PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT · FEE TRANSPARENCY · RISK ENGINEERING
Start a Conversation About Your Financial Future
No pitch. No pressure. We'll listen, answer your questions, and figure out together whether this makes sense. About half of first conversations end with us recommending someone else — and we're fine with that. The other half become long-term clients who stay because they finally understand exactly what they're paying for and why.
We respond to every inquiry within one business day — usually within a few hours.
Tell Us About Your Situation — We Read Every Message Personally
Whether you're considering a complimentary fee audit, exploring a new investment strategy, or simply have questions about how a transparency-first firm operates differently from what you're used to — this is the right place to start. Every message lands directly with a member of our six-person team, not a call centre or intake coordinator. The person who reads your note is the same person who will manage your portfolio.
What Happens After You Reach Out
We know that contacting a new investment firm can feel like stepping onto a used car lot. Here's exactly what to expect — no surprises, no hidden steps:
1. We Acknowledge Your Message
Within one business day — usually within a few hours — you'll hear back from one of our portfolio managers directly. Not an assistant, not a sales rep. If you reach out on a Friday afternoon, expect a response Monday morning.
2. A 30-Minute Discovery Call
We'll schedule a brief phone or video call at your convenience. This is your chance to ask anything: how we invest, what we charge, what our track record looks like, what went wrong and when. We'll ask about your goals, timeline, and what's bothering you about your current situation. There's no obligation whatsoever.
3. A Complimentary Fee Audit
If it makes sense, we'll offer to review your existing portfolio and fee structure at no cost. We'll show you in plain numbers what you're actually paying — including the embedded costs most advisors never mention. You can read more about this on our services page. About half the time, we find your current setup is fine and we'll tell you so.
4. An Honest Recommendation
After the audit, we'll give you a straightforward recommendation. Sometimes that means becoming a Burnabilly client. Sometimes it means staying where you are. Sometimes it means we introduce you to another firm that's a better fit. We've been doing this since 2006 — our reputation matters more than any single account.
Reach Us Directly — No Phone Trees, No Voicemail Maze
Prefer to skip the form? Call, email, or visit us in person. Our office is on Colonel By Drive in Ottawa, a short walk from the Rideau Canal. When you call during business hours, a real person answers — one of our six team members. If you happen to catch us all in a meeting, leave a message and we'll return your call the same day.
Existing clients: You can also reach your portfolio manager directly through the client portal, where you'll find secure messaging, your Open Book dashboard, and all your portfolio documents.
Questions People Often Ask Before Reaching Out
Is there a minimum investment amount?
Our discretionary portfolio management typically requires a minimum of $250,000 in investable assets. However, we're happy to conduct a complimentary fee audit for anyone — even if your assets are below our minimum. If we're not the right fit, we'll point you in the right direction. Visit our services page for full details on each offering.
What does the complimentary fee audit include?
We'll review your current holdings, identify every fee you're paying (including embedded MER costs, trailer commissions, and trading costs), and present our findings in a clear written report. There's no obligation to move your accounts. Many people use the audit simply to have a better conversation with their current advisor.
How is Burnabilly different from other firms?
We publish our full performance record — including our mistakes. Every fee is disclosed down to the penny. Every trade rationale is documented in writing. Your portfolio manager is the person who answers the phone. We've operated this way since 2006 because we believe transparency isn't a marketing slogan — it's the minimum you deserve. Read more on our about page.
I'm not sure I'm ready to switch advisors. Should I still reach out?
Absolutely. Most people who contact us aren't sure yet — and that's exactly the right time to have a conversation. Getting a second opinion on your fees and portfolio structure costs you nothing and commits you to nothing. You'll walk away better informed regardless of what you decide.
Can I meet in person?
Yes. Our Ottawa office at 990 Colonel By Drive is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET. We also offer video calls for clients and prospective clients across Ontario and beyond. Just let us know your preference when you reach out.