Victoria

Events

Throughout the year, the Branch 1200 holds business meetings, lunches. and presentations.  Meeting topics and dates are  confirmed in the Calendar at https://bcgrea.ca/events/

Next Event:   Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Location: Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Esquimalt
Doors open at 1pm, presentations begin at 1:30pm

Seating is limited to 45, so please pre-register!

You can also join by Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 844 3939 1269
Passcode: 175514

meeting insights with ZOOM AI Companion

You’ve Built Your Wealth. Now, Let’s Make it Work Harder.

Retirement shouldn’t be about choosing between the home you love and the lifestyle you’ve earned. Whether you are looking for immediate cash flow to enjoy today or seeking a smarter way to grow your existing nest egg, navigating the Canadian financial landscape requires a modern toolkit.

The presentation explores two powerful options for retirement planning: Reverse Mortgages and Index Investing.

Presenters:

Rich Ulvild – Reverse Mortgage & Seniors Lending Specialist

Travis Koivula – Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager

Three Paths to a Better Retirement

Every retiree’s balance sheet looks different. The presentation will cover three strategies:

1. The Immediate Cash Flow Solution

For those who are “house rich and cash poor,” a reverse mortgage can be a lifeline.

● No Monthly Payments: Access up to 55% of your home’s value tax-free.
● Stay in Control: You maintain 100% ownership and title of your home.
● Immediate Lifestyle Lift: Use the funds to renovate, cover healthcare  costs, or simply eliminate the stress of monthly bills.

2. The Strategic Investor (The Hybrid Approach)

Learn how home equity can actually protect your stock market investments.

● The Buffer Asset: By using a reverse mortgage for spending during market “red years,” you avoid selling your index funds at a loss.
● Portfolio Longevity: Discover how staying invested in low-cost index funds while using home equity can actually increase the total value of your estate over time.

3. The Pure Index Investor

Even if a reverse mortgage isn’t for you, understanding Index Investing is crucial for preserving your wealth.

● Ditch the High Fees: Why many Canadians are overpaying for mutual funds and how shifting to Index ETFs can save you thousands in management fees.
● Diversification: How to own a slice of the entire Canadian and Global economy with a single click.

Membership Dues

$25.00 per primary member, $15 to add a spouse/partner.  Due on January 1st of each year (unless by automatic pension deduction). Please forward cheque to Central Support or pay online through e-invoice.

Directors at Large:

Communications
Zoe Duff

Goodwill/Telephone
Marika Czink

Presentation Program
Gerry Buydens