Client Challenges, Smart Solutions.

At Grand River Wealth Management, clients come to us facing tough financial questions—retirement, investments, taxes, and more. We turn challenges into clear, tailored solutions that bring confidence and long-term peace of mind.

Take a look below at some current client challenges and how we’ve helped solve them.

1) Client Story: Accessing Estate Funds Without a Will

The Challenge:

A client was settling her late husband’s estate, but several accounts had outdated beneficiaries—and no will had been left behind. The financial institution refused to grant her access, as she wasn’t listed as a beneficiary.

Our Solution:

We contacted the insurance company on her behalf and successfully secured her access to the accounts, helping her navigate a difficult situation with clarity and support.

2) Client Story: Recovering Missing Proceeds After a Business Sale

The Challenge:

Following the sale of a company, several shareholders found that portions of their proceeds were missing or unaccounted for. With deadlines approaching, they faced pressure to make quick financial decisions without a full understanding of their options.

Our Solution:

We helped locate the missing funds and provided timely guidance through both group sessions and individual meetings—ensuring each client had clarity and confidence in how to manage their proceeds effectively.

3) Client Story: Simplifying Will Preparation with an Asset Map

The Challenge:

A couple preparing to draft their wills needed to compile a complete list of their assets, but they held numerous accounts across various institutions—making the process complex and time-consuming.

Our Solution:

We created a detailed Asset Map, consolidating all their financial, insurance, and property holdings into a single, clear document. This simplified the estate planning process and ensured accuracy in constructing their wills.

4) Client Story: Consolidating Paper Shares for Simpler Investment Management

The Challenge:

A client owned paper shares in several Canadian banks and insurance companies but was struggling to manage and track them effectively.

Our Solution:

We helped consolidate the shares into their account with us, making it easier to manage their portfolio. Now, all investments appear on a single statement, and dividends are deposited directly—improving transparency and reducing administrative hassle.

5) Client Story: Protecting a Young Family During Mortgage Renewal

The Challenge:

A young couple with children—including a newborn—was approaching their mortgage renewal and wanted to ensure their family would be financially secure if something happened to either parent.

Our Solution:

We conducted a thorough needs assessment and secured insurance coverage that provided meaningful protection while staying within their budget—offering peace of mind during a critical life stage.

6) Client Story: Planning for a Gradual and Confident Retirement

The Challenge:

A couple approaching retirement wanted to know if reducing work hours would jeopardize their long-term financial stability. They were uncertain whether their current position could support a phased retirement and the lifestyle they envisioned.

Our Solution:

We conducted a detailed financial review and confirmed they could ease into retirement comfortably—including taking extra vacations. Together, we built a five-year plan to support this transition with confidence and clarity.

7) Client Story: Expanding RESP Planning for a Growing Family

The Challenge:

A young parent with an existing RESP welcomed a new child and wasn’t sure how to best save for both children’s future education.

Our Solution:

We explained the differences between individual and family RESPs, outlining the benefits and limitations of each. With this guidance, they selected the structure that ensured contributions and grants would be properly allocated—providing confidence that both children’s education needs would be supported.

8) Client Story: Simplifying Retirement Income and Reducing Investment Risk

The Challenge:

After converting his RRSPs to RRIFs, a client was receiving income from multiple sources and felt overwhelmed by the complexity and volatility of his investments. He wasn’t sure if his accounts aligned with his current financial priorities.

Our Solution:

We consolidated his accounts into a single RRIF, making his income easier to manage and track. We also helped him adopt an investment strategy aligned with his goals and risk tolerance—bringing clarity and confidence to his retirement plan.

9) Client Story: Reducing Retirement Taxes Through Strategic TFSA Contributions

The Challenge:

A retired couple with unused TFSA contribution room was concerned about paying too much tax on their RRIF withdrawals during retirement.

Our Solution:

We showed them how to strategically withdraw additional funds from their RRIF and contribute to their TFSAs. This approach helped them maximize tax-free savings, lower their overall tax burden, and make more efficient use of their retirement income.

10) Client Story: Guiding a Couple Through Post-Sale Financial Planning

The Challenge:

After selling their farm, a couple with significant funds but little financial advisory experience sought guidance on managing their new wealth.

Our Solution:

We explored their priorities—buying property, generating retirement income, and securing an inheritance for their children. Then, we crafted a diversified investment strategy tailored to each goal, providing clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for both short- and long-term success.