Lorne Marr: Our Bios

I have written some words so far and suddenly realized I haven't told much about me and my team. So, why not now?!

• Lorne Marr CFP MBA (Marketing Consultant) Proud Ontarian, I have been a practicing financial planner since 1993 having my diploma from the University of Windsor with a Master of Business Administration. Nine years ago I completed the internationally respected Certified Financial Planner designation. I have also been a keynote speaker at numerous industry functions and have appeared in The Toronto Sun, The National Post, the Investment Executive, the Insurance Journal and the Advisor's Edge. My commitment to providing clients with valuable service has made me an industry leader.

• Chantal Marr BEd (Company President) Chantal Marr was born in the province of Quebec and was raised in Ontario. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Laval University in Quebec City and Bachelor of Education at the University of Western Ontario. Chantal has a enthusiasm for helping people and has very strong organizational and leadership abilities. Chantal is in charge of new business development at LSM insurance and works closely with our group of insurance brokers. Chantal's hobbies include languages and travel and she speaks French and English.

• Elisabeth Prosper (New Business Coordinator) Elisabeth comes from the island of Haiti before heading to France where she completed a Master Degree in Economics at the University of Aix-En Provence. Elisabeth is trilingual (Creole, French and English) and enjoys putting her strong communication and organizational skills to work helping clients. Elisabeth has her life insurance license and takes a serious interest in natural nutrition.

• Jack Bendahan BA (Senior Insurance Consultant) Jack was born and raised in Canada and studied at York University in Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. He has vast additional education and professional experience in finance and debt management. Jack is also bilingual (French and English) and is keen tennis player and traveler.

• Aman Kapur MBA (Senior Insurance Consultant) Aman comes from New Delhi, India where he acquired a BA (honours) in Economics. He further moved to the United Kingdom to do his Masters in Business Administration from the Heriot Watt University. Aman has fantastic experience of working over four continents and has performed various roles in Marketing and Finance. Apart from fluency in English, he speaks Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Russian. Aman admires various performing arts, travelling and living healthy.

Reasons Why Canadians do not Buy Life Insurance in Canada

Lorne Marr, my husband says this question has been said billion times during his career. It's interesting, despite being a foundation of the majority of financial plans, crowds of people are postponing this question. It it can have value of millions. Why such a decision?


1. Canadians consider themselves too old. Many are unaware that most Canadian insurance carriers~companies insure individuals up to the age of 85 For sure there is no need to hesitate your age.

2. You may consider own health too weak. However, many life insurance Canada policies are accessible without a medical test and many others only ask a handful of basic medical questions. Besides, many clients who have a history heart attack, stroke, or cancer in the family can still qualify for life insurance in Canada. Try to visit our Non-Medical Life Insurance Page for a free quote.

3. It's too expensive. This is wrong information, your life insurance premiums can be as little as $180 a year

4. What's the point of life insurance?. Believe me, even in cases where you are debt free with no children, Life insurance can have a meaning for you to deal with final expenses. When you do havewith no children and/or burden of debt, life insurance is a perfect way to create instant liquidity when your family need it most.

5. I can;t understand all those terms and conditions. I have to admit you are right. Terms and conditions can be pretty confusing, but with my team of brokers we can help simplify the process for you. You can also visit LSM Instant Life Insurance Needs Calculator to find out exactly how much life insurance you need.

Buying a life insurance is important step in your life. You should be careful, on the other hand all information should be considered.

AIG - what about Canada?

American Insurance Group was among the first companies, asking for government help in the USA. It's shares plunged to historical minimals and this huge insurance company (with history dating back to 1919) was fighting for life.

Canadian clients may know AIG Life of Canada - many of them put their money in it. Due to big loss of confidence, AIG LoC sales have plunged in last months. Are there any reasons to concern?

No - AIG Life of Canada doesn't carry bigger risk than any other Canadian life insurance company. 

For some reasons:

1.AIG Life of Canada was sold to Bank of Montral few weeks ago. Bank of Montreal holds more than $400 billion of assets and represents a very respectable partner.

2. Canadian branch hasn't been financially connected to its American mother. Operations with sub-prime mortgages, which caused the main troubles were not important for Canadian AIG.

3. AIG LoC is member of Assuris, which provides protection for all policy holders. Policies below $200000 are 100% covered, those over this limit are 85% covered. Other kinds of insurance (like disability insurance or long term care) are secured too.

As an independent broker I have no interest on promoting any insurance company, but I ma trying to save your money. Cancelling AIG policy can you cause both direct (cancelling penalty) and (even more serious) indirect costs (changed health conditions, age, new suicide and incontestability periods, lost tax benefit...). So before you do, try to think about the real pros and cons of this step.