Employee Spotlight: Joanne Richer

Updated:
June 18, 2021

Scrivens has a diverse team of professionals: from industry influencers to musicians, from analysts to poets. The Employee Spotlight series aims to highlight the talented individuals who work here. Each month, we’ll be featuring one of our talented people.

Joanne Richer, Commercial Insurance Account Manager

Meet Joanne Richer, Commercial Insurance Account Manager

Joanne spent her childhood in Ottawa and enjoyed spending much of her free time on her grandparents’ farm in Shawville, Quebec.

Nowadays, Joanne is a homebody and loves to stay close to her home and family. When she isn’t outside gardening or inside baking delicious chocolate treats, Joanne is cheering on her hometown Ottawa Senators. She just might be the biggest Sens fan at Scrivens!

Joanne is one of Scrivens’ longest-tenured employees and has been integral to the success of her commercial insurance clients. Her time with Scrivens over the past 25 years seems to have flown by but her dedication to her clients and passion for ensuring each one receives quality service is always remembered.

Let’s learn a little more about Joanne.

What is your favourite thing about your role?

Learning about my clients and their businesses. I feel fortunate to work with amazing businesses in Ottawa and across Ontario to help them navigate their individual commercial insurance needs.

What do you like most about working at Scrivens?

The team at Scrivens really does feel like a family. I appreciate everyone’s willingness to work as a team to find the best solutions for our clients.

What has been your favourite project at Scrivens?

I’m known as the poet lariat of the office and my favourite project so far was writing the poem for the latest Christmas video. Our clients mean so much to us and to have the opportunity to share our appreciation for them, especially during a challenging year, was really special.

What is one career lesson you have learned so far?

Knowing how to find the right solution. It’s okay to say “let me look into that and get back to you”, if you don’t have the answer.

Do you have any nicknames?

The most common one I get is “Jo”. My high school friends, however, still call me “JoJo”.

What is your favourite travel destination?

Honestly, I love Ottawa and being a tourist in my own city is the greatest place for me. I also really enjoy spending time with my family at the cottage.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I still know how to write in shorthand.

Do you have any pets?

Yep! Meet my cat, Kitty.


FAQs

What is financial advising?

Financial advising involves providing guidance and advice to individuals, families, or businesses to help them make informed decisions about their financial matters. This can include various aspects such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Financial advisors analyze their clients' financial situations, goals, and risk tolerance to create customized strategies that align with their objectives.

Why is financial planning important?

Financial planning is crucial for several reasons:

Goal Achievement: It helps individuals set and achieve financial goals, whether they are short-term, such as buying a home, or long-term, like funding a comfortable retirement.

Risk Management: Financial planning addresses risks by considering insurance, emergency funds, and other protective measures.

Budgeting and Saving: It promotes responsible money management through budgeting and saving, fostering financial stability.

Wealth Building: Effective financial planning can lead to wealth accumulation and the creation of a secure financial future.

Can financial advisors help with debt?

Yes, financial advisors can help with debt management. They can assess your overall financial situation, create a budget, and develop strategies to pay down debt efficiently. They may also negotiate with creditors on your behalf, provide debt consolidation recommendations, and offer guidance on prioritizing and managing debt repayment.

What exactly does a financial advisor do?

The specific responsibilities of a financial advisor can vary, but generally, they:

  1. Conduct a thorough analysis of a client's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
  2. Develop personalized financial plans based on the client's goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
  3. Provide investment advice and portfolio management services.
  4. Offer guidance on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance.
  5. Monitor and adjust financial plans as needed based on changes in the client's life or market conditions.
  6. Educate clients on financial matters and empower them to make informed decisions.
What is the average fee for a financial advisor?

The fees charged by financial advisors can vary widely based on factors such as the advisor's experience, the services provided, and the region.

Common fee structures include:

Hourly Fees: Advisors charge an hourly rate for their services.
Flat or Fixed Fees: A set fee is charged for specific services or a comprehensive financial plan.
Asset-based Fees: Fees are a percentage of the assets under management (AUM).
Commission-based Fees: Advisors earn commissions on financial products they sell.
Combination of Fees: Advisors may use a combination of the above fee structures.
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It's important to discuss and clarify fee arrangements with a potential financial advisor before engaging in their services.