net wealth
our process
1. The consultation
A 45-minute initial consultation to see if we are a mutual fit. We will ask you for a summary of your main goals, your confidence level with your current investment set up and if you are nearing a life change. We welcome you to bring forth any questions or priorities you would like us to address moving forward.
2. the assessment
A deep dive diagnostic into your current financial situation. We will request documentation about your financial situation to ensure no details are left behind. All details shared with us are strictly confidential. We charge a fee for this - due to its time consuming process as our clients typically have a lot of complexity.
3. the proposal
Following the assessment, we deliver a custom quote for the full engagement tailored to your specific needs. Pricing depends on the scope and complexity of the custom plan. This will show the value that you can expect to receive and it is not a financial plan.
OUR QUOTE INCLUDES:
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Detailed situation summary based on our discussion
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Key focus areas such as investment portfolio audit, tax strategies and legacy planning
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Checklist of any questions you may have
WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER
Ongoing, professional advice along with alignment and assistance managing your team (accountant, portfolio manager, etc.)
Engagement Options
We understand that everyone has different needs, that’s why we provide two options of service.
12 Month retainer
For families wanting long-term advice and execution support. Highlights for the retainer service include "Always On" support and continuity of service.
one-off engagement
A project-based deep dive to solve a specific, immediate wealth problem. Typically 3 meetings and generally does not lead to an ongoing engagement.
12 MONTH RETAINER
The Assessment Fee covers reviewing all of your financial information (corporate structure, T2’s along with your investment statements, real estate, etc). The end result is a professional and detailed quotation of our services that outlines the value you can expect to receive based on working with us. This process does not constitute a financial plan.
one-off engagement
About
WHY US?
As a successful former medium-sized manufacturing company business owner, Chris Merrick, is ideally situated to offer financial advice to business owners. You want someone who has been at the office, late at night, struggling to decide what to do. Someone who also knows what it's like to wake up in the night multiple times and think about how to move forward.
No matter what line of business you're in, financial affairs are always a part of this and we can bring a real-world perspective and experience to it for you.
We typically deal with business owners of companies that do up to CAD $10M / year of sales.
Questions we help our clients with
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