Below are some of the questions which we find that many people ask (and many people want to ask but are too afraid to say out loud!). Please have a read through, and if your question has not been answered, email us or call using the contact details on the main page. We are here to help you.
Why do I need a Financial Planner/Wealth Coach?
You need a qualified Financial Planner or qualified Wealth Coach for the same reason you need a qualified plumber or qualified mechanic. Sometimes you can do things yourself, such as change a tap washer or top up the oil; when things get beyond that, you need a professional. A qualified professional can either do the job on your behalf, or provide assistance or guidance for you to do it yourself.
How do I know that my Financial Planner will look after me/ my money?
There are no guarantees in the world, and no planner and no investment is guaranteed 100% risk-free. The best things that you can do to protect yourself and your investment is to do a little research first. Check to make sure that your financial planner, wealth coach or investment adviser is licensed (they should have an Authorised Representative number (AR number) or Australian Financial Services Licence number (AFSL) on their business card or stationery) and they should also show up as registered on Government websites such as ASIC or FIDO. You can always ask around your friends to see which financial planners they have found to be trustworthy, or search for some background on the person by using Google or another search engine.
What protection do I have if things go wrong?
Registered and licensed planners must have written complaints procedures in place, usually noted in their Financial Services Guide (FSG). This should tell you what to do and who to contact if you have any concerns. Always contact the planner or their company first before going to a higher agency, as most things can be sorted out faster with the person involved. If you do not receive satisfaction, then approach one of the government or private agencies mentioned in the FSG.
What else do I need to know?
We have given an example of a few questions you can ask your financial planner here, in our 15 Questions Guide. You may think of some more questions which you may like to ask. Just remember that like mechanics and plumbers, the best ones are not often the cheapest, and the cheapest ones are not often the best. Everyone is different, so you may find that you have to talk to a few professionals before you find one that is right for you.