The true value of advice lies in the interpersonal relationships planners build with their clients, say the winners of this year’s FPA Value of Advice Awards.
It is these relationships which help planners to identify clients’ financial and life goals and put a strategy in place to meet them.
Sharon Walker, senior financial planning manager, NAB Financial Planning in Wangaratta, Victoria says financial planning is not just about investments.
“There are not many jobs where you can go home and say, ‘I really helped someone today’,” Walker says.
“[Financial planning] is all about the client being able to meet their lifestyle goals and that’s the part a lot of people don’t think of.”
Dacian Moses, director of Waterfall Way Associates in Coffs Harbour, says the value of advice lies in the planner applying his or her knowledge to the client’s individual circumstances.
Leanne Bull, authorised representative at AXA Financial Planning, says clients are not complaining about fees and charges, they are rather focused on the advice they are receiving.
Bull says given the current economic environment, she’s been surprised at the level of calm among her clients, who say they are confident in her ability to guide them through the financial volatility.
All three winners plan to use the award to encourage good advice among their planner community, and promote the value of good advice in their local community.
The winners were announced at the FPA National Conference Gala Dinner on the Gold Coast last night.
