Plan 2 Prosper

Robert Keavney recently wrote in Money Management an article which offered a relevant and appropriate view on what real financial planning is all about.

Today, all planners are subject to the innuendo that they are avaricious and conscienceless.

No doubt some in our industry fit this description.

However, if you aspire to be a good planner you have set yourself a worthwhile objective and you will do much good in your life.

Over the years, you will develop deep relationships with many clients. You will have contact with a broad range of people where you can explore attitudes to some fundamental questions.

Quite apart from any financial rewards, advisers have the opportunity to develop as human beings while being of service to others in matters of great importance to them. It would be hard to ask for more than this in one’s working life.
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In various media in my region there have been many favourable articles on the continuing increased median prices for house sales. Whilst I don’t cast any aspersions or opinion on those articles, I do ask that people do not place absolute belief in their validity.

In my immediate circle of contacts, I can provide examples of property transactions where the expectations for a speedy and profitable sale have not been realised.

I have no doubt that there are good returns out their for the astute  property investor. However, the same can be said for any asset class.

I do not believe that the dramatic direct residential property capital increases will continue at the rate they have, but they won’t have a big fall either.

My real message is just one of caution.

Increased knowledge about your advisers investment beliefs and philosophy can only add to the mutual trust and respect between the client and adviser. What follows are some comments which help illustrate some of my thoughts.

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