How we work
When we meet a client for the first time, our aim is to explain how we work, our ethos and our values - indeed much of what is covered in this web-site. It also gives us and our clients the opportunity to establish whether we want to work together, and whether we feel we can add value.
If we agree that we want to work together, there are broadly 5 steps that we go through with our clients, which is a constant, continual process.
- Understanding your current financial situation
- Identifying your goals and objectives
- Developing a financial plan
- Implementing any actions emanating from the plan
- Reviewing the plan
The first stage is to gain a detailed understanding of your current situation. These 'hard facts' include your employment structure and existing arrangements and investments. Much of this information you will hold, but we may suggest that we approach existing product providers directly so that we can get all of the detail we need. This data gathering process can take some time, but it is important that the information we have is as accurate as possible.
The second stage is for us to get 'softer' facts about you. We firmly believe that, to do our job properly, we really need to understand who you are. Some of this can be obtained fairly quickly, and we will ask a lot of questions. However, much will develop over time, as we get to know you and you get to trust us. It is an ever-evolving aspect, but we believe is crucial to providing tailored financial planning and advice.
The third stage is for us to take the information we have and combine it with your objectives and concerns, and buld a tailored plan. This can involve a lifetime cash-flow forecast that maps out your whole future. This can seem somewhat daunting, but our experience with existing clients has shown this to be hugely valuable.
The fourth stage is to then implement any strategic and tactical decisions eminating from the plan. As a truly Independent firm of financial planners, we are free to advise on financial products available from all product providers. We use advanced computer software to research, compare and select the most suitable products currently available. All our proposals will be fully explained and costed so that you'll know exactly what and why before you agree to anything.
The final, but most crucial, stage is to regularly review your objectives and plan, to ensure it still appropriate and is on target. Circumstances change, and it is imperitive that we and our clients constantly review and refine the overall plan.