About Been There Financial Planning and Your Planner

Been There Financial Planning is an independent, fee-only financial planner based in Ottawa, Ontario. Been There is operated by William Rychliwsky, who is an accredited financial advisor. William has “been there and done that”, from a personal finance perspective. He paid off his mortgage in less than 19 years, survived a lay off notice and several market downturns, paid for his children’s education by using an RESP, maxed out his RRSP, and bought back pensionable service. He is on target to achieve financial independence, and will semi-retire at age 54. He has served the public while working for over 31 years in government, including working in economic development, finance, and planning, and he also is a financial planner.

William holds the Qualified Associate Financial Planner designation. He also is a Certified Health Insurance Specialist, and has three university degrees including a degree in economics, and a Master’s degree from Queen’s University. He has provided advice to clients about withdrawing savings in retirement, pension buy-backs, inheritance, and managing financial risks.

Values and Mission

Our mission is to help clients make personal finance decisions that results in them feeling safer and more confident in their financial future. Been There Financial Planning believes in putting the client first, and providing trustworthy, and reliable advice to help clients achieve their financial goals.

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How We Are Different From Other Financial Planners

At Been There Financial Planning, we work to keep our fees reasonable. Fees paid to purchase an investment product compound over time and could significantly reduce investment values, compared to lower cost alternatives. That is why we frequently encourage clients to utilize low-fee investments, and are always working to provide value to our clients.

Been There Financial Planning is different from most financial planners. Some planners sell investment products to their clients that include various fees. It may be hard for some clients to understand these fees and what they are getting for their money. Been There Financial Planning provides clients with an invoice, so they can see exactly what they are paying for.

The advice delivered at Been There is unbiased because we are not paid by commission. We provide advice not products. Many financial planners receive a commission for the investment products that they sell. There may be an inherent conflict in this relationship because the advice provided could impact the planners compensation. For example, some planners may recommend a higher priced investment to a client because they receive a greater commission then a lower cost alternative.

Finally, we provide transparent pricing. Click here and you can learn more about a financial planning package that works for you.

  • We take on fewer clients than most financial planners

    As a result, Been There has the time to get to know you. This approach allows us to customize our advice to your individual needs.

  • We do the right thing and are not just about profit, we support a cause

    Just by being a client you are part of this cause and every dollar spent by a client helps someone in need. Learn more here.

  • Been There Financial Planning delivers

    If you live in the Ottawa area, we come to your door, especially if you have a mobility challenge. We are available to meet on Saturdays and Sundays, and can also meet by video conference or phone.

  • We only provide advice, we do not sell products or insurance

    Been There puts the client’s interest first, and is accountable to the client not corporate shareholders. We do not put pressure on our clients, and we do not get a commission or have sales goals. Since we do not sell products, clients are free to have any investment manger handle their investments.

  • We have been there and have experienced similar struggles as our clients

    Therefore, we have a better understanding of your experience. You can also learn from our experience and this may help to achieve your goals.