Fees and how we are paid
Beyond The Practice is paid mainly by commission from the insurer when a policy is placed. Planning-only engagements are available at a flat fee. Every source of payment is listed below.
How is insurance advice paid for?
By commission from the insurance company, paid to AT Financial Group when a policy is issued and, for some products, in smaller renewal amounts in later years. You do not pay a separate fee for insurance advice, and the premium is the same whether you buy through an advisor or directly from the insurer where that is possible.
Commissions vary by product and by carrier. As a general pattern, term life pays less than permanent life, and disability and critical illness sit between them; a policy that renews for years pays a small trailing amount. This is a conflict of interest and we say so: a permanent policy pays the advisor more than a term policy. Our answer to it is the written plan, which states the trade-offs of each option, including the cheaper one, before anything is implemented.
What does the 20-minute review cost?
Nothing. It is a reading of what you already have and a one-page summary of the gap. There is no obligation and no follow-up sequence; if you do not book a second meeting, you will not hear from us again unless you ask.
What does the written plan cost?
When you want a plan without implementing insurance (because your cover is already right, or you prefer to buy elsewhere), we offer a planning-only engagement at a flat fee for the initial plan and for the annual review.
How are investments paid for?
AT Financial Group refers investment implementation to a registered dealer. For context, asset-based fees in this market run from about 0.475% below $500,000 (MD Financial ExO Direct, 2026) to 0.60% plus $10 a month (OMA Advantages Retirement Plan); a mutual fund or segregated fund carries its own management expense ratio, and a segregated fund's is typically 0.5–1.5 points higher than a comparable mutual fund (PolicyAdvisor; OSC).
How is real estate paid for?
Real estate services are provided by Amalan Mahendran, Sales Representative, The Agency, Brokerage, and are paid by the brokerage commission on a completed transaction, disclosed in the representation agreement as required under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA). Beyond The Practice and AT Financial Group receive no part of a real estate commission. Details are on bettercallamal.com.
How are your referral partners paid?
Separately, by you. When we refer you to a CPA, a lawyer or a mortgage broker, they bill you directly for their work.
Gifts, incentives and reviews
Every client is asked for a review in the same way, after the plan is delivered, and is free to decline.
The three ways advisors are paid
| Model | How the advisor is paid | What it is good for | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission (insurance) | By the insurer when a policy is placed, plus small renewals | No fee to the client; advice on cover that would otherwise be sold at a bank or association counter | The advisor earns more on some products than others |
| Flat fee or advice-only (planning) | A fixed fee for the plan and the annual review, paid by the client | A plan with no product attached; a second opinion | You pay whether or not anything changes; implementation is separate |
| Asset-based (investments) | A percentage of the assets managed each year | Ongoing portfolio management | The fee rises with the portfolio regardless of the work; compounding cost over decades |
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay more for a policy if I buy it through you?
No. The premium is set by the insurer and is the same whether you buy through an advisor or directly, where direct purchase is available.
Can I get the written plan without buying insurance?
Yes, at the flat fee.
Do you receive anything from The Agency, Brokerage for a referral?
No. Amalan Mahendran is paid by the brokerage as a Sales Representative on a completed transaction; Beyond The Practice and AT Financial Group receive nothing.
Educational content only. Not individualized advice. Insurance products and advice are provided by licensed advisors of AT Financial Group. Licensed in Ontario.