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HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

If you take a look at businesses today, it is all about budgets and targets, and achieving them by any means possible. To be honest, it is no different in the financial industry. It is a numbers game. The more cases you close, the more money you will make. Similar to any retail shop, really. The more people through your door, the more bread you can sell, the higher your profit.

There is a significant difference though – Financial Planners have their clients’ livelihoods in their hands.

How many financial advisors have you dealt with in your life? How many didn’t answer and/or return your calls? Just ignored your email when you were in need of assistance, needed to make a change, or take a payment holiday?

The Salesman

A salesman is only in it for the money, and you can spot them easily. They go door-to-door selling you a hoover or a policy. They are not concerned with what you need or how much you can afford. They are only trying to reach their quota. They do not offer solutions and do not educate.

If your Financial Planner’s goal is chasing money and wealth, there are some tell-tale signs from the start.

  1. Are they asking you about YOUR needs? (They really should)
  2. Are they telling you what you need, without taking your financial situation and financial goals into consideration? (They really shouldn’t)
  3. Are they trying to sell you the maximum number of products, at the highest price?

The above approach is often used when giving financial advice to clients – making all high earning products and services most appealing to close the deal. A Salesman will generally look at an upfront commission instead of a monthly commission. (Note, this is not ALWAYS the case – discuss your options with your financial advisor). Their focus moves away from the clients’ needs and is rather focused on the sale opportunity – don’t get fooled by the smooth-talking Salesman.   

The Financial Advisor

Any Financial Advisor worth his/her salt, is there to help their client with proper financial plans and strategies by giving financial advice. A first session with your advisor should start with a Financial Needs Analysis (find out what is a Financial Needs Analysis)

Based on the results of the FNA, the advisor should advise on smart financial strategies, investment planning, cash management, education, last will and testament and other areas to help the clients reach their financial objectives and goals.

By law, a financial advisor should review a client’s financial plan at least once per year.

The relationship between client and advisor must be built on trust. To achieve that, they must listen to you, care about you future and give the right advice, for the appropriate time in your life and financial situation. This will build a long and trusting relationship with one advisor where you grow together, and you are not purely a number on your Advisor’s monthly quota.

Let us take you for a coffee, and tell you more.

Article written by Johan Vermaak. Johan joined Momentum Irene in 2019 as a Financial Advisor.