FACE RETIREMENT WITH A QUALITY FINANCIAL PARTNER

Research has demonstrated that investors who pair with a financial adviser have better outcomes than those who don’t.

Financial advice needs to be honest no matter how hard that honesty is to hear.

It also requires an extremely level head when circumstances cause emotions to spin out of control. Not difficult in this world of pandemics, wars, and other crises.

So, what criteria should one consider in looking for a financial planning partner?

Here are five useful pointers:

Integrity

Your adviser should have a proven reputation for quality service and sound financial advice. Their reputation in this regard should certainly be well known in your community.

Longevity

It is helpful if your adviser is known to have successfully guided others historically and is still going to be here in the next few years. An adviser is a long-term relationship, not a tour guide!

Team

One-man shows are common and can give good advice. Worrying about when that individual is going on holiday, ready to retire or may even emigrate doesn’t buy peace of mind.

Knowing you are serviced by a team allows for greater comfort; and a place where competencies dovetail and a solid infrastructure exists.

Financial planning is complex – legal, tax, economics – no one person can be all these things.

Competence

Incompetent organisations don’t tend to last very long, and they certainly don’t attract competent people.

Caring

Retirement is often a difficult journey where the challenges can be overwhelming, not just from a financial perspective, but from a relational and emotional perspective.

Partnering with a firm of empathetic individuals will often ensure not just great financial guidance but a caring ear and a warm smile. Things you cannot put a price on.