In many cases, it’s easiest to talk to your adviser over the phone. But there are some things that you may want to deal with in person.

When can I work with my adviser by phone?

This works well when you want to:

• Ask about things that confuse you, such as something you read on an account statement
• Check how your investments are doing
• Learn more about investments you might want to buy
• Talk about an investment you might want to sell.

When is it a good idea to meet my adviser face-to-face?

Use this approach when you want to:

• Build a relationship. For example, you are meeting an adviser who may work with you for the long term
• Make longer-term and more detailed decisions, such as setting goals
• Get advice or answers to your questions
• Sign documents.

When do I need an appointment with an adviser?

If you’re working with an adviser at a local branch of your bank, credit union, or trust company, you can obtain many services by just dropping in. For some services, you should call ahead and set up a meeting. This includes:

• Applying for a mortgage
• Setting up a mutual fund account
• Applying for a loan or setting up a line of credit
• Opening a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)
• Changing a large amount of money into another currency, or changing Canadian money to a less common kind of money (such as Mexican pesos).

You don’t need a meeting to:

• Open a bank account
• Deposit, withdraw, or transfer money
• Pay bills
• Buy GICs and Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs)
• Get a bank debit card, bank draft, certified cheque, or money order
• Exchange common currencies, such as Canadian and US dollars. 

Remember: Sometimes you need to meet with your adviser face-to-face.

A good adviser will make time for those important meetings.