It all started in 1996
In early 1996, at the age of 21, I received a small inheritance. Mum had passed away in 1986. I was 11 at the time, and my sister Lucy was 10 years old.
The inheritance had fallen in value over the ten years, and I started to look into what had happened.
I read about the effects of ‘Black Monday’ in October 1987 and ‘Black Wednesday’ in September 1992.
I also looked at the role of professional advisers, such as Financial Planners, Accountants and Solicitors.
At the time, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life! I was working hard as a Store Manager, but knew it wasn’t the path for me.
The more I learned, the more I felt that financial and estate planning would be perfect for me. My own experience inspired me towards a career where I could help families, providing trusted advice and guidance around their financial and estate planning.
1998 to 2002 – Early roles
I worked for a couple of companies at the start of my career. My goal was to become ‘independent’ as quickly as possible. I wanted to provide unbiased advice as a trusted adviser over the long term.
However, after securing my first role as an independent adviser, I quickly realised it wasn’t all I had hoped for – it felt like selling. In addition, when clients needed advice, any adviser could be dispatched.
I wanted to build trusted relationships with my clients, making a personal commitment to them, giving me that rewarding career path that had inspired me in the first place.
I realised the only way I could achieve that, and provide a service I truly believed in was to set up on my own.
2003 – Setting up on my own!
It was a tough decision, with a young family, mortgage etc. I left a secure and financially rewarding role to start a business from nothing, there were definitely times when I wondered what I had done!
I have always firmly believed in gaining clients by recommendation only, so resisted the temptation to advertise etc. The growth was gradual, but for the right reasons.
Present day
Fast forward to today!
I continue to provide a valued service to my clients and their families, using those same principles that first inspired me to become a financial and estate planner.