Frequently Asked Questions

For financial planning, we work on a fee-for-service basis at an hourly rate of $225. There are no hidden fees, contracts, or ongoing obligations. Our fees are fully transparent and agreed upon before any billable work commences.

When we set up insurance for clients, we are compensated directly by the insurance company. This does not create an additional fee payable by the client. As an independent brokerage, we have access to numerous insurance companies and make recommendations solely based on what is the best fit for the client. For investments, clients choose from two options: fee-based, or investment management. More information on investment pricing can be found here: https://firstoakfinancial.ca/investments/

1. The first step is a complimentary consultation to gather information and gauge if there is a fit to work together.
2. We will then provide a draft Engagement Agreement outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and total cost. Clients have the option of selecting specific areas of focus and scenarios to compare, allowing us to provide personalized advice and deliverables rather than a standardized financial plan.
3. Once the Engagement Agreement has been signed, we will provide a list of documents needed in order to complete our planning work.
4. Once our work is complete (usually within 5 business days of receiving the required documents), we will have a meeting to go through the plan in detail.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a financial professional who has completed extensive education, examinations, and experience requirements in areas such as retirement planning, tax planning, insurance, investments, estate planning, and cash flow management. CFP professionals are also required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and have a fiduciary duty to place their clients’ interests first. Working with a CFP can provide confidence that your financial decisions are being considered within the context of your overall financial picture, rather than focusing on a single product or strategy. First Oak’s owner, Jeff Graham, also holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation, providing additional expertise in advanced insurance, tax, and estate planning strategies.

Both independent advisors and bank advisors can provide valuable guidance; however, there are important differences. Our fee-for-service planning model allows clients to receive objective financial planning advice regardless of whether they choose to implement products through our office. Our focus is on helping clients make informed financial decisions across all aspects of their financial lives, including retirement, tax, insurance, estate, and investment planning. In addition, bank advisors work within their financial institution and generally offer products and solutions available through that institution. As an independent firm, we have access to a broader range of investment and insurance providers and can recommend solutions from multiple companies.

We primarily work with incorporated professionals/business owners, retirees, and young families throughout Greater Vancouver & the Fraser Valley. While many of our clients have private corporations, we welcome individuals and families seeking objective financial planning advice in a transparent fashion.

• Starting or selling a business
• Incorporating a professional practice
• Preparing for retirement
• Receiving an inheritance
• Reviewing insurance coverage
• Building an investment strategy or seeking a 2^nd opinion
• Creating an estate plan
• Navigating a major life transition such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child

No. Many clients engage us solely for financial planning, insurance advice, retirement projections, tax planning, or second opinions. We can provide advice independently of whether you choose to implement investment recommendations through our office.

Both – in-person meetings are held at our office in Port Moody, or in some instances at our client’s workplace / residence. Virtual meetings are conducted on Zoom, allowing us to serve clients across British Columbia.

No. We work with clients at many different stages of life, from medical students and young families to retirees and successful business owners. We do not have a minimum asset requirement for financial planning and value long-term relationships with our clients as they progress through different phases of life.

By phone at (604) 363-7549, by email at info@firstoakfinancial.ca, or book a meeting directly with Jeff Graham, First Oak’s owner, by clicking HERE.