Before we talk about your money
One thing people often don't expect in our first formal meeting is how little time we spend talking about investments.
Instead, we spend a lot of time talking about life.
What are you hoping your money will make possible? What does a good future look like to you? What are you worried about?
The reason is quite simple.
Over the years, I've learnt that two people can have almost identical finances but need completely different advice. Not because their numbers are different, but because they're trying to build different lives.
Some people want the freedom to work less. Others want the confidence to spend more. Some want to help their children. Others simply want to know they'll be okay.
If I don't understand what's important to someone, it's very difficult to know whether a recommendation is actually right for them.
That's why I've never seen financial planning as simply putting together the best strategy.
For me, it's about helping people make financial decisions that support the life they want to live.
The numbers matter, of course. But they're only meaningful when viewed in the context of the person behind them.