Bringing The Financial Clarity That Lets Successful Professionals Sleep At Night
Success as an incorporated professional brings rewards—and a hidden cost we call the "Stress Premium."
It's what you pay in delayed decisions, missed opportunities, and sleepless nights when financial complexity overwhelms clarity. It's the cost of tax surprises, suboptimal planning, and the mental bandwidth consumed by uncertainty.
We eliminate this premium not just with strategies, but by standing beside you as your dedicated thinking partner. Together, we transform the unique challenges faced by Ontario's incorporated professionals into clear, actionable paths that work for both your corporation and your family.
What We Do
Still Water Financial Partners brings clarity to the complex financial lives of incorporated professionals. We transform the challenges of balancing corporate and personal finances into clear, actionable strategies that build both business and personal wealth.
Financial Planning
We create and maintain comprehensive financial plans that integrate both your corporate and personal financial lives:
Corporate structure optimization and tax-efficient compensation planning
Strategic cash flow management between corporate and personal accounts
Tax planning across corporate and personal entities
Retirement planning through corporate and personal vehicles
Risk management and insurance structuring for business and family protection
Estate and succession planning for your business and personal legacy
Investment Management
We offer sophisticated yet straightforward investment solutions that align with both corporate and personal goals:
Tax-efficient portfolio design across corporate and personal accounts
Low-cost, transparent investment solutions
Strategic asset location between corporate and personal accounts
Clear performance reporting and regular portfolio oversight
Cash flow optimization between business and personal needs
Consolidated Net Worth Dashboard
We simplify the complexity of managing diverse assets through our comprehensive digital platform, providing real-time visibility across your entire financial landscape:
Complete financial consolidation across corporate and personal accounts
Automated account synchronization for accurate, up-to-date monitoring
Sophisticated analytics and reporting for informed decision-making
Customizable views to focus on your key financial metrics
Bank-level security protecting your sensitive financial data
Seamless information sharing with your professional advisory team
Your Financial Thinking Partner
We serve as your dedicated financial strategist, helping you navigate both corporate and personal financial decisions:
Semi-annual strategy reviews for corporate and personal planning
Coordination with your existing professional team (accountant, lawyer, etc.)
Proactive identification of planning opportunities
Clear guidance for major financial decisions
Ongoing support for both business and personal financial questions
Our Philosophies
Financial planning is about more than models and projections - it's about creating clarity in an increasingly complex world. We believe the relationship between an advisor and client should be built on genuine understanding, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to your success.
These core philosophies guide everything we do.
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In wealth management, complexity is often mistaken for sophistication. We take a different approach.
Through years of working with incorporated professionals, we've learned that the most effective financial strategies are often the clearest ones. While aggressive tax planning might promise immediate savings, it can lead to years of uncertainty, costly professional fees, and sleepless nights during CRA reviews.
We call this the "Stress Premium" - the hidden cost of overly complex financial strategies. It's why we focus on creating clear, defensible solutions that:
Give you confidence in your financial decisions
Stand up to regulatory scrutiny
Let you focus on your practice and family
Provide sustainable, long-term results
Our approach isn't about avoiding every dollar of tax. It's about building lasting wealth while maintaining your peace of mind.
There is a time for complexity, however at Still Water we know the truth, that in most cases there is an elegance in simplicity.
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We've deliberately chosen to remain independent of banks, brokerages, and insurance companies. This isn't just about avoiding conflicts - it's about being able to put your interests first, without compromise.
Through our experience, we've learned that even well-intentioned advisors within larger institutions face an impossible challenge: balancing their clients' needs against their firm's priorities, product quotas, and shareholder demands.
Our independence means:
Your interests are our only priority
No pressure to sell specific products
Freedom to recommend what you actually need
Complete transparency in our recommendations
Clear, straightforward fee structure
At Still Water Financial Partners, the only people we answer to, are the families who trust us as their Financial Partners. It's that simple.
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Financial planning is more than spreadsheets and projections. It's about creating a framework that aligns with who you are - both as a professional and a person.
At Still Water Financial Partners, we understand that the most sophisticated financial strategy is worthless if it doesn't fit your life. That's why we build systems that:
Work with your natural decision-making style
Respect your values and priorities
Adapt to your professional realities
Balance business growth with personal goals
Make complex decisions feel manageable
We don't just create plans - we build frameworks that make financial clarity a natural part of your life, not another item on your to-do list.
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We don't measure our value by how impressed you are with our market commentary or economic forecasts. Real value comes from answering the questions that keep you up at night:
"Am I paying myself the right way from my corporation?" "How do I balance practice growth with personal wealth?" "Is my family protected if something happens?" "Am I making the right long-term decisions?"
Our role is simple: We transform complex financial questions into clear, actionable answers. No jargon. No showing off. Just straightforward guidance that helps you make confident decisions about your money.
You're paying us for clarity, and that's exactly what we deliver.
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We serve as more than just advisors - we're your dedicated thinking partner for every financial decision, from daily corporate cash flow choices to life-changing practice opportunities.
Our role is to:
Understand your complete financial story - both personal and professional
Ask the questions you might not think to ask
Challenge assumptions when needed
Provide a clear-headed second opinion
Help you see around corners before making big decisions
Keep your long-term goals in focus during short-term decisions
We believe that having a trusted thinking partner - someone who understands both where you've been and where you're going - is the key to making confident financial decisions.
Because in the complex world of corporate and personal finance, having someone in your corner who understands both the numbers and the nuances can make all the difference.
Your Thinking Partner
We're here to address the questions that keep you up at night.
When should I incorporate?
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Why do I feel financially stressed despite high income?
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Am I optimizing my taxes?
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How do I protect what I'm building?
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Should I Pay down my debt or invest?
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Should I buy or lease my car?
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How do I know who to trust with investments?
When should I incorporate? • Why do I feel financially stressed despite high income? • Am I optimizing my taxes? • How do I protect what I'm building? • Should I Pay down my debt or invest? • Should I buy or lease my car? • How do I know who to trust with investments?
Who We Serve
Early Incorporated Professionals
You're established in your business and navigating the complexities of corporate ownership. You might be:
A medical specialist in your first years of practice
A newly-promoted law firm partner
A professional transitioning from employment to incorporation
Family and Corporate Income: $250K-600K
Your Key Challenges:
Balancing corporate retention with personal cash flow needs
Managing professional school debt alongside practice growth
Making confident decisions about corporate investments
Optimizing salary vs. dividend mix
Building personal wealth while growing your practice
You've achieved success but now face more complex financial decisions. You might be:
A seasoned medical specialist or surgeon
A senior law firm partner
An established professional practice owner
Family and Corporate Income: $500K-1M+
Your Key Challenges:
Managing multiple income streams efficiently
Optimizing corporate structure for tax efficiency
Building a clear path to retirement
Creating a legacy plan for family and practice
Balancing corporate growth with personal wealth building
Established Incorporated Professionals
Expansion-Stage Professionals
You're actively growing your professional practice and need strategies that scale. You might be:
A multi-location practice owner
A professional partnership leader
A practice owner planning for expansion
Family and Corporate Income: $300K-1M+
Your Key Challenges:
Structuring growth to minimize tax impact
Managing cash flow through expansion
Protecting personal wealth during business growth
Planning for eventual succession or sale
Balancing reinvestment with personal wealth building
Your Journey to Financial Clarity
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We begin with a focused conversation to understand:
Where you and your family are in your financial journey
What prompted you to seek financial guidance
Your immediate concerns and long-term aspirations
Whether our expertise aligns with your needs
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A comprehensive exploration of:
Your complete financial picture - both corporate and personal
Your vision for the future of your business and family
Current challenges and opportunities
Specific goals and timelines
Key relationships with other professional advisors
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A structured presentation of:
Comprehensive analysis of your current situation
Identified opportunities and potential challenges
Proposed strategies and solutions
Clear outline of our recommended approach
Specific ways we can add value
Detailed engagement and fee proposal
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Bringing your strategy to life through:
Priority-based execution timeline
Coordination with your professional team
Clear delegation of responsibilities
Fee payment schedule is determined (annual/quarterly/monthly available)
Progress tracking and regular updates
Seamless integration of all moving parts
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Your long-term success supported by:
Semi-annual comprehensive strategy reviews
Regular progress updates
Proactive planning opportunities
Professional team coordination
On-demand support for financial decisions
Regular strategy refinement
Preparing for Your Journey
Before Our First Meeting
Take some time to reflect on:
What financial success looks like for you and your family
What money’s role is in the life of you and your family
Key questions about your planning
Current financial concerns keeping you up at night
Your vision for your business and personal legacy
Relationship dynamics with other professional advisors
Helpful Documentation
To make our discussion more productive, having access to:
Personal and corporate tax returns (past 2 years)
Corporate financial statements
Investment account statements
Insurance policies and summaries
Estate planning documents (if available)
Professional corporation details
Meeting Logistics | How to get the most from our Virtual Meetings:
Stable internet connection
Updated Zoom platform
Quiet space for focused discussion
Headphones recommended for privacy
Webcam for personal connection
Initial Meeting Structure | 30 Minutes
What to expect:
Focused discussion of your situation
Interactive exploration of your needs
Clear explanation of our process
Specific next steps outlined
No pressure, just clarity
Discovery Process Deliverables
Discovery Overview:
Comprehensive situation analysis
Identified planning opportunities
Potential challenges to address
Preliminary recommendations
Proposed Engagement:
Detailed service outline
Implementation priorities
Professional coordination plan
Clear timeline and next steps
Take the First Step
Schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step toward financial clarity.
About Mitchell Shields, Founder
Mitchell A. Shields, CFP, CLU, TEP
A Journey to Clarity
My path in financial services has taken me from advising small-town Canadians to working with some of Canada's wealthiest families on Bay Street. Through this journey, I witnessed something troubling: the financial industry's tendency to equate complexity with value. While the intricate strategies were technically sound, I saw them create unnecessary stress and confusion for clients, often leading to worse outcomes.
This observation sparked a realization: True sophistication lies in clarity, not complexity.
The Path to Independence
My experience across the financial industry - from a small-town insurance practice to Bay Street wealth management and now independent practice - revealed a fundamental truth: independence is essential for putting clients first. Free from institutional pressures and product quotas, we can focus solely on what matters: helping you build and preserve wealth through clear, thoughtful strategies.
Professional Expertise
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CFP®, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), I bring a comprehensive understanding of the complexities faced by incorporated professionals. My active memberships in the Financial Planning Association of Canada and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners reflect my commitment to advancing the profession and maintaining the highest standards of practice.
Core Philosophy
My approach rests on a simple truth: financial planning doesn't need to be complicated to be sophisticated. By focusing on clear, evidence-based strategies and removing unnecessary complexity, we help clients achieve their goals with less stress and greater confidence.
Beyond the Office
I'm a devoted husband to Sara Ann and a proud father to our daughters River and Lila. My passion for continuous learning drives me to stay current with industry developments, with a particular interest in behavioural finance. When not helping clients, you'll find me at a concert or expanding my guitar collection.
Understanding Our Fee Structure
An Investment in Your Financial Future
At Still Water Financial Partners, every client receives our complete expertise and dedication. Your annual fee is based solely on the complexity of your financial situation and will be determined during our discovery process with your family. To help you identify your potnential fee level, we've outlined common situations below:
Single Corporation Professional | Annual Fee: $7,500 +HST
You likely fit here if:
You operate through a single professional corporation
Your focus is on building both corporate and personal wealth
Your planning needs are centered on corporate/personal integration
Your planning typically includes:
Strategic salary and dividend mix optimization
Personal and corporate tax planning coordination
Retirement planning across corporate and personal accounts
Education savings strategies
Corporate investment planning and integration
Risk management and insurance structuring
Integrated cash flow management
Professional team coordination
Multi-Stream Professional | Annual Fee: $10,000 +HST
You likely fit here if:
You have multiple income streams beyond your corporation
You own rental properties or have other investment ventures
Your planning involves expanded tax considerations
Your planning typically includes:
Integration of multiple income streams
Real estate investment structuring
Comprehensive retirement strategy
Enhanced estate planning
Cross-border planning when applicable
Equity compensation planning
Charitable giving strategies
Extended professional team coordination
Complex Enterprise Professional | Typical Annual Fee: $15,000 (+) +HST
You likely fit here if:
You operate multiple corporate structures
You have multi-generational wealth considerations
Your situation involves sophisticated tax and estate matters
Your planning typically includes:
Corporate structure optimization
Inter-corporate dividend strategies
Family trust integration
Estate freeze considerations
Multi-generational education funding
Strategic insurance structuring
International tax planning
Private investment evaluation
Family office coordination
Legacy and succession planning
Note: Fees are due annually, with monthly and quarterly payment options available. The fees above are represented before HST.
While we offer investment management services, they are entirely optional. Any investment management fees paid are credited against your annual planning fee.
Investment Philosophy
Our investment approach is built on a simple principle: your wealth should serve your goals, not feed unnecessary costs and taxes. We help ensure more of your money stays invested for what matters - your family, your legacy, and the causes you care about.
Evidence-Based Strategy
We select portfolios based on decades of academic research and real-world evidence:
Systematic, disciplined investment approach
Tax-efficient portfolio design and management
Low-cost implementation to maximize returns
Strategic rebalancing for risk management
Clear reporting and performance tracking
Your Choice in Implementation
While we offer investment management services, they remain completely optional:
Freedom to use our planning services independently
No pressure to move existing investments
Coordination with your existing investment relationships if preferred
Investment Management Fee Structure
Still Water Investment Advisory Fees
A transparent, tiered fee structure:
1.00% on the first $1,000,000
0.50% on amounts from $1,000,001 to $5,000,000
0.25% on amounts above $5,000,000
Additional Investment Costs
For complete transparency, your total investment costs include:
Portfolio platform, construction, and management fees paid to Investment Managers: 0.40%
Underlying ETF costs: 0.14% - 0.25%
Use our calculator to estimate your total investment management costs.
Note: Investment management fees are credited against your annual planning fee.
Fee Breakdown
Our Commitment to Professional Excellence
The Fiduciary Standard
At Still Water Financial Partners, we voluntarily commit to the highest standard of care in financial services - the same fiduciary duty that exists between doctors and patients or lawyers and clients. While not yet legally required for financial planners in Canada, we believe this level of commitment is essential for true client success.
Our Fiduciary Commitments:
Put your interests first
Provide evidence-based advice with skill and care
Maintain complete transparency in all compensation
Avoid or disclose conflicts of interest
Continuously enhance our expertise
Advance professional planning standards
Professional Expertise
CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER)
Global standard in financial planning excellence
Comprehensive expertise across financial, tax, and investment planning
Ongoing education requirements
Bound by FP Canada Standards Council™ Ethics
CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter)
Advanced expertise in insurance and estate planning
Specialized business succession planning knowledge
Continuous professional development
TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner)
Recognized expertise in estate and trust planning
Active Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) membership
Current with latest planning strategies and legislation
True Independence
We maintain complete independence to serve only our clients:
No bank or investment firm affiliations
No product sales requirements
No proprietary products
Success measured by client outcomes
Professional Standards & Security
Professional Accountability
Ongoing professional development
Active professional association membership
Documented advice and recommendations
Regular plan reviews and updates
Data Security
Enterprise-level security protocols
Encrypted systems and communications
Regular security audits
Privacy legislation compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, investment management is completely optional. While we offer evidence-based, low-cost investment solutions, our primary focus is comprehensive financial planning. You can implement investment recommendations with us or elsewhere – the choice is always yours. Many clients start with planning only and add investment management later when it makes sense for them.
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Our planning fees are reduced by any investment management fees you pay. For example, if your planning fee is $7,500 and you pay $5,000 in investment management fees, your remaining planning fee would be $2,500. Additionally, while financial planning fees are not currently tax deductible, investment counseling fees within a non-registered account often are. We'll help you structure fees in the most tax-efficient manner possible.
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We focus on simplifying complexity rather than creating it. Our experience from small-town practice to Bay Street showed us that many financial solutions are unnecessarily complex. We prioritize clear, effective strategies you can understand and feel confident about. Our independence means we're free to recommend what's best for you, not what's best for a parent company. We also coordinate directly with your other professional advisors to ensure everyone is working toward your goals.
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We have structured semi-annual reviews in spring (tax and corporate planning) and fall (estate and insurance planning), with additional meetings as needed for specific opportunities or challenges. You'll also have direct access to us between meetings for questions or decisions that arise. We're proactive in reaching out when we see opportunities or need to address changes in your situation.
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We understand that choosing a financial partner is a significant decision. We're happy to start with a complimentary consultation to understand your needs and explain our approach. There's no pressure to proceed until you're completely comfortable.
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We actively coordinate with your professional team, enhancing rather than replacing these relationships. We speak their language and help translate complex recommendations into clear actionable steps. If you need recommendations for other professionals, we maintain relationships with excellent practitioners in various fields.
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Our service adapts to your evolving needs. Whether it's a career change, practice expansion, or family situation, we adjust our planning approach accordingly. There's no need to renegotiate fees mid-year for changed circumstances.
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We pride ourselves on responsive communication. You can typically expect same-day responses during business hours, and we make ourselves available for urgent matters outside normal hours when needed.
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While we aim for long-term partnerships, we understand circumstances change. Our engagement can be ended with 30 days' notice, and we'll help ensure a smooth transition of your financial affairs if needed. Any pre-paid fees will be pro-rated to the date of request, and a refund will be returned to the client.