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Welcome to Smarter Financial Planning
Meet Derek Moran
Derek is a Fee For Service Financial Planner based in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia. As a University of British Columbia graduate, former CFP, and
Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.) , he has close to three decades of experience in the financial industry.
He’s an expert in his field and was awarded Advisor of the Year in 2004. He has contributed nearly one thousand times, over twenty years to reputable publications such as The Globe and Mail and National Post.
While Derek doesn’t directly manage client investments, he offers advice, empowering his clients to make well-informed decisions. Upon request, he can connect clients with the most suitable Portfolio Managers or equip them with resources to manage their own effectively.
Derek Moran's expertise extends across various financial matters, including pensions, insurance, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, cashflow management and more. Derek is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, client-centric financial solutions to a diverse clientele. My first foray into working with a professional financial planner was a disaster. He leveraged most of my net worth to buy into projects he had designed...which turned out to make more money for him than any of his clients. The fiasco that ensued almost ended in a group law suit. I lost a bundle. When I finally got the courage up (and enough capital back) to search again for help, you can bet I looked long, hard, and very carefully. I called everyone I knew and even people I didn't know, looking for someone who was squeaky clean ethical and trustworthy, user friendly, and with the creativity and chutzpah to work with a woman with big dreams who is single, self-employed, and still a little bruised. Derek Moran has all of that. He knows I am proactive and need to control my finances, and so he wisely chose to take on more of a coaching role in our working relationship. He frames my options within the bigger picture of the economy. He asks me really smart questions, and ensures that before I take the next step, I know for certain it is safe. Derek doesn't use all the technical jargon that many professionals get stuck in - you know, the stuff that can really intimidate you. Goodness knows, there can be enough "internal noise" around your money stuff without having the added problems of someone who talks over your head or talks down at you. He makes things easy to understand. He respects that his clients are different than him and that our definition of financial security and success is different, and he works with it...without judgement. Derek was one of my finds in 2005.
Definitions of Success Vary
What can I say, you never sees to amaze me. S and I consider ourselves very blessed to have you as a friend and a professional advisor. PS I hope I don’t sound like I am exaggerating, but that’s exactly how I feel.
Key Characteristics
Thank you for your suggestions so far. WOW someone who is actually acting like a financial planner. Incredible. I knew they existed, but .....
WOW
Its been a rather brutal week in the markets and I cringe to think how badly we would have been hurt had you not steered us towards greater diversification and into a more conservative group of funds. We have been with Bruce for 6 months now and to date are very pleased with the chosen portfolio. I look forward to a long and profitable relationship with them. I expect we will want to meet with you again in early 2008 to finalize retirement plans, don't see much need until then as we will just be holding the course. Really enjoying the sports car. Hope you have a great summer. Thanks for your good advice.
Towards Greater Diversification
Hi to All, I wanted to thank you all again as your guidance and recommendations have provided Sue and I with the insight and courage to take the next steps. A brief update as follows: 1. The (recommended) investments have all delivered above average results 2. None of the former investments remain 3. S. will be retiring from her employer at the end of February plus a 1 year salary package (no pension) 4. My last day of employment will be April 30 Travel plans consume much of our thoughts but as our daughter and her husband are expecting their first child in May we will be in Calgary for a (short) while.
Next Steps are Working
