What To Consider When Finding a Financial Planner

Finding the right financial planner is a crucial decision to unlock financial clarity. However, 

it may feel overwhelming to understand where to start. The key questions to ask and research are: How are they compensated? Do they have their fees on the website? Do they sell investments or not? What credentials do they have? 

How are they compensated?

Look closely at their website to see their fee structure and breakdown. It is important you find an Advice-Only, Fee-Only Financial Planner to partner with. This is because when we remove product sales from the equation, the planner removes most of the conflict of interest. 

At Merrick Financial, we sell absolutely no insurance or investment products and accept zero referral fees. Because our fees are transparent, we strive to reduce our  conflicts of interest. Our only goal is to give you the best, most independent advice possible.

What are their credentials?

A financial planner’s credentials serve as a guide for their expertise and ethical standards. In Canada, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation is widely recognized and respected as the most professional standard in the industry. Working with a CFP means knowing your financial planner has completed rigorous training. At Merrick Financial, all of our planners have the CFP designation. 

Merrick Financial Specialties 

At Merrick Financial, we specialize in four key areas:

1. Comprehensive financial planning for all stages in life. With a complete 360 degree assessment of your financial circumstances with a written financial plan. Ideal for DIY investors wanting financial clarity, risk management, retirement planning, investment planning, tax planning and estate planning.

2. Business owner and high-net-worth business owner planning. We specialize in helping Canadian business owners with the additional complexity of owning a business such as asset location, investing, insurance, business exiting strategies, legacy and preservation while maintaining tax-efficiency. 

3. Retirement planning. By creating a detailed roadmap, we help clients determine if they have enough money for retirement by exploring an individual’s CPP, OAS, RRSP/RRIF accounts along with a tax-efficient drawdown strategy.

4.  We also offer a unique product. Hourly advice. These are pay-as-you-go, one hour sessions for when you need quick, expert clarity on a specific time-sensitive question without committing to a full plan.

Why partner with us?

Merrick Financial has been delivering expert advice since 2018 and has won multiple awards and recognitions such as the “2025 winner for best financial planner in Toronto". We have been quoted in the news such as “The Globe and Mail, Bloomberg, The Toronto Star, and The Canadian Press.” We also have many 5 star reviews as of August 2026. If you would like to connect, book your complimentary initial consultation with Merrick Financial, and let's start building a plan that works strictly for you.