ANNE HODGSON, CFP ®, RRC, Executive Financial Consultant, IG Wealth Management - Investors Group Financial Services Inc, Brantford, Ontario
ANNE HODGSON
“Supporting clients through their financial journey,
helping them grow and protect their wealth, is why I’m here”
Anne Hodgson (CFP® ), Executive Financial Consultant for IG Wealth Management seamlessly blends her financial expertise with a deep commitment to client success. With a career sparked by a desire for change and fueled by a passion for financial education, Anne has become a trusted Advisor, guiding clients through life’s financial complexities with care and precision.
Anne’s passion lies in more than meeting clients’ immediate needs—she’s driven to build their wealth for a secure future. In 2015, a career change sparked by her mother-in-law’s suggestion led her to IG Wealth Management. “My mother-in-law, an Advisor here for 21 years, planted the seed,” Anne recalls. Inspired, she took the leap, dedicated to guiding individuals, business owners, and families toward lasting financial security.
This suggestion led Anne to obtain her Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA) license (now known as CIRO, Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) and later her life insurance license. By May 2015, she was fully licensed and dedicated to her new career path—a decision she has embraced wholeheartedly. “I have not looked back since,” she says.
“Only three months after becoming an Advisor, I started the process of obtaining my Certified Financial Planning (CFP® ) designation, the top certification for financial planning professionals. Though I had not yet been in the business for the required 3 years to receive the designation, I knew that I was in it for the long haul.”
The journey was particularly intense as Anne was balancing a demanding new career with the arrival of her first daughter. Nonetheless, she managed to pass her CFP® exam before reaching her three-year mark. “On that anniversary, I officially became a Certified Financial Planning professional, which I’ve always been really excited about,” she says. “It’s a valuable designation, ensuring that clients get advice that they can trust and is right for them.”
She says, “Being self-employed and having two kids in the first five years of my career was challenging. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how supportive my husband is; he took parental leave so I could work through that period.”
Anne recognizes that her career journey differs from the typical paths taken by many. She says, “I think it’s a big part of what shaped me as a professional and as a mother. It’s been very rewarding, and I'm blessed that I have the flexibility now to be with my kids, support them, and get involved in their activities. It was challenging in its own way, but I'm grateful for the experience.”
Building a Strong Foundation
“When I started with IG Wealth Management, I was 100% on my own, building my own practice,” Anne says.
In 2017, Anne’s mother-in-law joined her as an associate. “When she retired in the fall of 2019, I was able to take over–continuing to serve many of these same clients today. It has been a beautiful relationship that carried over.” This smooth transition was facilitated by joint client meetings, which helped reassure clients of Anne’s competence and care.
Even in the early days, Anne’s dedication and commitment to client care were quickly recognized. She consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of her client’s unique needs, which has been a hallmark of her career. Anne’s focus on helping clients grow their wealth and achieve financial security has earned her recognition for her professionalism and the exceptional value she brings to every client relationship.
With the support from her current associate, Joseph Bidenti, a full-time licensed assistant, Marina Adams and a part-time assistant, Emily Vandermeulen, the team effectively manages day-to-day operations while focusing on enhancing the client experience.
Anne says, “Everyone on the team plays a big role in client interactions, ensuring that all of our clients get the attention and service they need. I couldn’t do it without them. Joe and I make a great team—he brings a wealth of experience and expertise, while I offer a fresh and sometimes younger viewpoint. We complement each other well, creating a balanced approach that benefits our clients.”
As the practice continues to grow, Anne plans to expand her team further to enhance client support.
Strategic Insight and Client Education
“My relationships with clients are probably the most important aspect of my work,” Anne says.
Having always been good with numbers, though not knowing how to apply this attribute to a career, Anne recognizes a gap in financial education for children then and now. “Being drawn to the business originally through inspiration from my mother-in-law, I wanted to help people and improve their understanding of financial matters–especially since many people don’t have the right information about things like marginal tax rates, RRSPs, and TFSAs.”
“There’s so much information out there, and educating clients on the most effective wealth building strategies has always been a big focus for me,” she says. “One of the main reasons I got into this role, and something I used to say when I started, was that everyone deserves a knowledgeable financial planner who can provide the right advice. That’s a big part of why I’m here.”
From a planning perspective, Anne’s ability to view financial situations from multiple angles is a significant asset. She says, “I help people understand and define their own goals so we can apply the right strategies. One of my biggest strengths is recognizing that sometimes clients can’t articulate what they truly want. Helping them understand their goals and how to achieve them is a significant part of what I do, and I believe it sets me apart.”
For Anne, true success is not measured by visible accomplishments or sales metrics but by personal fulfillment and the joy of making a meaningful impact. She says, “When a client reaches out to express their gratitude, I realize that these are the moments I consider as true success in this profession.”
Meeting Diverse Client Needs with a Compassionate Approach
"Our client base includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, with many at similar life stages, like young families. As someone with a young family myself, I understand their unique needs. Growing up in a middle-class Canadian family has also given me insight into the financial realities many of my clients face.”
“Another area I specialize in is helping women achieve financial independence and stability, particularly single, widowed, and divorced women. This specialization developed organically over time. Many women prefer to work with another woman, as it makes them feel more comfortable. I make it a priority to explain all aspects of their financial situation in great detail.”
Anne also has a strong focus on legacy planning, assisting clients with wealth transfer for their parents and grandparents. Alongside this, she works with business owners, pre-retirees, and retirees, to name a few.
No matter the clientele, Anne recognizes two key challenges that clients are facing in this climate. “The first is market volatility,” she begins. “Whenever we experience fluctuations in the market, clients often react with concern or even a bit of panic.” Having several conversations even in a week, Anne makes sure to take the time to understand clients’ risk tolerance and asset allocation, revisiting financial plans regularly, and providing reassurance to let the markets run their course.
The second, perhaps more niche recurring challenge Anne mentions revolves around wealth transfer.
She says, “Recently, I’ve had a client pass away, and I’m working with other clients who are taking over as power of attorney for their aging parents. This is a challenging time, not only because of the emotional aspects involved in dealing with a parent but also due to the financial complexities. Clients often need guidance on what these responsibilities mean, how to handle them properly, and how to ensure everything is managed in the best way possible. Supporting clients through this process is challenging but one of the most important conversations I have.”
In all instances, Anne approaches clients in a ‘straightforward’ manner. She mentions, “I don’t tend to shy away from difficult conversations; instead, I like to address them head-on. When clients approach me with potential concerns or questions, I take the time to listen to their concerns and explain the situation calmly.”
“By engaging in these conversations and providing my experience, I aim to alleviate their fears and guide them toward a more balanced perspective. This approach usually helps them feel more reassured and confident in their financial decisions.”
Committed to Family, Adventure, and Community Engagement
Being a dedicated mother of two young daughters, Anne finds joy in balancing her professional and personal life with her family. “I adore spending time with my kids and my husband,” she shares. “I also love to read and travel, taking the time to try new things as often as I can. A few years ago, I started playing hockey for the first time, which has been a fun hobby, although it was a bit intimidating at first since I had no previous experience.
While her children’s activities now take priority, Anne’s enthusiasm for sports and adventure continues to define her vibrant and engaging life beyond her professional role.
Looking forward, Anne is excited about new opportunities to grow her practice, enhance client experiences, and deepen community connections. She also remains dedicated to helping clients build lasting financial security, knowing that strong foundations are central to long-term success. With plans to integrate community-focused initiatives into her practice, Anne is committed to supporting others while continuing to evolve her career.
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Anne Hodgson, CFP ® , RRC
Executive Financial Consultant
IG Wealth Management Investors Group Financial Services Inc
1 - 260 Lynden Road
Brantford, ON N3R 0B9
519 - 796 - 5834
Disclaimer: Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Canada Life Assurance Company.