Keeping it in the family

Building long-term relationships is essential in being able to provide the best possible financial advice.

We had a really good example of this recently when a couple, in their 60s, who we have advised for over 10 years, made an appointment to see us.

The meeting was a little bit different because they asked if they could also bring along their children, who are in their early 20s.

For much of the meeting, we simply provided a relaxed, professional environment for mum and dad to discuss their financial plans with their children. They chatted through their own financial priorities but also how they wanted to be able to assist their children in their own lives, such as helping them to take the first step on the property ladder.

We had been helping the parents with their financial planning for over a decade. In addition to providing financial advice, we had invested time understanding their requirements and motivations and building a trusted relationship.

When the time came to sit down with their children, they had no hesitation in asking if we would be happy to facilitate. The family, themselves, had shown great maturity in agreeing to have such a conversation, something that demonstrated their recognition of the importance of long-term financial planning.