Why have a financial planner?

Meet my son. He’s on the first camel on the left. Recently returned from a trip to Jordan.

When I look at this picture, I can hear the theme music from Lawrence of Arabia!

It’s when you are completely out of your depth , or in an unfamiliar environment, that you feel most vulnerable. At least that’s what my globetrotting son says.

It’s at times like this that you wish you had a mentor, especially when it comes to financial matters.

One day you will stop working

I know it seems like it’s impossible. And governments want us all to work longer. But the day is coming when you won’t work again. The time is coming and you need to be ready. Aside from needing to be prepared emotionally for the day you will cease work, you will need to be prepared financially. You need to have a plan in place for that day. One day you will need to retire.

You need money for a rainy day

One day life will not go as planned. It could be disablement, death or any number of crisis situations. You need something in place, and someone who can help you navigate through the minefields of your financial crisis.

It’s not what you earn, it’s what you save

Everyone has a fortune pass through their hands through their lifetime. In most cases, we have no idea where our money goes. A financial adviser can help you invest that income wisely, and more importantly, help you save it. As one wise man said: “Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves.”

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but not so dangerous as a whole lot of ignorance

Understanding the levers on how money works will allow you to make your money work harder for you. Getting advice on how the markets work, and how to survive in an ever complicated world, is exactly why YOU need a financial planner.

So, the question is, do you need a financial planner? Well, only a madman crosses the desert without a guide.

By Sean Litchfield DipFS DipFP Adv DFS FChFP AFP_®
Senior Adviser