Giving back in 2011; Planning for 2012

Since our firm's inception in 1999, we've been honoured to get to know and serve an ever-growing number of people.  I am grateful for, and appreciate the trust that our clients invest in us, and also to those individuals who introduce new people to our firm.  Thank you.

One of our core values is philanthropy, or in plain terms, giving back.
We aim to educate our clients about ways to make a meaningful contribution to organizations aligned with their values, both now and in the future through careful estate planning.

We seek to follow our own advice, so in 2011 we financially supported organizations doing good work in a number of areas:

• Community (Calgary Food Bank)
• Education (Rosthern Junior College, Menno Simons Christian School)
• Faith-based (Trinity Mennonite Church, Hockey Ministries International)
• Global understanding (Childrens International Summer Villages)
• Healthcare & Cancer research (Run for the Cure, Movember)
• International Aid, Relief & Development (MCC, Partners Canada)
• Micro-credit (Opportunity International)
• Political (two federal parties, one provincial party)

We volunteered our time and experience to:

• Federated Press (tax-effective strategies seminar lecturer)
• Financial Planners Standards Council (Brand Ambassador & Media Spokesperson)
• Mortgage Outreach Corporation (board member)
• Trinity Mennonite Church (board chair)
• University of Calgary Insurance & Risk Management (guest lecturer)

Oh yes, we also donated blood regularly :)

This is only possible because of the support and success we've enjoyed by working with you, and people like you.  So, thank you again.

In 2011, we expanded our firm to enhance our ability to serve our clients, with additional staff and systems.  We hope you'll notice that in the coming year.  We've enhanced our website, and increased our presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.  Our aim is to share our knowledge, and pass along good ideas we encounter.

This year we hope to actually get blogging regularly, so we may tell you more about:

• How to preserve what you've accumulated
• Mitigate the impact of taxes
• Ensure your family and heirs are taken care of
• Potential creditor protection
• Make your charitable intent happen
• Responsible Investing (socially, environmentally and corporate governance related)

We're excited about sharing ways that people may use their finances to positively impact the world.  We appreciate your feedback; if there are ways we can better serve you, please let us know. You may send a confidential email to sterling@futurevalues.com.

Our best wishes to you for 2012!