Financial Planning

Course Code:

Course Code: FIN 5002

This course prepares students to understand the basic terminology and rules of the Canadian Tax System. It is important for financial planners to be well equipped to identify tax-related issues as part of a financial review and decision-making process. It encompasses advanced concepts in the tax system and focuses on applications related to an individual's personal income tax affairs. Topics include fundamental terminology, compliance, general tax concepts and provisions, basic elements and issues surrounding tax computations, the capital gains system, capital cost allowance, capital dividend account, eligible capital expenditures, alternative minimum tax and income attribution, among others.

Course Code: FIN 5003

This course explores the Six Step Financial Planning Process, as established by the Financial Planners Standards Council. It encompasses the elements of goal and objective setting, the implications of different types of retirement savings relative to the tax consequences, and a discussion of different planning strategies. The course also examines employer-sponsored pension plans (registered pension plans - RPPs), Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Locked-in RRSPs and Deferred Profit Sharing Plans (DPSPs). There is a specific focus on the various vehicles that provide retirement income including Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs), Life Income Funds (LIFs), Locked-In Retirement Income Funds (LRIFs), annuities, reverse mortgages and Retirement Compensation Arrangements (RCAs).

Course Code: FIN 5005

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the investment strategies that individuals may use in the achievement of their wealth accumulation objectives. The time value of money fundamentals will be briefly touched on (knowledge of this is recommended for admission to the program). The course explores the fundamentals of economics as they relate to the investment strategies and wealth accumulation objectives. The concepts of gross domestic product, marketplace pricing, supply and demand, money supply, business cycles, and monetary and fiscal policy are reviewed. Additionally, yield curves, inflation, risk and modern portfolio theory are discussed. The course also looks at personal debt and money management and RESPs.

Course Code: MGMT 5000

This course examines the fundamentals associated with the principles of risk management including the concept of insurable risk, the application of insurance into the risk management process, and risk management strategies. It also includes the study of the characteristics of insurance contracts, a review of public health insurance and private medical plans. The course incorporates a general understanding of automobile and homeowner insurance as well as the various government sponsored benefit plans. This course also examines the various elements of estate planning; the comprehensive process to ensure that there is a smooth transition of an individual's estate after his/her death. The topics include powers of attorney, wills, trusts, administrative issues, and various tax issues.

Course Code: WORK 5002

In this course students will gain relevant work experience by participating in four-week, paid or unpaid work placement. Students will be required to document both the employment experience and their knowledge of business applications and theories through a series of assignments. These assignments relate directly to the job search process, the actual field placement experience and the specific courses completed in the student's area of study. Employers will also play a key role in the evaluation process.

Course Code:

Course Code: FIN 5500

This course examines the fundamentals of the life and health insurance industry in Canada and the types of insurance products available to meet the needs of the Canadian consumer. Students will review the industry overall, and fundamental elements of the law and insurance. They will also review needs assessment and the application process, as well as the basics of product pricing. The course finishes with a detailed examination of the types of life and health insurance, group benefit plans, government programs and financial security.

Course Code:

Course Code:

Course Code: FIN 5555

This course is a mandatory component for certification (CFP) by the Financial Planners Standard's Council (FPSC). Students complete a personal financial plan, which demonstrates their ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize a personal financial situation and to make suitable recommendations. The completion of the financial plan incorporates financial planning competencies, professional skills, professional practice and technical knowledge.

Course Code: MKTG 5009

This course is designed for the individual who is planning a sales career and will work within a marketing environment. In both cases the person will be selling something; a product, a service, an idea, himself or herself, and the same consultative selling techniques are needed. The typical professional salesperson today acts as a field marketing manager who sells and markets the company's product in the field while managing a vital segment of the company's business. The professional salesperson uses the latest communications and computer technology simultaneously to co-ordinate and integrate field selling activities with headquarter marketing efforts and to improve effectiveness and efficiency in serving customers in long-term buyer-seller partnerships. Emphasis will be on developing confidence and professionalism in the selling interaction.