For Immediate Release

Vancouver, BC (July 24, 2001): After much anticipation you've cleared customs. You're looking forward to that fantastic trip to Paris. You get to your seat, belts are fastened, the plane leaves the gate and begins the gentle journey towards the runway. Excitement is all around you. You feel it in the air.

Then you sit on the tarmac. Waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more for your turn to soar above the clouds. You've made all the preparations for takeoff. There's just some colourful planes ahead before you get clearance.

The reassuring pilot keeps you apprised of the minute by minute count down. You inch forward, albeit ever so slowly. The stoppages seem to take forever.

You are ready to go like never before. All the other passengers are ready too. The waiting lifts some blood pressures. Even the cabin temperature seems to be rising.

Nobody is going anywhere just yet. You feel powerless. But still ever so excited about your destination.

Wait, the unthinkable happens! The pilot's subdued voice announces that the plane will be returning to the gate to check a malfunctioning light.

You're devastated. Your enthusiasm is drained. Poof! Your bon voyage is turning into turmoil. You wonder if you'll ever get to Paris anytime soon.

Well, isn't that just what today's stock markets feel like? Everybody is ready and willing to climb to greater heights. Oh. never mind!

Investors get no respect! The global economies are not as healthy as we had hoped. Alan Greenspan keeps dropping interest rates, but no tangible evidence yet of an upturn. The Bank of Canada follows close behind, similar results.

Companies continue to reduce staff, some for the second and third round. Automakers offer incentives that many consumers find resistible. Corporate America has difficulty crystal balling the near future. Initial public offerings seem to be on the endangered list. Computers continue to occupy shelf space instead of your desk space.

Earning season reports, or the lack of, have the same appeal as the midnight swim in the alligator pond. You know you're going to be bitten at least once. In short, we are simply not firing on all cylinders at this time.

Cheer up. There is good news. The sun will rise and shine again one day.

So what do we do while we wait impatiently? Let's learn from our peers who have succeeded. Let's get our financial house in order by developing or reviewing our long-term game plan. You know, the one that's long overdue.

Ask yourself the question, "What is important about money to you?"

• Is it a comfortable retirement for you and your family?
• Is it the preservation of your current portfolio?
• Is it long-term growth of your portfolio?
• Is it your small business, RRSP or RRIF?
• Is it minimizing probate fees and income taxes?
• Is it funding education for the children or grandchildren?
• Is it leaving a legacy to a charitable cause and to your loved ones?

The centerpiece of financial success is your long-term game plan that outlines the investment policies you will follow to reach your unique goals. It is like building your home; the blueprint comes first, then the solid foundation.

Be prepared. It is going to be choppy. So grip the wheel firmly, keep your eyes on the horizon and stay the course with your personal long-term game plan.

Paris anyone? Bon voyage.

NOTE: The information provided above is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice for anyone's specific situation. Everyone should always first consult directly with their advisors to determine the appropriateness of any information contained above before taking any action. KCM Wealth Management Inc. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance upon the above information.