How to Choose a Financial Advisor in Calgary: A Practical Checklist
Choosing a financial advisor in Calgary? Here’s a practical checklist to help you find the right fit — from qualifications to fees to communication style.
Written by
Ryan Gubic
Published on
2
Jul 2025
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How to Choose a Financial Advisor in Calgary: A Practical Checklist
Choosing a financial advisor can feel like a big decision — because it is. Your advisor may guide your biggest financial moves: retirement, tax planning, investing, and legacy building.
If you’re asking yourself how to choose a financial advisor in Calgary, this checklist will give you clarity — and confidence — to make the right choice.
✅ 1. Are They Qualified and Regulated?
Ask:
- Are they certified (CFP®, CFA®, etc.)?
- Are they regulated by CIRO or FP Canada?
- Can they offer both investment and financial planning advice?
Credentials matter — but so does experience in situations like yours.
✅ 2. Do They Act as a Fiduciary?
Look for someone who:
- Puts your interests first, legally and ethically
- Discloses all conflicts of interest
- Is not incentivized to sell proprietary products
A fiduciary works for you — not a commission.
✅ 3. What Is Their Fee Structure?
Understand how you’ll pay:
- Fee-only (flat fee or percentage of assets)?
- Fee-based (some commissions)?
- Commission-only (product-driven)?
The structure should be transparent and aligned with your goals.
✅ 4. What Is Their Financial Planning Process?
A real financial plan includes:
- Retirement modeling and cash flow projections
- Investment risk alignment
- Tax, insurance, and estate integration
- Regular reviews and plan updates
Avoid one-size-fits-all financial advice — your situation deserves more.
✅ 5. Can They Explain Things Clearly?
You want a financial advisor who:
- Uses plain language, not jargon
- Educates instead of selling
- Gives proactive advice, not just reactive responses
Trust and communication are just as important as technical skill.
✅ 6. Do They Work With People Like You?
Look for a good fit:
- Business owners, professionals, or retirees
- Similar stage of life and complexity
- Experience with Alberta-specific tax and investment rules
A financial advisor familiar with your world can create better outcomes.
✅ 7. What Do Their Clients Say?
Check:
- Google or LinkedIn reviews
- Referrals from trusted professionals
- A professional and consistent online presence
- Long-term client relationships
Reputation isn’t everything — but it’s a great starting point.
Why Clients Choose MRG Wealth Management
At MRG Wealth Management, we act as your Personal CFO — integrating investment management, tax strategy, and retirement planning into one customized plan.
We’re based in Calgary and support clients across Canada — with deep experience helping professionals, business owners, and families build lasting financial confidence.
Need Help Choosing the Right Financial Advisor in Calgary?
📅 Schedule a meeting with a trusted financial advisor in Calgary and take the guesswork out of your future.
Ryan Gubic is the founder of MRG Wealth Management Inc. operating as MRG Wealth (“MRG”) and is a Portfolio Manager with MRG investments of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”). The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of MRG, ACPI, or Ryan Gubic. This material is provided for general information and the opinions expressed and information provided herein are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on the information presented, seek professional financial advice based on your personal circumstances. ACPI is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO”). Investment services are provided through MRG Investments, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through MRG Investments of ACPI and covered by the CIPF. Financial planning and insurance services are provided through MRG. MRG is an independent company separate and distinct from MRG Investments of ACPI.
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