RALPH SACCO , RRC, Executive Consultant, IG Wealth Management, Sacco & Associates. St Catharines, ON
- CARMEN MORGAN
- Jun 16
- 5 min read
“Understanding the forces that drive markets and influence decision-making at the highest levels is what initially drew me to the investment world. It’s not just about numbers—it's about interpreting the signals, anticipating shifts and helping others navigate complexity to build lasting value."
With 36 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ralph Sacco, Executive Consultant with IG Wealth Management, has navigated some of the most significant market cycles—from global financial crises to periods of exceptional growth. His journey into financial advising was sparked by a deep curiosity about how wealth is created, sustained, and strategically managed. "Over the years, I’ve developed a deep fascination with the mechanics of the global economy—how capital flows, how wealth is accumulated and preserved, and how financial institutions shape economic outcomes through policy and strategy,” says Ralph.
Ralph’s comprehensive understanding of financial systems directly informs the strategies he develops for his clients—particularly in complex areas such as succession planning and intergenerational wealth transfer. He specializes in guiding families through the process of passing wealth from one generation to the next while minimizing tax exposure. Leveraging advanced planning tools, such as capital dividend accounts, estate freezes, and family trusts, Ralph helps clients preserve their legacy and ensure a smooth, tax-efficient transition of assets.
Ralph’s investment philosophy has been shaped by the timeless principles of legendary investors like Benjamin Graham, who also taught Warren Buffett. Early in his career, he immersed himself in their teachings, particularly the discipline of fundamental analysis. “I began applying those philosophies when constructing portfolios,” Ralph says, underscoring his commitment to value-driven, research-based investing that stands the test of time. “Today, IG Wealth provides dynamic platforms that evolve with the pace of change in the industry,” Ralph says. “It ensures we stay ahead of the curve, not behind it.”
Ralph’s deep understanding of investor behaviour guides his emphasis on steady, long-term growth strategies, which he finds are more closely aligned with how most clients respond to market volatility. “People often claim to have a high-risk tolerance—until the market drops 20 to 30%,” he says. His approach prioritizes consistency and stability, recognizing that sustainable growth over time is not only more manageable but also more aligned with most clients’ true comfort levels.
When constructing portfolios, Ralph takes a disciplined, client-centered approach that begins with uncovering each individual’s true risk tolerance. His method is simple yet revealing: “If you had $1 million in an account and woke up one morning to find it’s now $800,000, how would you feel?” he asks. “Clients might give a confident answer—but their eyes often tell a different story.” This insight helps Ralph design portfolios that align not just with stated goals, but with how clients are likely to respond in real-world market conditions.
Ralph’s investment strategy emphasizes protecting capital during market downturns while positioning portfolios to benefit when markets recover—which, as history shows, they always do. “In our most recent correction, a moderate-aggressive portfolio that might typically be down around 15% was limited to just a 5.5% decline,” he explains. “Meanwhile, moderate-toconservative portfolios saw losses of only about 3%. That level of protection is exactly what many clients are looking for.”
Ralph highlights the vital role of market timing and investor psychology in successful wealth management. He’s observed that high-net-worth investors often shift into bonds during periods of uncertainty, then gradually reallocate to equities as opportunities emerge. “They’re looking for chances to buy quality stocks at discounted prices—stocks that were once expensive and are likely to rebound.” This strategic rebalancing is made possible through the advanced platform and tools available to him, allowing for timely, data-driven decisions.
For business clients, Ralph takes a strategic approach to succession planning by examining both the structure and financial health of the corporation. He focuses on corporate share structures and retained earnings, assessing how much capital is being reinvested into the business and whether there are surplus reserves within the corporation. His forward-looking strategy includes forecasting where clients will be in 10 to 15 years and implementing tax efficient solutions to facilitate smooth and effective wealth transfers.
Ralph works closely with his clients’ legal and accounting teams to implement advanced planning strategies, such as estate freezes. This collaborative approach ensures that assets can be frozen at current values while allowing business owners to retain control. By doing so, future growth is shifted to the next generation, helping to minimize tax liabilities and protect the long-term value of the business.
Ralph’s success is built not only on his technical expertise but also on the strength of his dedicated team—Dominic, Nicholas, Jon, and Vicki. Their collective expertise spans succession planning, insurance solutions, mortgage strategies, lines of credit, tax-efficient investing, retirement income planning, estate planning and more. Beyond professional achievements, Ralph takes great pride in giving back to the community. He supports causes that matter deeply to his clients, including annual donations to the local children’s hospital and sponsoring a charity golf tournament each year. For Ralph, success is measured not just in financial outcomes, but in the positive impact he and his team make in the lives of clients and the broader community.
Drawing from his experience coaching and owning a hockey team, Ralph sees parallels between sports and wealth management. "Hockey is like business—you want to perform well and put out a good product," he says. "It’s similar with clients—you help them develop their knowledge and their plan to have a successful outcome."
Perhaps most importantly, Ralph operates on a principle he learned in his first year as an investment manager: "Take care of your clients because your clients will take care of you." This philosophy recognizes that trust is fundamentally emotional, and built through detailed knowledge of each client's unique situation and wishes.
“Investing is not just a science—it’s also an art,” Ralph explains. “Managing emotions plays a much bigger role than most people realize.” In an industry often driven purely by numbers and returns, Ralph’s holistic approach stands out. By blending technical expertise with psychological insight—which provides more than just returns, but also long-term clarity—along with a sincere commitment to his clients’ well-being, he has built a foundation for long-term success and trusted relationships.
Carmen Morgan is a skilled business writer and storyteller, collaborating with business owners and executives to tell their stories and share perspectives on growth and success, as well as perseverance and adversity. Over two decades she has refined her interview, writing and editing skills to capture the nuggets and captivating details that engage readers and make a story memorable.
Ralph Sacco.
Financial Planner, RRC
*Financial Security Advisor,
*Advisor in Group-Insurance and Group-Annuity Plans
210 Martindale Road, Suite 100
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0B2