Aug 06

What does a good advisor do?

Newcastle-Financial-Planner-Best Practice Award

Some people may think that a financial advisor’s role is to forecast the direction of the share market from month to month and invest clients’ money accordingly.

This is not the reality, of course. Investments are only one small part of what your financial advisor can provide for you. Some of the key areas that we may be able to assist you with are as follows.

Knowledge is power

Consider for a moment the amount of newsprint, websites and broadcast time dedicated to financial topics these days. Australians seem to have an insatiable appetite for understanding finances.

Whether it's the latest share market activity, economic news or the constantly changing tax and superannuation rules, we can answer your burning questions and save you the hassle of finding it yourself.

Money and time

Sometimes the benefit you receive from a financial advisor can be spelt out in dollar terms. It might be the income tax you have saved by re-structuring your salary, or a new concession from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) or Centrelink that you didn't know you could get.

If you agree that time is money, then think about the time we save you when you make important decisions. If you had to do it all yourself, how would you choose the best super fund, investment options, or insurance cover? How frustrated would you be stuck on the phone trying to get regular information from government departments?

With all this confronting you, it's no wonder that many important financial decisions stay in the "too-hard basket". Remember, we deal with these things every day. We are in an ideal position to explain everything you need to know, and to simplify your options.

Personalised advice, every step of the way

The finance section of your newspaper probably includes a regular "advice" or "Q & A" column. By law, these columns must warn readers that the advice does not take into account your personal situation or needs and you should consider its appropriateness before acting.

In setting your financial strategy, we don’t use this "general advice warning" because we have taken the time to get to know you and your circumstances. This means that everything recommended to you—the investment portfolio, super contribution strategies, savings plans and insurance advice—is tailored to your personal needs, goals, and tolerance to risk.

As the years go by, some of your financial strategies will need adjusting due to changes in the broader environment or something closer to home. Whatever the case, we are there to help you make the most of the good times and the bad.

And meeting us for a review doesn't always mean major changes, but at least you'll know that you're on the right track – and you’re not alone.

Disclaimer

If you would like to meet one of our advisors to discuss your financial position and to see what a financial advisor's role is and how we can help you then please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Call Leenane Templeton on (02) 4926 2300 or email us.

 

About The Author