1. What is the difference between RBC Royal Bank and RBC Dominion Securities?

While both are part of RBC, they serve different needs. RBC Royal Bank focuses on everyday banking and investment solutions. RBC Dominion Securities provides full-service wealth management, including discretionary portfolio management and comprehensive planning across retirement, tax, insurance, and estate needs. We operate with an open architecture investment platform, and your assets are held in custody at RBC Dominion Securities with robust safekeeping and reporting. Many clients continue to bank with RBC Royal Bank while relying on our team for long-term wealth management.

2. Who is the ideal client for Benedetto Wealth Management?

We specialize in serving business owners and high-earning professionals (physicians, dentists, lawyers), often with incorporation or multi-entity needs. Typically, households have $1M+ in investable assets, retained earnings in a corporation, or complex planning needs that benefit from coordinated personal and corporate strategies.

3. Do I need a minimum amount of investments to become a client?

Our typical minimum is $1,000,000. We regularly make exceptions for the families of existing clients and rising high-income professionals on track to reach that level allowing us to build a strong financial plan early.

4. What can I expect during our first meeting?

A relaxed, no-obligation 45–60 minute conversation focused on your goals, concerns, and expectations. You’ll leave with a clear outline of next steps, what working together would look like, and whether there’s a mutual fit.

5. Is there a cost or obligation for an introductory meeting?

No. The introductory meeting is complimentary and pressure-free. No documents are required for the first call unless you want specific feedback.

6. What services do you provide beyond investment management?

Comprehensive financial planning, risk management, insurance needs analysis, estate planning support, complimentary reviews of wills and powers of attorney with specialists, corporate investing guidance for business owners, and coordinated access to RBC Private Banking and Commercial Banking professionals. We provide tax-aware planning in collaboration with your tax professional.

7. How do you create a personalized financial plan?

We begin by understanding your family, career, and what you want your money to accomplish. After discovery, we gather relevant documents (statements, tax returns, corporate info if applicable) and build a customized plan. Most plans are delivered within 2–4 weeks in an educational meeting that answers your key questions.

8. How do you determine which investments are right for me?

Your plan drives your portfolio. We align investments with your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance using a disciplined, evidence-based process. Implementation may include individual stocks and bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and other solutions where appropriate with cost/tax efficiency in mind.

9. Are you limited to RBC investment products?

No. We operate on an open-architecture, product-agnostic platform with access to individual securities, ETFs, mutual funds, and other solutions across the industry. Recommendations are based on fit, cost, and tax efficiency—not product manufacturer.

10. How do you help protect my portfolio during market downturns?

We use strategic asset allocation, broad diversification, disciplined rebalancing bands, and risk budgeting. When appropriate, we also use tax-loss harvesting. Just as important, we provide guidance to help you avoid costly, emotion-driven decisions during volatility.

11. How often will we review my financial plan and investments?

At least annually, and often semi-annually for most clients. We also provide proactive outreach during major life events or significant market moves and remain available year-round.

12. Can you work with my accountant, lawyer and other advisors?

Absolutely. With your permission, we coordinate directly with your accountant, lawyer, and other professionals—hosting joint calls, sharing summaries, and assigning clear accountability for action items so everyone stays aligned.

13. How are you compensated?

We charge an annual management fee based on assets under management that declines at higher tiers. Fees are billed quarterly from your investment account. Underlying fund expense ratios and any custodial/transaction fees are separate. You’ll see your total fees in writing before you begin, and we review them with you regularly.

14. What is discretionary portfolio management?

You approve the investment strategy and risk parameters up front. We then manage day-to-day decisions within those guidelines, allowing us to respond quickly to opportunities and keep your portfolio aligned with your plan. You receive regular reporting and updates.

15. Can you help reduce taxes?

Yes—through planning-driven strategies such as asset location, tax-loss harvesting where appropriate, corporate-class or tax-efficient funds, withdrawal sequencing, and CPP/OAS optimization. We coordinate closely with your tax professional to ensure alignment.

16. Do you help incorporated business owners?

Yes—this is a core focus. We help with corporate investing policy, remuneration mix in light of tax rules, corporate vs. personal asset location, IPP/RCA assessments, and succession/exit planning in collaboration with your advisors.

17. How do you help with retirement income planning?

We create a withdrawal strategy designed to make your income sustainable, coordinating portfolio withdrawals with CPP, OAS, and pension benefits. We consider tax brackets, timing, and guardrails to help extend portfolio longevity.

18. How do you help with estate planning?

We clarify your legacy goals, identify trust needs, optimize beneficiary designations and probate considerations, and coordinate with estate professionals to ensure your wishes are reflected in your planning.

19. What if I already have an advisor?

We're glad you have someone helping you. We offer a complimentary second-opinion review that highlights gaps, fees, and tax opportunities. You’ll receive practical recommendations within two weeks—no pressure to switch.

20. Is transferring accounts difficult?

Not at all. We prepare paperwork electronically or on paper, guide you through every step, and coordinate the transfer. Most transfers complete in 4 – 6 weeks. Where possible, we transfer holdings in-kind so you’re not out of the market and avoid triggering tax.

21. How do you stay in touch?

We connect via in-person meetings, phone, WebEx, and educational events throughout the year. Expect responses within one business day and proactive outreach during major market or life events.

22. What makes your team different?

Deep expertise with incorporated professionals and business owners, meticulous attention to detail, and a documented planning process with implementation within 90 days.

23. What should I bring to our first meeting?

If available, bring information about your income, tax returns, investments and spending. Most importantly, come prepared to discuss your goals and questions.

24. How long does it take to become a client?

The planning process typically takes 1–3 meetings, with plan delivery in 2–4 weeks depending on complexity. Account opening usually takes 2–5 business days.

25. What is the next step if I'd like to learn more?

Simply reach out to us. We'll respond within 48 hours to arrange an introductory meeting and discuss how we may be able to help.