Dave Douglas, CFP, RHU, CSA (Honourary Ambassador)Q: How long have you been an advisor in this area?
A: I have been an advisor since 1993.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: Yes, I have experience arranging planned gifts using life insurance. My first policy for planned giving was sold in 1997.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: I have taken gift planning training internally here at Freedom 55 Financial; however I do not have formal training through CAGP.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: Yes, I have a life insurance policy set aside as a planned gift.
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: I follow the Code Of Ethics as laid out by the Certified Financial Planners organization. These guidelines are fairly rigid and require that a CFP designate adhere to ongoing educational training and ethical guidelines.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: We live in a world of many needs and few sources of opportunity. I believe we are lucky to live in this thriving and prosperous country called Canada. I view philanthropy as the ability of generous individuals to share their good fortune for the betterment of all. This can take a variety of forms, of course, from gifting to the underprivileged, to funding social causes, to supporting scientific research. Planned giving is important to the intended recipient of the gift, in that it allows that organization to create and maintain a continuous plan of success. Specifically planned giving with life insurance is almost a magical entity, as it allows individuals, families or businesses to give a much larger gift of cash than what might otherwise be possible due to the leveraged effect of the death benefit.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: I am the President of the Garrison Community Council-a volunteer group of approximately 90 business people and military members whose mandate is "Civilians Supporting The Military." We meet once per month at Wolseley Barracks here in London and our goal is to inform Londoners and others about the benefits of having a military presence in the city. I am also a member of the London Executive Association (LEA) and represent London Life and Freedom 55 Financial there. Most recently I volunteered at "Wings N' Wheels", which was the air show held in St. Thomas, Ontario.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners locally and/or nationally? If so, for how long?
A: I am an Honourary Ambassador for Legacies For Tomorrow, and a member of the London Community Foundation. I am not a member of the CAGP but would like some information on this organization.
