Dilys D’Cruz
Vice President – Wealth Management,
Meridian
Many of us are apprehensive when reviewing our finances, especially if it involves digging into our financial truth to determine where we are, and where we want to be. In Canada, 39% of people don’t think they’ll have enough to retire.
But whether you’re already thinking about retirement, or simply want to learn to budget better, the important thing is that you take the first step to take control of your financial future. That means finding the right wealth management advisor — one who takes the time to understand your unique story and makes you comfortable sharing your financial journey.
Invest with confidence
“At Meridian Wealth, our advisors take the time to get to know your personal story and will develop a plan based on your own personal situation and goals,” says Dilys D’Cruz, Vice President of Wealth Management.
This unique philosophy is less about a written set of guidelines and more about the feeling that investors get when they walk through the doors. “At the end of the day, everyone wants to know that they are going to be okay, whatever okay means for you,” D’Cruz notes. “That’s why we focus on truly getting personal — your unique story and journey shapes your priorities and your investment decisions, and we understand that.”
Meridian applies the personal approach throughout the company’s culture and values. “It’s how we operate as an organization,” adds D’Cruz. “That means hiring advisors who not only have the right qualifications but, just as importantly, are aligned to the values and culture of the company.”
Whether you’re already thinking about retirement, or simply want to learn to budget better, the important thing is that you take the first step to take control of your financial future.
The credit union difference
While credit unions offer similar services to a traditional bank, there are some key differences between the two. For example, Meridian does not report to shareholders. “Our clients, who we call Members, own us. This means we have full accountability to our Members and every strategic decision the credit union makes must be in the best interest of our Members,” explains D’Cruz. “We’re accountable to our Members on all levels. Not having shareholders lets us re-invest our profits into unique and competitive products aimed at making the Member experience better. We’re always striving to find ways to help our Members achieve a better life.”
Flexibility provides greater benefits
Wealth management at Meridian — as opposed to a big bank — also means more flexible product offerings. “We have more flexibility in the selection of investment products which means we can design portfolios that are in a Member’s best interest versus only being able to sell specific bank-owned products,” D’Cruz says. The company also strives to give back to the communities in which it operates by investing 4% of all profits. “We’re very local,” says D’Cruz. “Each branch is empowered to make the decision on where that money goes, based on the needs of the community they serve.”
