w w w .in si d eH A LT O N .c o m O A K V IL LE B E A V E R F ri d ay , A u g u st 1 2, 2 01 1 1 4 You must know what you pay result, your doctor prescribes the drug giving him or her a higher commission. Now consider when you buy or sell an investment, the investment advisor gets paid. In my opinion, that is wrong. The potential for a conflict of interest or perception of a con- flict of interest could exist between investor and advisor. If you think this method of remuneration is wrong, you are not alone. Australia has taken the initiative and intro- duced legislation that will eliminate investment sales com- missions based on transactions. The new law will take effect next year. The final problem is that fees are often hidden. How can you as a consumer make an informed decision about value if you dont know the cost? Mutual fund fees are an excellent example. Surveys have shown that a high percentage of mutual fund investors did not know what fees they were paying, and many did not know they were paying any fees at all. Fees are paid but they are hidden and they do not appear on your investment statement. They are fully disclosed in the funds prospectus; however, most investors dont read the document. Every investor is a financial consumer. Free enterprise works best when the consumer can evaluate the service rendered and then make a decision about the value of that service. That isnt possible if they dont understand the fees they are paying. Competition provides the consumer with alternatives. You are the investor; therefore, you are the consumer of investment products. You might have heard the expression that the consumer is king. Well that is you. You should rule your investment relationship. Understand the fees you are paying. Then seek to maxi- mize the value of the financial service that you receive for those fees. That brings us to a recommendation. Have a conversa- tion with your investment advisor about fees. They under- stand your circumstances and can explain current fees and any alternative fee options. Under no circumstances should you feel awkward about initiating this conversation. This is business. It is your right to know. It is fair that your advisor is able to earn an income. You have a vested interest in your advisor making a good and fair income because that is the economic force that will keep them in the industry. Even if you are a little apprehensive to bring up the topic of fees, you must. Be proactive. It is your responsibility to understand how someone who works for you is paid. The rationale is simple. You are the boss. You pay your advisor. You need to know what you are paying. Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI. In 1991, Peter founded Peter Watson Investments in Oakville. Peter can be reached at 905- 842-2100 or visit the website at www.peterwatsonin- vestments. Continued from page 13 14999 PLEASURES 9 PCE NON STICK COOKWARE SET Reg. 199.99 SAVE $50* 540 THREADS PER INCH 3499 REGENT STREET 6 PCE SHEET SET Reg. 69.99 Queen or king 1/2 PRICE! 6999 HOME STUDIO DUVET COVER SET Trepento or Trinity collection Reg. 159.99-189.99 300TC sheet sets Sale 39.99 Reg. 99.99-109.99 Queen or king 7999* SEALY LIGHTWEIGHT DOWN DUVETS Reg. 139.99-199.99 Twin-king SAVE 60%UPTO 999* Selected BATH COORDINATES Selected SHOWER CURTAINS 19.99 Was 11.99-79.99 Prices as marked 4999 s '!3 ,)&4 "!234//, s &!58 ,%!4(%2 BAR STOOL s 3().4/ "!2 34//, Reg. 69.99-79.99 SAVE $30UPTOSAVE 75%UPTO Each $100 AIR MULTIPLIERS Sale 279.99-449.99 Reg. 379.99-549.99 SAVE 40% ALL All fans by Sunbeam & Bionaire Sale 8.99-47.99 Reg. 14.99-79.99 SAVE While quantities last! Each SAVE 50%* SAVE 30%* Selected discontinued KITCHEN ELECTRICS! (5'% 3%,%#4)/. s &)234 15!,)49 s &!-/53 "2!.$3 Sale 20.99-258.99 Reg. 29.99-369.99 While quantities last! Selected PATIO SETS OUTDOOR TABLEWARE, GARDEN DOR, ACCESSORIES, BBQ TOOLS, LIGHTING, RUGS & CUSHIONS Prices as marked. While quantities last! %XCLUDES !S 3EEN ON 46 UP TO bogo FREE * buy one, get one IMPORTANT CUSTOMER INFORMATION: SELECTION & BRANDS WILL VARY BY STORE: All colours, patterns and styles may not be available in all stores. RAIN CHECKS AND SUBSTITUTIONS: If an advertised item is not yet available we will offer you your choice of a comparable substitution, (if available), or a rain check. In some instances (e.g. special purchases, power buys, clearance items, bonus with purchase or seasonal items) quantities may be limited, selection may vary by store and substitutes or rain checks cannot be given. 7.2 H11 All references to regular price are to Home Outfi tters regular price. All prices in effect Friday, August 12th to Thursday, August 18th, 2011, unless otherwise specifi ed. If you find a lower current retail store advertised price on the identical item, bring in the flyer or newspaper ad & well gladly match it!low price guarantee! *Selection may vary by store 65%* Selected LAMPS Sale 49.99-69.99 Reg. 69.99-199.99 30%* Previously reduced KITCHEN GADGETS & TOOLS Off last ticketed price SAVE 3!6% !. %842! 9999 TRADEWINDS 6 PCE #/-&/24%2 3%4 by Home Studio Reg. 129.99-169.99 Twin-king SAVE $70UPTOUPTO 50%* LL A OLAR LIGHTSS Sale 1.49-19.99 Reg. 2.99-39.99 While quantities last! SAVE Sheet set includes 1 fl at sheet, 1 fi tted sheet & 4 pillow cases! Duvet cover set includes 2 shams! Huge selection! Includes soap dishes pum ps, shower curtains, tub mat s & more! Friday, August 12th to Thursday, August 18th, 2011 HUGE TABLEWARE BLOWOUT! 40%-70% $)..%27!2% "!27!2% $2).+7!2% 3%26%7!2% &,!47!2% & TABLE LINENS BY 'LUCKSTEIN(OME (AMPTON &ORGE 'ORDON 2AMSAY 4RUDEAU -AXWELL 7ILLIAMS 'IBSON /NEIDA Was 1.99-99.99 Prices as marked. While quantities last. Selection varies by store. SAVE Selected Example:Whit Ee lements 41 pce dinnerware set 9.99 Was. . . . . . . 5 Now! 1799 All SIGG water bottles Reg. 19.99-27.99 *2nd item must be of equal or lesser value. SAVE $120UPTO