Most of our clients are referred by existing clients. We are incredibly pleased that they happily pass on our details. Many new clients contact us wanting to know what to expect at our first meeting.
The range of services we can provide is comprehensive, and we’d suggest that spending some time on our website will provide an excellent overview. Investing, insurance, estate planning, superannuation – the list goes on…
Wakefield Partners prides itself on personable approach to financial planning and our clients. We are always available to speak to our clients, have had many of our clients for 10+ years and this translated to a successful business that has, as it’s primary objective, helping you to plan for and achieve your financial goals.
What to bring to an appointment?
The necessary items you will need for your appointment with one of our advisers depends on the circumstances you would like to discuss. While you may want to speak about every aspect of your financial life, there is often one or two issues that keep you awake at night that have led you to us.
Having a good knowledge of your assets and liabilities, income and expenses helps us to understand your financial position and therefore guides our recommendations to you. It is helpful for you to bring all relevant paperwork that you think will assist us to advise you.
A list of items to consider bringing are:
- Superannuation statements
- Payslips
- Bank Statements
- Aged Care documents
- Centrelink letters
- Power of Attorney paperwork
- ID
- Tax File Number
- Records of financial assets
- Accountants details
This is by no means exhaustive, and many people prefer to talk in general terms with a new adviser without bringing documentation. We understand the need to build trust and rapport, so this is completely fine!
Your appointment with us is driven largely by you. Once we are aware of the matters you wish to discuss, we will guide you with the information we may require and will advise you of a basic strategy or guidance on an appropriate next move with your situation. We always aim to keep the first conversation as general as possible.
What are the costs for an appointment?
For most aspects of financial planning, we offer a free no-obligation appointment to discuss your financial matters. This gives an opportunity to ‘audition’ your adviser, and to gain an understanding about their philosophies. At the first appointment, the adviser will provide you with guidance about future costs, should you decide to work together.
Aged care appointments are charged differently. They are often necessary for when a loved one is entering into a nursing home and the complex costs of such need to be understood. Given the ‘one-off’ nature of aged care financial consultancy, often a fee will be charged for the appointment.
Some Tips
The first appointment with a new adviser can be daunting. It’s important to remember though, that you are in control, and can steer the discussion where you like. If you are not comfortable providing all of your information up front, it’s fine! Professional advisers should aim to build trust and establish relationships first. The best laid plans and strategies will not work if you don’t feel comfortable with your adviser.
If you can, bring a list of questions or issues with you. This is arguably more important than all the documents listed previously. It ensures you steer the agenda, and nothing is missed.
Sound financial advice should focus on strategy, not products and performance. It’s rare that a person comes in to see us to ask if their super fund is the right one. If the conversation heads down the path of changing products, and you haven’t led it there, it’s fair to question who is really benefitting?
Our aim is to make the appointment and the process as painless and comfortable for you as possible. Always feel free to contact us before your appointment if you want more information about what to expect.
