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Read about
Wendy's new venture here
Are you prepared for your financial future? You would never expect a question like this when you meet Wendy in her cocktail length dress, lacy sweater and her hair pulled back into an elegant ponytail with a chiffon tieback This is the question that Wendy Schroeder poses to women where ever she goes.
Most of us expect to be asked that from a ‘suit’ , but Wendy is a fresh break from the conservative tradition, and it serves her well. Business owners who want to protect the future well being of their business and personal wealth, benefit from Wendy Schroeder’s years of experience owning successful franchises. Individuals who want to take responsibility for their finances and financial security appreciate the depth of knowledge that Wendy brings to the table. In this business, change is constant … and knowledge is power
At 50 years of age, and a single mother, Wendy can empathize and understand the need for financial security among women. Experience has been her teacher, and she wants other women to know it is much easier and less painful to be proactive about their financial future.
Being a single parent herself, Wendy has seen women and their children suffer after marriage break-ups and other tragedies because they are not financially prepared. And that hits a nerve with her. Because she worked hard and planned well she was able to ensure that her daughter was educated in first rate schools and proudly boasts that she is now attending Ivy League" Columbia University in New York City. But she knows other women are not as prepared, and so she is on a mission to change that.
Wendy started her knowledgeable journey to advising others after graduating from McMaster University in 1975 with her BA in Commerce. She was one of 10 women, and graduated with Honours. Her high level of achievement in academia landed her interviews with almost every prestigious firm in Canada. She decided on a the firm Clarkson and Gordon and articled for them for two years. She then wrote her exam to become a chartered accountant.
Achieving this first milestone she moved on to become a Tax Manager for Imperial Oil. As she approached her 40th Wendy discovered a side of her that needed to work with people, and so with that in mind she went to work for London Life selling insurance. After working there for 2 years she was put through their management program for one year and in 1994 she made the transition and stepped out on her own as a broker.
Self employment gave her the flexibility and freedom that she needed to raise her daughter on her own. However, Wendy is driven to succeed. That can be a good thing when you are a woman working in a man’s world. She had left London Life and moved to Manulife and brokered on her own. It was a difficult time for Wendy. And she began to question her motives for going into business. She knew that if it was solely to make money, it would be an empty way of living. She decided it was time to combine her money making ability with doing something she loved.
Four and half years ago, she decided to work on her own but team up with other financial planners to share their resources of space and staff. After careful consideration, Wendy teamed up with Bryan And Hedden Financial, believing in the integrity of the company.
As a Chartered Accountant and Certified Financial Planner, Wendy works closely with individuals, business owners, corporate executives and professionals to address their concerns regarding planned and unplanned events that could adversely affect their businesses, families and personal wealth.
Wendy assists clients in clearly defining their goals and objectives and then develops results oriented strategies that include the following living benefits:
o Critical Illness Insurance – provides a lump sum benefit 30 days after diagnosis of a critical illness (example, heart, stroke, cancer)
o Disability Insurance – provides a monthly income if you’re unable to work
o Long Term Care Insurance – provides a monthly income if you require long term care
According to women I have spoken with, Wendy is a brilliant financial planner and strategist. Wendy’s proven skills shine as she assists business owners and individuals in accurately assessing their risk tolerance. She works to find the delicate balance between risk and reward, offering recommendations that produce results and allow clients to sleep at night. Financial Planning services include:
o Life Insurance - the foundation of financial security
o Financial Planning and wealth management - leading to financial security
When it comes to Business Planning, Wendy has a wealth of practical experience, both from the initial start-up to the daily management of a business. She understands the challenges facing today’s companies, and is able to develop strategies to effectively contend with the most challenging opportunities. Her ongoing education and recognized experience allows her to be a valuable partner in the:
o Creative design of Employee Benefits that will attract and retain employees
o Custom creation of Executive Benefits to promote leadership and performance
o Business Succession Planning to protect the enterprise and its stakeholders.
However, Wendy’s interest in Financial planning did not end at quitting time. You can find her researching and constantly watching the specialized media directed at Financial Planning. Noting that the financial industry was populated mostly by men, who addressed men’s interests, Wendy set out to meet the needs and answer the concerns that women had. She regularly watched a financial/business talk forum that featured men in the industry. The question of why women were not being asked to appear morphed into the idea that is now her ‘baby’.
Wendy approached the community cable station in Burlington about starting a television show entitled “Women and Financial Success”, a program to showcase successful business women in the community. As interesting as the concept was, she was sent away and advised to provide a plan for the show, including guest line ups and scripts. When she returned nine months later with the concept laid out, her idea was accepted a plan was put into action to get it on the air.
“At first, there were restrictions, and we were to be evaluated quarterly. But the show has been such a success, that I guess they don’t worry too much about us anymore” says Wendy. Wendy’s smile is indicative of the triumph she is feeling. And she should feel triumphant. Last year her show, which airs on Cogeco 23 the last Tuesday of every month, won her the award of “Best Community Producer”. “The first show was nerve racking” she chuckles, “but is much easier now. There is no doubt that her passion for showcasing successful women has helped her over the tense moments. She believes that women need to be more financially independent and she believes that the women she has on her show will help to inspire other women to achieve that. She has me convinced.
Wendy is also interested in working with charitable organizations in Planned Giving. She resides in Burlington and enjoys golfing, skiing, tennis, travelling, the theatre and spending time with her daughter, who lives in New York. |
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