In our many collective years of working with clients we have long held a consistent belief. In simple terms, it is that to best serve the interests of those who choose to work with us we need to understand the context of any ongoing advice we offer.
Many clients originally approach us with what they perceive as a single problem. Scattered pension arrangements, a vague notion that they may need more protection as their circumstances have changed or the feeling that they could arrange their finances in a more tax-efficient manner.
To be honest there are many planners, or those we might term advisers, who will take on these single issues, but this is not our approach. We are deliberately different taking the time to understand, in great detail, the full context of what our clients are seeking to address, and this means a detailed discovery process. Whilst this may seem something of an intangible idea, it is this discovery and diagnosis, set against the current situation and future financial and life plans of our clients, that delivers tangible results. It is only with a detailed understanding leading to diagnosis, which delivers true financial planning.
Whilst on first inspection, it may appear that there is a single issue, we find this is rarely the case. In personal finance, issues overlap, addressing one issue may not solve all that is desired and taking pensions as an example, to deliver meaningful advice we must know the current financial circumstances, career and life goals of our clients as well as their longer term objectives. Taxation, income requirements at retirement, sustainable income for life, family circumstances, other assets, and investments. All this information helps us to build a picture on which to deliver a meaningful, disciplined and dynamic financial plan now and into the future. Whilst the detail we initially seek may seem onerous, it is crucial.
The Longer Term
Engaging a financial planner is a big decision, the start of what will likely be a long-term relationship built on trust and competence, but it is more than that. It is a journey over many years with consistent, meaningful advice which by means of a financial plan, will adapt and accommodate changing circumstances all aimed at meeting long term goals and aspirations for financial security.
It is our firmly held belief that those who work with us with a structured financial plan consistently achieve better outcomes than those who do not. It’s not magic, but rather the result of clear direction and purposeful decision-making.
A financial plan serves as your personal roadmap. Without one, it is too easy to drift from single issue to single issue with no real strategy or direction. A good financial plan can be transformative by addressing those aspirations into achievable milestones with specific timescales and actions.
The Real Benefits for Your Finances
Without a plan, it is too easy for issues to remain hidden until it’s too late to correct them properly. We never want our clients to be in that situation.
Why We Build Financial Plans for Clients
As financial planners, we create plans because the evidence is compelling. Our experience and broader evidence consistently show that clients with a documented, regularly reviewed plan have better long-term results and lower stress levels. This isn’t because plans guarantee success, but because they establish discipline, adapt to changing circumstances and avoid emotional over-reactions or inattention.
Moving Forward
A financial plan accommodates life’s changes. Whether you’re changing jobs, seeking to sell a business, transferring wealth, going through a relationship breakdown or approaching retirement, a plan evolves constantly. Regular reviews ensure strategies remain aligned with your circumstances and the broader economic environment.
If you have never worked with a financial planner to help you build a structured financial plan, we strongly encourage you to consider doing so. The investment in professional guidance typically pays for itself through better decisions, tax efficiency and avoiding costly mistakes.
The reason we only work with clients on a full financial planning basis is because they deserve nothing less.