A Pincher Creek financial-planning team has assumed responsibility for Sun Life clients in Crowsnest Pass, although the change will not include opening a new local office.
Sinnott Insurance and Financial Solutions Inc. began serving the Crowsnest Pass clientele Oct. 1. The company operates from 686 Main St. in Pincher Creek and offers both in-person and virtual appointments.
Financial planner Ed Sinnott said Sun Life has maintained a presence in the Crowsnest Pass region through a succession of advisers for many years.
His company previously operated an office in Blairmore between 2005 and 2007, but Sinnott said the way clients access financial services has changed considerably since then.
“Our office is in Pincher Creek and, at this point, we do not have plans to establish an office in the Crowsnest Pass,” Sinnott said.
He said many Crowsnest Pass residents already travel to Pincher Creek for business and can arrange meetings at the company’s office. Virtual meetings are also available, along with evening and weekend appointments when arranged in advance.
The company has begun contacting affected clients by email, telephone, text message and regular mail to introduce the team and review their existing arrangements.
Sinnott said the purpose of the initial meetings is to ensure advisers and clients are “on the same wavelength” regarding their needs and financial plans.
The company was offered the opportunity to work with Sun Life’s Crowsnest Pass clientele and accepted because of its existing connections to the community.
“Since we have long had connections up there, it is a natural fit from a community and business standpoint,” Sinnott said.
The team includes certified financial planners Sinnott and Nicole Christensen, along with service associate Kayli Dalton-Robinson.
Sinnott said the entire team will be available to work with Crowsnest Pass clients.
Services include retirement and pre-retirement planning, establishing retirement income, group benefits, life insurance, critical-illness coverage, disability and income-replacement insurance, health coverage and travel insurance.
The company also handles registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, tax-free savings accounts and registered education savings plans, along with guaranteed investments, mutual funds and segregated funds.
Sinnott said retirement planning has become increasingly complex as clients consider taxation, income requirements, insurance and how to turn their savings into a sustainable retirement income.
“The financial-services industry is much more complicated today than in the past, and it is difficult for people to understand and stay current with changes and tax implications,” he said.
Sinnott said the team’s approach is to explain available services and products in language clients can understand before decisions are made.
Residents can contact Sinnott Insurance and Financial Solutions through its website, Facebook page or by calling 403-627-5210. Walk-in visits are accepted at the Pincher Creek office, although appointments can also be arranged in advance.