“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” These are the words of Warren Buffett, arguably one of the greatest minds in wealth advisory. On the surface, it’s a simple lesson in timing. But if you dig deeper, it reveals a fundamental truth: when it comes to your wealth, who you trust to guide you can make all the difference.
And trust is exactly what Greer Cummings, senior wealth associate, and Keith Anderson, senior investment and wealth advisor, at Anderson Cummings Wealth Advisory Group, BMO Nesbitt Burns, have built their careers on – and a reason many of their clients have been with them for more than 10 years.
They don’t just offer financial advice – they craft legacies by understanding that every client is more than just a portfolio.
“In our industry, it’s about communication, connecting with people you genuinely resonate with, and knowing how to elevate their unique financial story,” says Greer, who is chatting to me from a new 3,000-square-foot office space in Parksville.
Keith, with over 35 years of experience and credentials as a CPA, chartered accountant and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, has deep ties to Vancouver Island. His dedication to sustainability, community service and faith is reflected in his personal life as well. Keith enjoys outdoor activities with his wife, Lynn, their two daughters, and their granddaughter. Whether it’s golf, curling or fishing, Keith’s passion for his family and community shines through.
Greer, who has been with BMO Nesbitt Burns for more than 20 years, brings a rich background in international business and management information systems. Her commitment to her clients is matched by her active involvement in her community. Greer, who moved to Vancouver Island from Ottawa in 1987, has been instrumental in founding a local Montessori program and supporting cultural initiatives. She shares her life with her husband, Brian, an energy solutions specialist, their two sons, Aedan and Zach, and beloved Kangal shepherd, Kaeva.
Those are their stories, and at Anderson Cummings, “What’s your story?” isn’t just a question – it’s the foundation of their approach. They delve deep into each client’s narrative, leveraging extensive research and experience, as well a network of skilled partners to create tailored financial solutions.
“We draw on the bench strength of this organization, our partners and highly skilled and supportive leadership, which lends us tremendous depth of experience and knowledge,” says Greer.
In a world awash with fleeting trends and “get-rich-quick” schemes that can make financial decisions confusing and potentially detrimental, Greer and Keith champion sustainable strategies. Their focus is on building a resilient financial future that adapts to life’s changes, securing legacies for generations rather than pursuing immediate gains.
Keith reinforces this approach, saying, “There’s a misconception that everyone should try to beat the stock market. But for us, it’s about ensuring our clients meet their objectives in asset growth and cash flow, regardless of market trends.”
Greer adds, “Every situation is unique. What worked for one person, like a perfectly timed real estate investment back in 2008/2009, won’t necessarily work for another. That’s why we invest considerable time into discovery, and follow a disciplined process to align our clients’ goals and circumstances with the right solutions. We also try to make it fun.”
Navigating financial discussions, particularly around retirement and legacy, can often feel overwhelming. However, Greer and Keith aim to make this journey smooth. Their practice thrives on managing complex family structures, leveraging their strong networks in legal, tax, estate planning and insurance.
“We’ve got deep relationships with diverse, multi-generational families, many of whom operate successful family businesses. We’re in a unique position to bring together all the necessary experts to ensure we have the right solution in place,” says Keith.
Keith, a regular at a prestigious research conference in New York, and Greer, who attended last year, constantly seek out the latest insights to support their approach.
“These relationships are invaluable – we can pick up the phone and have direct conversations with the people driving these insights,” Keith shares.
And what about the buzz behind things like crypto and AI? Keith and Greer bring a refreshing perspective on what’s truly profitable.
“Private equity is one area that’s particularly exciting,” Greer notes. “Global capitalization of private market assets has grown significantly relative to the public markets in recent years and offers unique opportunities that aren’t always apparent in traditional markets.”
Keith adds a dose of timeless wisdom around today’s market uncertainties, emphasizing that while the investment landscape may evolve, the core principles remain steadfast.
“At the end of the day, security prices are still based on the profits companies make. Despite the new technologies and platforms, the core principles haven’t changed much. It’s all about understanding how these new tools fit into the bigger picture.”
Greer and Keith’s dedication to their clients goes beyond mere business – they see it as a profound responsibility.
“When someone trusts us with their resources, we take it incredibly seriously,” says Keith. “We’re like detectives and counsellors rolled into one.”
In the end, everyone has a unique “money story,” a narrative shaped by experiences and emotions that influence financial decisions.
“Each client brings a money story to their financial journey. Our role is to help them understand this narrative, navigate the complexities and guide them towards decisions that align with their long-term goals.”
This feature appeared in the fall issue of Boulevard Central Island.
