Consumer Reports

Would you buy a car without checking the latest consumer data? Then do the same with your savings and investments. Only a few products and services make it past our independent researchers.

This is the information you need to make the right choices that keep your money safe and productive.

For a full listing, click on the Consumer Information button on homepage.

Advisories

Keeping you informed on breaking consumer issues. From our national network of industry and member contacts, the Co-op will keep you up-to-date with small reports and articles.

Newsletter

Monthly updates and news about Co-op members, services, and Affinity Partners.

GIC Rate Shopper

Just about all rates and costs are negotiable. Make sure you get the best when you renew your GICs, Term Deposits, and GIAs. Direct from Cannex Financial

Members’ Blog

Get online community support and information through the Members’ Blog.

Online Help

By email or phone, we can help you find what need on the Co-op website. Whether you want to invest on your own or would like to find a good advisory relationship, we can help you find what you need. Please note that we don’t the resources to give members specific investment advice.

Hidden Industry Discounts

Tired of paying the world’s highest investment costs and commissions? These standard discounts can reduce your annual costs by 60% of more. And all you have to do is ask…nicely.

They cover administration fees, asset-based account fees, wrap/proprietary account fees, trading, and transfer fees and are always being updated.

Best Advisory Options

You need to be careful dealing with full-service advisors. Costs can take half (or more) or your returns and much of the product is questionable, but some firms are definitely better than others. If you are looking for a new advisor, this is a must-see list for all Canadians.

Portfolio Quick Fix

Portfolio Upgrade Report Card. This online tool will give you a comprehensive overview of improvements you can make to your portfolio with the help of an advisor, or on your own.

Risk Tolerance Questionnaire. A common problem faced by Canadians is too much risk. Make sure you have the right balance to reduce capital loss and improve returns.

Best Co-op Portfolios. These portfolios use the best ETF/index units/funds in a conservative asset allocation. Then we update them as conditions change or better products become available. Included are all the trading symbols and fund codes you need to make sure you get the right ones.

Portfolios for New Investors. These portfolios are simple enough for anyone just starting to save. They are lowest cost with best products and available across Canada.

Portfolio Quick Fix Checklists. Don’t have time for the Report Card Tool? Try one of these checklists to help you focus on reducing costs, finding the right strategy, reducing risk, protecting capital, getting value from your advisor, and finding the best products.

IA Model Portfolio 20 year returns. Stay focused on what works. These are the back tested returns of Co-op recommended portfolios. No worries, no hassle, and near-benchmark returns.

Services

5 point Cost Reduction Review

Ten minutes could save you thousands annually in hidden or excessive fees. There are over 20 different costs that investors pay in Canada. Using lower cost options and taking advantage of industry discounts can easily reduce your annual costs by 70%. Costs reviewed include: commissions, management fees, DSC, administration, asset-based, and transfer fees.

Just submit the online questionnaire and we do the rest.

Best Advisory/investment Option Review

The Co-op can help you find the right way to invest…and get the best value from the many options available. Whether investing on your own or with an advisor, finding a consumer-friendly service makes investing safer and easier to manage.

Just submit the online questionnaire and we do the rest.

Dispute Evaluation Service

Have you suffered unfair losses? Are there transactions in your account you don’t understand? Many investors find they have a problem only when it is too late. If you are in a dispute now or are concerned about how your investments are being managed, the Co-op can help. We’ll show you the best way to proceed or put you in contact with one of our experts.

Just submit the online questionnaire and we do the rest.

Plus…

Independent Financial/Estate/Insurance planning from one of Canada’s leading experts.

As an advisor to the Globe & Mail, Derek Moran (CFP) has a well-earned reputation as one of

Canada’s leading fee-for-service financial planners. This is an independent, careful, and knowledgeable approach to financial, estate, and insurance planning. There is more information under Financial Planning in the Member area.

Dispute Support Services from Co-op experts.

Consumer protection for investors can be complex and costly. If something goes wrong and you do find yourself in a dispute, this unique and valuable service insures that you will have the support you need. From simple complaint letters to finding an experienced lawyer, you will have the Co-op on your side. There is more information under Dispute Support in the Member area.

Pension Consultations

Pension Consultant Debby Wetmore (CA, MBA) helps guide you through the financial and emotional considerations of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. There is more information under Pension Consultations in the Member area.

Group Plan Consultations

Make sure you’re using the best options at the right costs. If you are an employer or an organization offering a group plan, Investors-Aid can help you find the best group plan provider for your valued employees or members. There is more information under Group Plans in the Member area.