Sudbury woman named western hemisphere's best financial planner

Sandra Mews, a certified financial planner from Sudbury, has won first place in the PlanPlus Global Financial Planning Awards for North and South America.

When Mews helped a struggling mother reclaim her life after a messy divorce, she never dreamed of the international acclaim that would follow, a news release issued this week stated.

The unique approach Mews took to get a divorced mother back in control of her finances won her first place in the the competition, although it was tough. More than 100 financial planners from eight countries submitted case studies on everything from tax to estate planning.

After a rigorous round of personal interviews, the judges chose Mews as the top financial planner for North and South America

“I always focus on the needs of my clients before anything else,” says Mews in the release. "It’s not always just about the money. It’s about options — and choices. I knew if I provided her with some financial options and guidance this hard-working mom could get her life back on track.”

Now Sandra will be turning her considerable skills to helping about 100 laid-off workers in Iroquois Falls. Sandra will be donating her time there to hold individual counselling sessions with the workers Feb. 18, helping each design a financial strategy without charging consulting fees.

“When I heard about the layoffs at the Resolute Forest Products Mill, I just knew I’d offer my services,” Mewes said. “These people’s lives have been turned upside down. I want them to know there are options — there are things they can do to help them get through this tough time.”

Mews says she gets great satisfaction from helping people achieve their dreams and build secure futures. Her father, a business owner, died young, leaving Mewes' mother with four children and huge debts.

“It was a very difficult time for our family,” she says. “We had no one to help us figure out what to do. I want people to know … it doesn’t always have to be a desperate situation.”

Mews is a certified financial planner through the Canadian Financial Planning Standards Council. She been in the industry more than 20 years.