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(April 4, 2008) Winnipeg-based Knowledge Bureau has launched a new Retirement Income Specialist program that focuses on real wealth planning for the boomer set.

When the six-course program is completed, advisors will receive a Master Financial Advisor designation.

The classes teach advisors about a number of things, including portfolio construction for real wealth management, owner-manager compensation planning, financial literacy, success planning for family businesses and how to create tax-efficient planning for retirement income purposes.

“What’s required to motivate today’s affluent boomer market to come to the planning table is a deep understanding of two key triggers: how to transition out of work and the tax consequences of retirement and estate planning,” says Evelyn Jacks, president of The Knowledge Bureau.

As part of the typically year-long program, advisors will get access to the EverGreen Explanatory Notes, an online tax information resource.

“We are excited and proud to provide advisors with a complete educational solution to the boomers pre-retirement income planning needs,” says Jacks.

Enrollment in the course begins on April 15, with registration ending June 15.

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TD nets $292 million in mutual fund sales

(April 4, 2008) Despite market jitters, TD Asset Management’s total mutual fund net sales for March was $292 million. That includes long-term fund net sales of $35 million, and money market fund net sales of $257 million.

“Investors and advisors continued to demonstrate confidence in the management and value of our funds in March,” says Tim Pinnington, president, TD Mutual Funds. “Particularly in the strength of the TD Dividend Growth Fund and the TD Canadian Equity fund.”

TD’s best-selling long-term funds for March were the TD Dividend Growth Fund, TD Canadian Bond Index Fund, TD Precious Metals Fund, TD International Index Fund and TD Canadian Equity Fund.

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TD appoints new board member

(April 4, 2008) TD Bank’s board of directors is getting bigger. The company has appointed Nadir Mohamed, president and CEO of Rogers Communications, to its board.

“We’re very pleased to have Nadir join our board of directors,” says John Thompson, chairman of TD Bank Financial Group’s board. “His proven track record as an experienced executive and director will bring a valuable perspective to our strategic discussions and debate. Nadir’s extensive business knowledge, combined with his financial background, makes him a great addition to our board and audit committee.”

In addition to serving on TD’s board, Mohamed is also on the board of Rogers Communications and Ryerson University.

(04/04/08)