Who am I

My name is Chris Ball, welcome to my website. We live in an ever changing world where information travels from one side of the world to the other in a split second. As the world advances, so to does the complexity of the financial services marketplace. The objective of my website is simple...to provide meaningful information and insight in a simplified, easy to understand manner.

Why am I Different

At the last count there were more than 80,000 financial advisors in Canada, this number undoubtedly adds to the complexity. I consider myself a "client centric" advisor. You are probably asking "what does that mean?" I am different than most in that I am not a salesperson. I believe in the importance of an "evolving" financial plan which must evolve with you and the marketplace. I see my role as someone who intimately understands who you are and objectively represents your needs to the marketplace. It is paramount that I scour the financial landscape looking for opportunities and identifying potential risks on behalf of my clients. My practice offers a variety of financial solutions in: Investment Planning, Estate and Tax Planning, Retirement Planning, Insurance Services, and Lending, Mortgage & Cash Management Services through our stategic partnership with Manulife Bank, BTB Trust, Invis and National Bank of Canada. For those clients seeking Tax Preparation we have partnered with Focus Tax Services to address this need. I am a member of the Assante Ag Group , a national farm advisory group that assists Canadian farm families in the areas of tax planning, retirement planning, and wealth transfer.

Relevant Information

I view my website as an information portal. It provides access to client account summaries, manager market commentary, "white paper" reports, frequently asked questions, upcoming events, and much more. I also use a text and video blog to share with my clients important information. I post a blog when I have an important message that can't wait until our next client meeting. I use the blog to discuss such things as market volatility, changes in the federal budget or other significant events.

http://makingcentsofhenews.blogspot.com/

After a successful carreer in private industry, I moved into the financial services industry where I have been working for 10 years, 8 of those years providing financial guidance and leadership to individuals, businesses and families. I take great pride in assisting clients in achieving their dreams - I am a cataylst in the lives of my clients.

I graduated from Saint Mary's University with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance and Industrial Relations. I am a firm believer in continuing education, and this helps me maintain that necessary edge in today's marketplace. I hold the Certified Financial Planner, Canadian Investment Manager and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute designations - accreditiations that less that 2% of all advisors in Canada share.

I am originally from Vancouver, BC but have made my home in Halifax for the past 30 years. My wife Tammy and I have two children, Emily and Zachary.

I believe in being an active citizen in my community. I have worked with various children's foundations in the past and enjoy coaching soccer and hockey. I have chosen to align my practice with the Make-A-Wish Atlantic Provinces foundation that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

The service I provide to clients is unique to the financial services industry. I consider myself a "Client Centric" advisor. This means that before I prescribe recommendations to my clients, I assist them in articulating their financial needs while setting tangible objectives. These objectives are based on the realization of meaningful life experiences.

I am different than most advisors in five ways.

I am a Certified Financial Planner who believes that every client should have a carefully written plan that becomes the backbone of our relationship. I consider a financial plan to be a map that prepares us for travel in an unfamiliar land. This unfamiliar land is your future. A plan prepares you for what is ahead.

I manage my client relationships with a governing philosophy . This philosophy safeguards us from making emotional and costly decisions with your money. One of the biggest financial risks is allowing emotion to dictate our decision making. I stay true to this governing philosophy and its principles regardless of the current economic environment. This is important because it allows us to fend off the temptations fueled by the media and the latest sales spin present in the marketplace.

I also believe in using plain language when advising my clients. One of the biggest complaints with financial advisors is they alienate their clients with acronyms and jargon. By advising my clients in understandable terms, they become more resolute in their conviction to their plan. I often joke that my service comes with a "no brain hernia guarantee!"

Once you become a client, each person will receive a written service standard . From the beginning, each one of my clients knows exactly what to expect from me in terms of service. This includes frequency of meetings, phone calls, education events and the various forms of communication they will receive from me.

Lastly, I direct the future of my practice under the guidance of a Client Advisory Board . This group allows me to walk in the shoes of my clients and provides me with meaningful feedback on what I am doing right and areas where I can improve. As a client centered advisor, is is important for me to view the marketplace through my client's eyes so that I can continue to alleviate their stressors.

Founded in 1995, Assante Wealth Management is a leading provider of integrated wealth management solutions, designed to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families and businesses across Canada.

Our advisors and their clients are at the centre of our business and are supported by the exceptional investment management team and wealth planning group available through our sister-company, CI Investment Inc. and United Financial, a division of CI Private Counsel LP.

Be well-advised is our promise to you.