Ms. Eva Main, CFP CLU ChFCQ: How long have you been an advisor in this area?
A: I have been a financial advisor with Clarica (formerly the Mutual Group) for 20 years.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: As part of our Estate/Financial Planning services, planned giving is always discussed, and as a result, we have placed numerous life insurance policies with various Foundations and Charities named as beneficiary in London and the surrounding area.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: I belong to the Estate Planners Council of London/Middlesex. Also through Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU) designation, gift planning was one of the subjects studied.
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: I belong to MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table Association), Canadian Association of Financial Planners, CLU. All have Codes of Ethics that must be followed. Also SunLife Financial has its own Code of Ethics. Finally, to retain my licence in Life Insurance and Investments, I also must follow the Government regulations.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A: Personally, I have made arrangements for a life insurance policy to be left to a specific charity. I chose to do so to save my estate income tax, but also it was a way for me to support a particular charity that is very important to me.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: It is important to me to give back to my community. I have also found that many of my clients are eager to give back to their community. Obviously, saving taxes is another factor that makes planned giving attractive.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: I sit on the Correctional Services Board and the Salvation Army, am Past President of Learning Disabilities Association of London/Middlesex, and am active in fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Women's Community House.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners – locally and/or nationally? If so, for how long? If not, would you like more information about this organization?
A: I am a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, on a local and national level, and have been for a number of years.
