Expert Series: Meet our Financial Consultant!

When it comes to renovations, we’ve got it locked down.  When it comes to sound financial planning, taxation and all , we know enough to know we need help.

Meet Trevor Dreher, Senior Financial Consultant with Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

IKAG:  What do love most about what you do?

Trevor:  Connecting money to what people want.  Money to travel, retire, protect their family.  That’s fun.

IKAG:  What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?

Trevor:  Taxation.  We should all know how tax works in Canada.

IKAG:  Can people actually retire?

Trevor:  If you follow the media on this most Canadians might believe the answer is no.  I believe that every Canadian that puts 10% of their income to long term savings will be able to retire.  One of the reasons that I’ve seen so many clients retire is because if they are saving 10% then they are learning to live on 90% of their income.  Show me anyone that can live within their means and I’ll show you someone that can retire.

IKAG:  How would your friends describe you?

Trevor:  Happy, deep thinker and a debater.

IKAG:  What was your first job?

Trevor:  Delivering Flyers.

IKAG:  What’s the biggest misconception about financial planning?

Trevor:  That financial planning is complex.  Most clients need the similar solutions – insurance to protect and investments to grow & patience.  You don’t plant a small tree and then get angry at it next year because it’s not providing much shade.  Whoever you work with should be able to explain why they are making any recommendations in a way that you understand and are comfortable with.  Same as a renovation.  You won’t put in the most expensive insulation unless it is explained that it meets one of your goals for the renovation.  Same with any financial solutions.

IKAG:  Favourite quote?

Trevor:  “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words” – Franciss of Assisi

IKAG:  What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

Trevor:  Not putting down the toilet seat.  Poor Mom, 1 bathroom, 1 husband and 2 sons.  Drove her crazy.

When it comes to renovations, we’ve got it locked down.  When it comes to sound financial planning, taxation and all , we know enough to know we need help.

IKAG:  What is the most common financial mistake people make?

Trevor:  Not tracking monthly cash flow.  This does not have to mean budget.  From my experience of sitting down with people most do not know what they are spending a month to within $250.  The reason knowing where your cash flow goes is so that you can ensure it goes to your goals first and then spend the rest.  Many of my clients have a ‘travel’ account – a short term savings account for future travel.  Just knowing what you’re spending allows you to redirect money to your priorities.

IKAG:  What movie (or movie scene) always makes you cry?

Trevor:  So Many.  I read “The Book Thief” to my son and bawled through the last chapter – warning: not a happy ending.

IKAG:  One word to describe  your business?

Trevor:  Detailed.

IKAG:  One word to describe  I Know A Guy?

Trevor:  Professional.

IKAG:  Thanks Trevor.

Learn more about Trevor, and what he can do for your family, at www.investorsgroup.com.