What to expect from your financial advisor?

Money can be a scary thing!  It’s a major contributor to stress, both to individuals and in relationships.  Your financial advisor should help you gain peace-of-mind and control over creating a financial plan, choosing the best suited options and then sticking to your plan. Having an independent third-party brings valuable balance into your financial decision making.

BOUNDARIES AND EXPERT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Every financial advisor is required to disclaim what they are and aren't allowed to advise you on and what fees they may earn in the process of delivering that advice.  This will help you decide if their areas of expertise, and associated fees, will be of value to you or not, and help you structure your portfolios better. 

Understanding the scope of advice available will help you both to ask the right questions that are pertinent to your personal financial situation and how you might set and achieve your financial goals.

CRAFT AND CHOOSE YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Through the process of a detailed financial needs analysis (FNA) your advisor will be able to assess your current income and financial obligations, how you’re managing them and how you might improve and enhance your plan to work towards achieving more with what you have.

When creating your bespoke financial plan it’s crucial to know where you are and then where you want to head towards. Some clients have existing portfolios that need to be consolidated in order to reduce any servicing fees, and others come with no planning whatsoever. Your financial advisor will help you build from whatever you have.

STAY ALERT AND ABREAST OF CURRENT CONDITIONS

The financial services industry is innovating and re-furbishing all the time, your financial advisor will be aware of these innovations and how they may suit your personal plan. Every person has their own unique needs and, just as our life landscapes change, so too will our financial needs. The relationship with your financial advisor is therefore potentially a life-long journey - as your needs mature or the economic conditions adjust, your advisor will be with you to help you make the best decisions and reinforce your peace-of-mind and help you maintain control.

Remember, you’re in control of your personal finances. If at any stage you want a second opinion, get it. Never rush any big decisions and always step back to look at the bigger picture!