We’re Dedicated to Helping Affluent Families Oversee their Ongoing U.S., Canada, and Cross-Border Financial Planning Complexities: Jeffrey Sheldon, CEO of Cardinal Point

Cardinal Point is an independent cross-border wealth management firm with offices in both the U.S. and Canada. It focuses on providing personalized investment, estate, tax and cross-border financial planning solutions to affluent individuals and families.

SME Business Review reached out to Jeffrey Sheldon, co-founder and CEO of Cardinal Point, for an interview to gain insights into the firm’s wealth management approach and its commitment to personalized financial strategies for affluent families. Here’s what Mr. Sheldon had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What is the primary focus of Cardinal Point Wealth Management?

Our primary focus at Cardinal Point Wealth Management is to provide personalized financial planning and investment management services. We understand that each client's financial journey is unique, and we are committed to helping individuals and families achieve their specific goals. By taking the time to assess your financial situation, we develop tailored strategies that align with your aspirations, whether it's planning for retirement, funding education, or managing your investments. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of financial decision-making.

How does Cardinal Point approach investment management?

At Cardinal Point, we adopt a disciplined investment management approach that seeks to balance risk and return while aligning with your financial objectives. We begin by conducting a thorough analysis of your investment goals and risk tolerance. Our team employs a diversified investment strategy designed to capitalize on market opportunities while mitigating potential risks. By continuously monitoring market conditions and adjusting your portfolio as necessary, we aim to optimize your investment performance and help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

What sets Cardinal Point apart from other financial advisory firms?

Cardinal Point stands out due to our unwavering commitment to client education and personalized service. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients. Therefore, we prioritize open communication and transparency in all our interactions. Unlike many firms that provide generic solutions, we take the time to understand your unique circumstances, values, and aspirations. This individualized approach allows us to create customized financial strategies that truly reflect your goals. Our focus on building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity is a hallmark of our service.

How does Cardinal Point ensure tax efficiency in financial planning?

We recognize that taxes can significantly impact your overall financial health and investment returns. To address this, we implement proactive tax planning strategies tailored to your situation. Our team stays current with tax laws and regulations to identify opportunities for tax savings. By employing tax-efficient investment strategies and helping you take advantage of available deductions and credits, we work to minimize your tax liabilities. This focus on tax efficiency enhances the effectiveness of your financial plan and contributes to your overall wealth-building strategy.

What is the process for creating a financial plan with Cardinal Point?

Our process for creating a financial plan begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current financial situation. We gather information about your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities to understand your overall financial picture. After this initial analysis, we engage in detailed discussions to identify your short-term and long-term financial goals. Based on this information, we develop a customized financial plan that outlines specific strategies and actionable steps to help you achieve those goals. We view financial planning as an ongoing relationship, and we encourage regular check-ins to ensure your plan evolves alongside your life circumstances.

How does Cardinal Point approach retirement planning?

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of our service offerings at Cardinal Point. We understand that preparing for retirement involves careful consideration of various factors, such as your desired retirement age, lifestyle expectations, and potential healthcare costs. Our team works closely with you to establish realistic retirement goals and create a comprehensive strategy for achieving them. This includes analyzing your current savings, projecting future income needs, and developing a sustainable income plan for your retirement years. We aim to provide you with peace of mind as you transition into this significant life stage.

What role does estate planning play in the services provided by Cardinal Point?

Estate planning is an integral part of our wealth management services. We understand that transferring wealth to the next generation involves complex considerations, and our team is here to guide you through the process. We work with you to establish clear estate planning goals, addressing important elements such as wills, trusts, and asset distribution. By developing a comprehensive estate plan, we help ensure that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are taken care of. This proactive approach not only preserves your wealth but also provides peace of mind knowing that you have a plan in place.

How does Cardinal Point incorporate socially responsible investing into its strategies?

At Cardinal Point, we recognize the growing importance of socially responsible investing for many clients. We believe that your investments should reflect your values and priorities. Therefore, we incorporate ethical considerations into our investment strategies by prioritizing companies and initiatives that promote social and environmental responsibility. Our team carefully evaluates potential investments based on their impact, allowing you to align your portfolio with your personal beliefs. This approach not only seeks to enhance financial returns but also fosters a sense of purpose in your investment journey.

Jeffrey Sheldon | Co-Founder & CEO 

Jeffrey Sheldon is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Cardinal Point. He grew up in a family of both Canadian and U.S. citizens and learned early in his professional career that there were few qualified financial service companies that could properly address his family’s complex cross-border financial planning requirements. To fill this void, Jeffrey set out ten years ago to build a premier fee-based, fiduciary, wealth management firm. And in drawing from his own personal experiences, he focused on creating an organization that could provide comprehensive and integrated cross-border investment management, financial, tax and estate planning services to both Canadians and Americans. Today, Cardinal Point has established itself as a leader in helping clients manage complex Canada-U.S. cross-border financial planning issues.

Prior to co-founding Cardinal Point, Jeffrey Sheldon worked as a national business development and practice management consultant for a California-based financial turnkey asset management provider (TAMP) firm. Jeffrey began his career working for Assante Asset Management in Toronto as a regional business development associate in the Private Client division. He later became a partner in a financial advisory practice that focused on servicing high net-worth professionals and small business owners in Canada. Jeffrey has worked in the financial services industry for close to 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen’s University.

“Whether you are transitioning residency between Canada and the U.S. or you have already made the move, it is important to understand the benefits of a cross-border financial plan. Learn how Cardinal Point can help when holding investment assets or financial interests in the U.S. or Canada.”