STACIE SORENSEN, QAFP®, Financial Planner, Investment Planning Counsel, IPC, Guelph, Ontario
STACIE SORENSEN
“I create personalized strategies that span the next 30 years”
Stacie Sorensen (QAFP® ), Financial Planner for Investment Planning Counsel in Guelph, has built her career on a foundation of integrity, client-centered service, and a commitment to true financial well-being.
Starting her career with six years in finance and lending under her belt, Stacie soon made a pivotal career shift, quickly advancing within a prominent financial institution. She excelled in sales, consistently ranking among Canada’s top performers. However, over time, she discovered a stronger sense of fulfillment in building deeper connections with people, rather than focusing on sales. “I realized that what mattered most to me was putting people first,” she reflects. This realization guided her toward a more meaningful path, where she could fully align her work with her values and make a positive impact on her clients’ lives.
Motivated by a desire to help people in a more genuine way, Stacie seized the opportunity to join a private firm in Guelph. “The chance to work alongside a successful female business owner was one I couldn’t pass up, allowing me to gain invaluable experience in financial planning, client management, and business ownership under her mentorship.”
In this role, Stacie honed her financial planning skills and gained insights into running a business. By 2015, she took a leap and started her own business at the Investment Planning Counsel (IPC).
Choosing the path of independence early in her career was a defining decision, one that set her on a course aligned with her values.
For Stacie, going independent means having the freedom to prioritize her client’s best interests. In her independent practice, she has the flexibility to provide unbiased, personalized advice free from the constraints of proprietary products, ensuring that each choice truly aligns with her client’s goals and needs. “I take pride knowing I can genuinely provide the best options for the client sitting across from me, whether it’s helping them navigate complex retirement planning, finding the right insurance to protect their business, or setting up an RDSP for their child’s future. Each decision I make is focused on clients’ current and evolving situations in the efforts to create a plan that feels right for them today and supports them for years to come.”
“Client relationships are the heart of my work”
As a woman, Stacie brings a unique approach to financial advising. “I focus on listening to clients and addressing their unique concerns, especially those often overlooked by traditional approaches.”
She’s particularly attuned to the challenges many women face, from balancing caregiving roles to navigating financial decisions after a spouse’s passing. With studies showing that women frequently change Advisors when they feel their concerns aren’t being heard, Stacie is steadfast in creating a space where women feel truly heard and supported. She says, “I want to be that Advisor who genuinely listens and empowers women to take control of their financial futures.”
To support this vision, she began hosting informal seminars—a relaxed setting with wine, cheese, and conversation—where women are encouraged to bring friends, ask questions, and openly discuss finances. “We address life realities, like the likelihood of becoming caregivers, experiencing career pauses, or managing an inheritance. It’s about creating a safe, knowledgeable space where women can learn without judgment.”
At the end of the day, success for Stacie is measured by the trust and connections she builds with her clients. “When a client greets me with a hug or feels comfortable enough to share deeply personal struggles, it reaffirms why I do this work. It’s about building genuine relationships and being a source of support during life’s challenging moments. When I can provide comfort and help someone feel truly heard and understood, that’s when I know I’m making a meaningful impact.”
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Stacie is continuously seeking out diverse perspectives to enrich her approach. She believes that listening to different ideas helps her see things from new angles. “Continuous learning is essential, and I never stop learning from those around me,” she says. “With ongoing education, including the completion of Financial Planner designation, I am able to deepen my expertise in retirement income planning and tax-efficient strategies.”
Financial Planning is More Than a Job—It's a Calling
In 2021 and 2022, Stacie took on a book of business composed of clients aged 50 and above, many of whom lacked proper retirement plans. While many independent practices often follow a traditional approach to financial planning—focused on immediate sales—they tend to overlook key elements like long-term income planning, tax strategies, and estate management. Stacie, however, brings a different perspective to the table.
“I take a thoughtful, client-centered approach to financial planning, always keeping their long term well-being in mind,” she says. “Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, I focus on creating personalized strategies that will serve them for years to come. I make sure to explain complex ideas in a way that feels simple and clear, so clients can feel confident in what they’re working toward. My goal is to really understand their unique needs and help them build a plan that supports their financial and life goals in a meaningful way.”
Stacie specializes in tax-efficient strategies and wealth preservation, helping clients enjoy a comfortable retirement while protecting their financial legacies. To ensure she avoids the pitfalls of managing a large volume of clients, she takes a more focused approach, dedicating her time and energy to a select group. This enables her to be fully present for her clients, offering support not only in financial matters but also during the more personal and pivotal moments of their lives.
Building a Legacy of Purpose
Outside of work, Stacie’s life revolves around her two children, each pursuing their own unique passions. “My 24-year-old son, who started a jewelry store during COVID after discovering a passion for it, has taken it from an idea to a storefront. My 17-year-old daughter is on a world-level cheerleading team, where she not only trains but is also coaching younger children who are just starting out in the sport. She is also getting ready to begin her next chapter as she heads off to university.”
Stacie is deeply committed to her community, leading seminars on topics like women and wealth, financial planning for individuals with disabilities, and overall financial literacy for those seeking guidance. “As my kids get older, I’m planning to dedicate more time to community focused seminars—bringing in tax, estate, and industry experts to host workshops for entrepreneurs and others looking for financial support,” she says. “It’s a way for me to give back by sharing knowledge and helping people learn from experts.”
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Stacie Sorensen, QAFP®
Financial Planner
IPC Investment Corporation
B3-221 Woodlawn Road. W.
Guelph, Ontario N1H-8P4
519-653-4839
Insurance products available through Stacie Sorensen