With over 30 years in financial services, Laurier Lefrancois helps clients build wealth through personalized planning, tax-efficient investing, estate strategies, and insurance. He holds a BSc, an MBA in Finance, and CFP® and FMA designations. Laurier has held senior roles at major firms and is now a Wealth Planner at Optimize Wealth Management. An avid hockey player and cyclist, he believes disciplined planning and strategic investing drive long-term success.
Your partner in personalized, full-service wealth management
Your ally in the pursuit of financial freedom
We go beyond just managing money. At Money Shepherd Financial, we focus on optimizing your financial journey by fusing technology, modern strategies, and core values like integrity, transparency, and balance. We provide honest, personalized advice and a proactive, high-touch experience.
Book a meetingMeet the team
Laurier Lefrancois, MBA, FMA, CFP®
Wealth Planner
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Laurier Lefrancois, MBA, FMA, CFP®
Wealth Planner
ABOUT
Sameer Amin, MBA, CIM®
Supervising Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Sameer Amin is a Portfolio Manager at Optimize. He leads a team of associates, making sure investment strategies align with each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. He collaborates closely with advisors to deliver consistent, well-informed guidance to the families they support.
Drawn to the financial industry by a passion for solving complex problems, Sameer finds fulfillment in helping clients navigate key decisions with clarity and confidence. He values the trust that’s built through the process of turning market insights into actionable, long-term strategies.
Outside of work, Sameer enjoys travelling with his family and exploring new places for both relaxation and perspective.
Phillip Soares, CIM®, PFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
ABOUT
Phillip Soares is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Optimize, bringing over 10 years of experience to financial services. He takes a client-centred approach — backed by his technical expertise and commitment to building lasting relationships — so he can deliver high-quality advice.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, Management Science, and Finance from Toronto Metropolitan University. He has also acquired the Chartered Investment Manager and Personal Financial Planner designations, reflecting his dedication to professional growth.
One of Phillip’s proudest accomplishments has been building his practice from the ground up. He has cultivated long-standing relationships through hard work, maintaining integrity, and consistently focusing on clients’ evolving goals.
Phillip is proud of his Portuguese heritage and is devoted to his family. He draws inspiration from being a husband and father. Outside of work, he considers himself a “mostly-retired DJ” who still enjoys hunting for records. He is also a passionate soccer and football fan, but spends time on the pickleball court.
Team Values
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At Money Shepherd Financial, integrity is the cornerstone of our practice. We are dedicated to acting with honesty, fairness, and accountability in every decision we make. Our team prioritises ethical standards and ensures that all recommendations are aligned with our clients' best interests. By staying true to our values, we build lasting relationships based on trust and respect, helping our clients feel confident and secure as they navigate their financial journey with us.
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Transparency is at the heart of Money Shepherd Financial’s approach. We believe that open, clear communication is key to building trust and confidence. By demystifying financial strategies and providing full disclosure, we empower our clients to make informed decisions. Our team ensures you always understand the “why” behind our recommendations, fostering clarity and confidence as we work together to achieve your financial goals. With us, transparency isn’t just a practice—it’s a promise to put your needs first.
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At Money Shepherd Financial, our clients always come first. We take the time to understand your unique goals, priorities, and challenges, tailoring our advice to suit your specific needs. Our team is committed to providing personalised service, proactive solutions, and unwavering support at every stage of your financial journey. By focusing on your success, we aim to create long-term partnerships that deliver meaningful results and peace of mind, ensuring your financial well-being is always our top priority.
Timeline
Supporting our community
Money Shepherd Financial is committed to supporting equitable education for children in low-income communities. Through their involvement with First Book Canada, they work to remove barriers to learning by providing essential resources and opportunities for educators and students. This reflects the team’s belief in fostering a brighter future where every child has access to quality education and opportunities for success.
Advancing pediatric health is a priority for Money Shepherd Financial. By contributing to SickKids, they support groundbreaking research and world-class healthcare for children. Their involvement helps improve health outcomes, while also offering hope and healing to families. This commitment underscores their dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and building healthier communities.
Promoting cultural awareness and unity is a core value for Money Shepherd Financial. Through their support of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, they contribute to reconciliation efforts and foster understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Canada. Their involvement highlights a commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for generations to come.