Desjardins Group has developed a new solution now available to retirees and people preparing for retirement. “Desjardins Vision – Retirement” offers a personalized support program to address and deal with complex retirement-related issues and challenges.

“Desjardins Vision – Retirement is the perfect solution for members who are looking for a stable income and who want to keep the same quality of life, minimize their tax impact, maintain their lifestyle, protect their assets in order to be able to pass them on to their heirs and, finally, be supported when making financial decisions,” explained Eric Lemieux, vp, wealth management at Desjardins, in a news release.

Desjardins’ new service is a major development, going above and beyond simple portfolio management. It takes into account the main risks involved in sound retirement planning and informed retirement income management. According to Lemieux, receiving advice from a specialist is particularly important now, at a time when all retirees need to be made aware of continually increasing life expectancies, the possibility of premature depletion of capital and the inevitable uncertainties surrounding the financial markets.

Backed by the entire team of Desjardins specialists, the program begins with a questionnaire outlining the specific needs of the retiree. This approach covers three main aspects: retirement income management, life and health insurance coverage and the transfer of wealth and assets.

Retirement income management is ensured through an offer combining: The Diapason Retirement Program, offered to those who would like toinclude mutual funds in their portfolio; and
Retirement Portfolio Models, for people who are more comfortable with guaranteed capital investments

Quality of life, meanwhile, is maintained by an annuity that assures retirees sufficient income to cover their basic needs throughout life. The Vision-Retirement program also includes a complete line of insurance products (life, disability, long term care, critical illness), which helps holders cover unforeseen expenses.

In that respect, Lemieux stressed that Desjardins holds an advantage over its competitors, as caisse advisors can offer these services directly to members.

The program also provides members with access to experts who can help make succession liquidation easier and ensure proper planning for key factors involved in the transfer of wealth and assets, such as the tax implications for survivors.