Lori Pinkowski Invests In New Ideas To Make Retirement Secure
December 28th, 2010 07:14 AM
Originally published February, 2007
For a woman who spends all day in the middle of the financial markets, Lori Pinkowski is pretty quick to point out that life is not all about money.
“For my clients, success is about enjoying life,” she says. “They want to be certain that their investment is securing their future so they can relax and enjoy the present.” Her enjoyment comes from understanding each client’s specific needs, then providing knowledge and new ideas that help the client achieve those goals. And success comes over time.
“An investment plan is a long-term process,” she says. “It requires fine-tuning as circumstances change. Markets are variable, so it’s vital to be up-to-date with on-going communication and reporting.”
As a senior investment advisor with Canaccord Capital, Pinkowski draws upon its wealth of formidable analytical talent. With more than 1,200 employees worldwide, the renowned Vancouver-based company has been helping guide investors to prosperity since 1950.
Pinkowski’s specialty is helping clients secure their retirement. “That means a conservative approach – ensuring enough diversification to achieve a higher return, while minimizing fees and increasing peace of mind. My job is making sure my clients’ wealth grows in a way they can count on to provide for themselves during retirement.”
Communication is key. “I have to take the time to fully understand each client’s objectives, to work with colleagues at Canaccord to assess potential investments, and to keep clients fully informed about their portfolios’ performance. Clients need to know about market changes as they happen, so we can use those changes positively and proactively.”
By focusing on conservative strategies to provide a prosperous and secure retirement, Pinkowski has developed specific expertise that helps investors avoid high annual fees while getting regular monthly income and a good return. “My clients want a patient and understanding advisor who can explain high-level investment strategies and details of financial products,” she says.
That doesn’t mean a stodgy, cookie-cutter approach. “There is room for innovation in a conservative portfolio,” she notes. “I enjoy finding and explaining financial products that others might miss, helping clients diversify and gain advantages while attempting to keep their investment safe.”
Among Pinkowski’s many satisfied clients, a 72-year-old who asked to be called “Mrs. O,” says she’s had “many, many” advisors since her husband died 10 years ago. “I wish I had met Lori first,” she says. “She’s a breath of fresh air. She gives you full attention and access.” Mrs.O trusts Pinkowski’s knowledge to make most of her portfolio decisions. “She’ll tell me when it looks like a good time to sell, and I might not get the very last dollar out of an investment, but it always turns out to be the right thing to do.”
Frank, a former credit manager who’s been an investor for 25 years, says Pinkowski is the best advisor he’s had. “She’s very knowledgeable in so many financial fields. She explains things well, knows what she’s talking about, and if she doesn’t know the answer, she goes and finds out. When she calls with a suggestion, she can explain why it’s good for my portfolio.”
Frank, 71, is “not completely conservative… but I’m retired, and there’s no way to rebound, so I’m pretty careful.” Overall, Frank is extremely happy with his investments since working with Pinkowski, and says he’s most impressed with the level of on-going communication and her reliability.
Pinkowski summarizes some of the investments that than can work well in a conservative portfolio:
Guaranteed Investment Certificates are familiar to many investors, so when they have extra cash they walk into a bank and buy one. But, Pinkowski recommends clients shop around. “Also look at what larger institutions like Canaccord offer -- for GICs and also for other short-term money market.” In many cases, she notes, money market provides a better rate (4.25 per cent in mid-January) than normal GICs “and they are usually just as safe and are always cashable. I always research both to find the best rate for guaranteed investments for my clients.”
Real Estate Investment Trusts have been in Canada for many years. “After the income trusts taxation fiasco last November, many investors shied away from the entire income trust sector,” she says. “But real-estate trusts were basically exempt from the tax changes for income trusts.” Many of her clients who need income use REITs, which generate five to seven per cent annually, paid monthly. “There is also potential for capital appreciation and distributions are taxed better than GICs or money market.” Pinkowski recommends REITs such as Westfield and H & R, which she sees as potential takeover targets.
Hedge Funds use alternative strategies that can protect you in a market decline. “Many people don’t invest in these because it can be difficult to examine which hedge funds are right for you.” But she advises 5 to 10 per cent of most portfolios of high-net worth investors be in hedge funds. “For many clients I’m recommending Vertex, which has seen an average annual return of 25 per cent (net of fees) since 1998, and Arrow Epic which has had the same since 2001.” Hedge funds have the potential of providing positive returns in bad markets.
Insured Annuities are one-time investments that pay income for a specific term, or for the rest of your life, guaranteed. They provide higher monthly cash flow than interest-only investments like GICs, and provide a tax-free “With an annuity, only a portion of the income you receive is taxable -- a real advantage for a non-registered accounts and an attractive option for those over 60 in good health.” So you pay less tax, increase your income and leave your full principle to your loved ones tax-free. Rates depend on the annuity amount and an individual’s health, but the after-tax return has been equivalent to an 8% GIC.
Managed Portfolios are ideal for clients who like to leave decision-making to professionals. Benefits include an all-inclusive fee (no commissions) and ownership of individual stocks (not a pooled investment like a mutual fund). “As well, all of the performance and tax reporting is provided to you.” Canaccord has nine portfolio managers with 50 different portfolios, including international and income portfolios. “Nick Majendie is a conservative portfolio manager who has provided investors with an average 18 per cent annually before fees since 2000, with positive returns every year including the bear market from 2000 to 2002.” Nick also hosts quarterly presentations to discuss his strategy and top stock picks. The next presentation will be in April 2007.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are similar to mutual funds but with lower fees. ETFs are a basket of stocks in an index such as gold, oil, banks, bonds or even international stock markets. They can be purchased on a stock market, with annual fees as low as half a per cent, where mutual funds can run as high as three per cent. “Many mutual funds don’t even beat the index that they are competing against so why pay the manager so much…”Lori is currently recommending the Gold ETF, the German ETF and Global real-estate investment trust ETF.
Pinkowski has been at Canaccord as an investment advisor for seven years. That’s where she met fellow adviser Seth Allen, whom she married three years ago. Recently, Pinkowski and Allen combined their offices and formed a team with four other fully licensed investment professionals reporting to them. “Each specializes in a specific area – RRSPs, bonds, research, etc. – so we can provide detailed advice about any aspect of a client’s portfolio, when it’s needed and provide an extremely high level of service.”
Before becoming an advisor, Pinkowski completed BCIT’s intense Financial Management program, specializing in Financial Planning, then the Canadian Securities and Professional Financial Planning courses. She also mastered the German language at a North Shore school for 10 years, and lived in Germany for more than a year.
Since 2001, she has written “Making Cents,” a North Shore News column explaining RRSPs, mutual funds, current market conditions and costs of investing. The column appears in the Sunday edition every few weeks, and Pinkowski is proud of her track record –those following her general advice in the column have seen gains in oil, gold and other investments.
Pinkowski is willing to provide a complimentary portfolio analysis for investors who want a second opinion. She will identify the fees investors are paying, show if there’s enough diversification (through asset classes/geographical locations), and provide current recommendations to increase return and reduce risk.
Lori Pinkowski spends her time helping clients prosper financially, but her bottom line is their peace of mind about retirement security.
Lori Pinkowski will answer your questions regarding any investment.
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Feb - Mar 07
For a woman who spends all day in the middle of the financial markets, Lori Pinkowski is pretty quick to point out that life is not all about money.
“For my clients, success is about enjoying life,” she says. “They want to be certain that their investment is securing their future so they can relax and enjoy the present.” Her enjoyment comes from understanding each client’s specific needs, then providing knowledge and new ideas that help the client achieve those goals. And success comes over time.
“An investment plan is a long-term process,” she says. “It requires fine-tuning as circumstances change. Markets are variable, so it’s vital to be up-to-date with on-going communication and reporting.”
As a senior investment advisor with Canaccord Capital, Pinkowski draws upon its wealth of formidable analytical talent. With more than 1,200 employees worldwide, the renowned Vancouver-based company has been helping guide investors to prosperity since 1950.
Pinkowski’s specialty is helping clients secure their retirement. “That means a conservative approach – ensuring enough diversification to achieve a higher return, while minimizing fees and increasing peace of mind. My job is making sure my clients’ wealth grows in a way they can count on to provide for themselves during retirement.”
Communication is key. “I have to take the time to fully understand each client’s objectives, to work with colleagues at Canaccord to assess potential investments, and to keep clients fully informed about their portfolios’ performance. Clients need to know about market changes as they happen, so we can use those changes positively and proactively.”
By focusing on conservative strategies to provide a prosperous and secure retirement, Pinkowski has developed specific expertise that helps investors avoid high annual fees while getting regular monthly income and a good return. “My clients want a patient and understanding advisor who can explain high-level investment strategies and details of financial products,” she says.
That doesn’t mean a stodgy, cookie-cutter approach. “There is room for innovation in a conservative portfolio,” she notes. “I enjoy finding and explaining financial products that others might miss, helping clients diversify and gain advantages while attempting to keep their investment safe.”
Among Pinkowski’s many satisfied clients, a 72-year-old who asked to be called “Mrs. O,” says she’s had “many, many” advisors since her husband died 10 years ago. “I wish I had met Lori first,” she says. “She’s a breath of fresh air. She gives you full attention and access.” Mrs.O trusts Pinkowski’s knowledge to make most of her portfolio decisions. “She’ll tell me when it looks like a good time to sell, and I might not get the very last dollar out of an investment, but it always turns out to be the right thing to do.”
Frank, a former credit manager who’s been an investor for 25 years, says Pinkowski is the best advisor he’s had. “She’s very knowledgeable in so many financial fields. She explains things well, knows what she’s talking about, and if she doesn’t know the answer, she goes and finds out. When she calls with a suggestion, she can explain why it’s good for my portfolio.”
Frank, 71, is “not completely conservative… but I’m retired, and there’s no way to rebound, so I’m pretty careful.” Overall, Frank is extremely happy with his investments since working with Pinkowski, and says he’s most impressed with the level of on-going communication and her reliability.
Pinkowski summarizes some of the investments that than can work well in a conservative portfolio:
Guaranteed Investment Certificates are familiar to many investors, so when they have extra cash they walk into a bank and buy one. But, Pinkowski recommends clients shop around. “Also look at what larger institutions like Canaccord offer -- for GICs and also for other short-term money market.” In many cases, she notes, money market provides a better rate (4.25 per cent in mid-January) than normal GICs “and they are usually just as safe and are always cashable. I always research both to find the best rate for guaranteed investments for my clients.”
Real Estate Investment Trusts have been in Canada for many years. “After the income trusts taxation fiasco last November, many investors shied away from the entire income trust sector,” she says. “But real-estate trusts were basically exempt from the tax changes for income trusts.” Many of her clients who need income use REITs, which generate five to seven per cent annually, paid monthly. “There is also potential for capital appreciation and distributions are taxed better than GICs or money market.” Pinkowski recommends REITs such as Westfield and H & R, which she sees as potential takeover targets.
Hedge Funds use alternative strategies that can protect you in a market decline. “Many people don’t invest in these because it can be difficult to examine which hedge funds are right for you.” But she advises 5 to 10 per cent of most portfolios of high-net worth investors be in hedge funds. “For many clients I’m recommending Vertex, which has seen an average annual return of 25 per cent (net of fees) since 1998, and Arrow Epic which has had the same since 2001.” Hedge funds have the potential of providing positive returns in bad markets.
Insured Annuities are one-time investments that pay income for a specific term, or for the rest of your life, guaranteed. They provide higher monthly cash flow than interest-only investments like GICs, and provide a tax-free “With an annuity, only a portion of the income you receive is taxable -- a real advantage for a non-registered accounts and an attractive option for those over 60 in good health.” So you pay less tax, increase your income and leave your full principle to your loved ones tax-free. Rates depend on the annuity amount and an individual’s health, but the after-tax return has been equivalent to an 8% GIC.
Managed Portfolios are ideal for clients who like to leave decision-making to professionals. Benefits include an all-inclusive fee (no commissions) and ownership of individual stocks (not a pooled investment like a mutual fund). “As well, all of the performance and tax reporting is provided to you.” Canaccord has nine portfolio managers with 50 different portfolios, including international and income portfolios. “Nick Majendie is a conservative portfolio manager who has provided investors with an average 18 per cent annually before fees since 2000, with positive returns every year including the bear market from 2000 to 2002.” Nick also hosts quarterly presentations to discuss his strategy and top stock picks. The next presentation will be in April 2007.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are similar to mutual funds but with lower fees. ETFs are a basket of stocks in an index such as gold, oil, banks, bonds or even international stock markets. They can be purchased on a stock market, with annual fees as low as half a per cent, where mutual funds can run as high as three per cent. “Many mutual funds don’t even beat the index that they are competing against so why pay the manager so much…”Lori is currently recommending the Gold ETF, the German ETF and Global real-estate investment trust ETF.
Pinkowski has been at Canaccord as an investment advisor for seven years. That’s where she met fellow adviser Seth Allen, whom she married three years ago. Recently, Pinkowski and Allen combined their offices and formed a team with four other fully licensed investment professionals reporting to them. “Each specializes in a specific area – RRSPs, bonds, research, etc. – so we can provide detailed advice about any aspect of a client’s portfolio, when it’s needed and provide an extremely high level of service.”
Before becoming an advisor, Pinkowski completed BCIT’s intense Financial Management program, specializing in Financial Planning, then the Canadian Securities and Professional Financial Planning courses. She also mastered the German language at a North Shore school for 10 years, and lived in Germany for more than a year.
Since 2001, she has written “Making Cents,” a North Shore News column explaining RRSPs, mutual funds, current market conditions and costs of investing. The column appears in the Sunday edition every few weeks, and Pinkowski is proud of her track record –those following her general advice in the column have seen gains in oil, gold and other investments.
Pinkowski is willing to provide a complimentary portfolio analysis for investors who want a second opinion. She will identify the fees investors are paying, show if there’s enough diversification (through asset classes/geographical locations), and provide current recommendations to increase return and reduce risk.
Lori Pinkowski spends her time helping clients prosper financially, but her bottom line is their peace of mind about retirement security.
Lori Pinkowski will answer your questions regarding any investment.
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Feb - Mar 07
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