10 points to consider when meeting a financial adviser

The first thing any individual needs to do when they undertake any sort of financial planning is to seek out a reputable and regulated adviser and firm. There are many firms to choose from, particularly in the Middle East. Not only is it important to undertake due diligence, but it is of equal importance to find an adviser that matches your requirements. Do they offer the services you require? Do they conduct regular reviews? Can they continue to look after you if you repatriate?

Once you have decided to take the important step to start organising your finances, you should consider organising an initial meeting. An adviser should be able to tell you where they are located around the globe, with whom, they are regulated and licensed by and of course the types of products and services they can provide. Ideally, you should be looking for an independent company that is not limited in this area.

The objective of an initial meeting is really for you to relay what your dreams and aspirations are, what you need to and would like to be able to afford. This may be that you wish to retire by the age of 55 that you wish to accumulate enough capital to send your children to university or simply to ascertain how much capital you will need as you reach various milestones in your life.

If you already have policies in place such as a regular savings plan or any insurance policies it is always a good idea to bring along with you any information you have to the meeting as your adviser can check through these in order to make sure they are valid and working properly for you.

Below are 10 of the most important things to consider when meeting a financial adviser:

1. Setting goals

What are your main goals? Pay close attention to this question before the initial meeting. Do you want to retire at 55? Do you have dreams of a second home? What about private education for your children? It is important to consider everything you wish to achieve financially in order to get the most out of the meeting.

2. What they will ask you?

Your adviser will need to take down several details from you in order to give you the best possible advice. Essentially, they will be creating a financial blueprint of your situation. This means they will want to know your salary, any pension arrangements you have in place, any stocks or shares you own. They will also want to know about property you own, including your main residence and investment property. Alongside, this they will need to know what your liabilities are. Do you have an outstanding mortgage, loans or credit card debt?

3. Time scales

A significant part of the process is spent on discussing time scales and the relevant objectives, i.e.: Do you plan to buy an investment property in the next 5 years? In how many years will your child be at university for? It is important that you provide your adviser will all of this information so they can help you to plan effectively. It may be the case that there are lots of things you need to look at, but a good adviser will consider one thing at a time, starting with the most pressing issue(s).

4. What will it cost?

Your planner should tell you how and when they will be paid; this will vary from adviser to adviser. Some may charge a fee per meeting; others may charge an annual management fee for looking after you, whilst others may take a commission. It is important that you discuss this from the outset.

5. Recommendations

Only once all of these things have been covered and once you have agreed on your needs and wants, will the adviser be able to draw up any recommendations. You will then agree together on how to carry out the recommendations in the plan. The adviser may set everything up with the appropriate companies and professionals, or simply help to coordinate the process.

6. Monitoring and review

A good adviser will agree at the outset to conduct regular reviews, the amount of reviews will depend on your circumstances but it is hugely important to agree on a way to check your progress. At each review should they should also be able to help you review any documentation you receive regarding any pension and insurance policies etc.

7. Know what you can afford

In financial planning terms, it's important to cover short, medium and long-term objectives. Here, much is based on what you can afford. If you know you're going to need some of your money in the shorter term, then don't commit to investing large amounts over the longer term. Have three months’ salary set aside for emergency. Any surplus over and above this should be considered long-term capital to ensure you are beating inflation.

8. Seek sound advice

Always ask your adviser how long they have been qualified to work within the offshore market. Find out the reputation of the company they work for and make sure that it has all the correct licenses in place to be providing financial advice. If you are likely to repatriate at some point it may be useful to find out if they have an office in your home country, e.g. if you live in the UK, do they have an office there and are the regulated by the FCA (previously the FSA)?

9. Financial planning as an expat

Most individuals enjoy a tax-free status whilst living in the UAE, but many are unsure of the implications on their hard-earned money were they to move to another jurisdiction or simply repatriate. Whilst not every adviser may be a tax expert, a good adviser will be able to give you a better understanding of your position and will certainly have a tax expert with whom they work alongside should specific advice be required.

10. Understand the importance of the meeting

Financial planning is hugely important, more so now, than ever. People are spending beyond their means. Very few individuals have enough pension provision and there is a huge pension deficit globally. Millions stand to endure far lower standards of living in retirement, as they have not planned correctly.

Listen to your adviser carefully. They are there to help you plan so that you can secure a good lifestyle for you and your family and be safe in the knowledge that you have planned effectively. Too many people plan too late. The earlier you start planning the better.

[The author is a financial adviser with AES Private Client Adviser and can be contacted @ jessica.cook@aesinternational.com<mailto:jessica.cook@aesinternational.com]

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