I’m Robert Clark
I Got Sophisticated Planning That Made Sense
Robert Clark reviewed his investment portfolio performance over his morning coffee, noting the concerning volatility in his equity positions. At 62, with decades of financial consulting experience, he understood markets better than most, but recent market swings had him questioning his retirement strategy. “I need growth to beat inflation,” he told his wife, “but I can’t afford another 2008-style correction at this stage of my life.”
The Challenge…
With a $150,000 household income and substantial investment experience, Robert was financially sophisticated, but his semi-retirement in Vancouver brought new complexities. As a financial consultant mentoring younger professionals, he knew the theory of retirement planning inside and out, yet he struggled with the emotional reality of transitioning from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation.
“I’ve spent my career telling clients to balance growth and risk,” he said during a peer consultation lunch. “But when it’s your own money and you’re living off it, the math feels different. I need strategies that provide growth potential without keeping me awake at night.”
His challenge was finding products sophisticated enough for his knowledge level while addressing his evolving risk tolerance.The Breaking Point…
Watching his portfolio swing significantly in a single week during a particularly volatile market period was the final straw for Robert. “I can’t stomach this volatility anymore,” he admitted to his wife. “We need strategies that protect our downside while still participating in market growth.”
Finding Saphira…
I discovered Saphira through a financial planning conference where their advisor presented on advanced retirement strategies for high-net-worth individuals. The focus on sophisticated products with built-in protections caught my attention immediately. “Finally,” I thought, “someone who understands that experienced investors need evolved solutions, not basic products.”
The Solution…
Saphira’s advisor appreciated Robert’s expertise and built an advanced strategy
Segregated Funds
Segregated Funds with enhanced features became his core holding. “These aren’t your basic segregated funds,” their advisor explained. “We’re talking about institutional-grade portfolio management with maturity and death benefit guarantees. You get professional management, downside protection, and creditor protection – perfect for your situation.”
Universal Life Insurance
Universal Life Insurance with sophisticated investment options satisfied his tax optimization needs. “This provides tax-sheltered growth with access to alternative investment strategies,” the advisor noted. “Think of it as a private investment account with life insurance benefits and estate planning advantages.”
Income splitting strategies
Income splitting strategies maximized their household tax efficiency. “We can structure your withdrawals and investment income to minimize your overall tax burden,” their advisor said. “With your pension and investment income, tax efficiency becomes crucial.”
Estate planning optimization
Estate planning optimization addressed his wealth transfer goals. “Your insurance and investment strategies will work together to maximize what you leave to your heirs while minimizing tax impact,” the advisor assured him.
The Difference…
I selected Saphira because they handle complex situations so well
They’re not talking down to me or oversimplifying concepts, I said after reviewing the proposals. “This is the kind of sophisticated planning I’d recommend to my own high-net-worth clients.”
Peace of Mind…
Two years down the road, Robert has achieved the balance he was seeking between growth and protection. His segregated funds have provided steady returns with downside protection, while his tax-optimized strategy has improved his after-tax income significantly. “I finally have an investment strategy that matches my risk tolerance and expertise level,” Robert reflects. “I’m getting institutional-quality management with retail accessibility, plus guarantees that let me sleep well. That’s sophisticated retirement planning.” When younger financial advisors ask for guidance, Robert always says, “Don’t assume that experience means you can handle unlimited risk. Sometimes the smartest strategy is the one that protects your downside while capturing reasonable upside.”