Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Should you be more social?
Online advice encourages more savers to DIY
The more we are aware of our options, the better our decisions will be.
That’s why I think it’s a good thing that so many online platforms offer money management advice.
Now consumers can selfinvest on low-cost platforms, a growing number of people have decided not to use a financial professional to help them secure their future.
I think it’s wonderful that social media sites such as YouTube and TikTok can now help to promote financial awareness.
And while columns like this work to offer clear, fair and trustworthy guidance, it will always be important for some individuals to receive a professional review of their situation.
There is no set income level, age limit or investment amount needed to trigger the decision to see a financial planner. Consider an appointment as something like meeting a financial life coach – they will be interested in hearing how you want to live your life, and work with you to build a financial roadmap, bridging any gaps you have along the way.
Traditionally, individuals have often waited for a lifechanging moment such as children, retirement, inheritance or a business sale to seek out financial advice, but lifestyles have evolved.
Other common challenges can now include fertility treatment, long-term care, divorce, or just moments in your life that suddenly require immediate income or a change of approach.
A financial planner’s skillset can help you work through these difficult times.
But not all financial planners are the same and it’s important your planner is professionally qualified – preferably at
the level of a Certified Financial Planner. The week commencing October 11 is Financial Planning Week in the UK.
Organised by the not-for-profit professional body CISI, the annual initiative offers consumers across the country a free session with a member of the financial planning community, led by a Certified Financial Planner.
If you think an expert could help you reach your life goals and dreams, you can book your free hour-long financial planning session online now.
You can find information, articles and guides at financialplanningweek.co.uk.
It’s not essential to work with a financial planner but if you are serious about managing your finances yourself, you should ensure you write down your longterm financial goals, and how you plan to achieve them.
This plan – your plan – will help to keep you on track when we experience turbulence on our journey of life.
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A financial professional will work with you to help secure your future