Firstly, a very Happy New Year (if it’s not already too late to be saying that), I do hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas.
As an inevitable consequence of marching time, I am, rather regrettably, starting to look my age and this has prompted several clients to ask, ‘What would happen to our financial arrangements if anything happened to you?’ It is a very fair question, none of us know how long we have and why should I be immune from the illnesses and accidents that do sadly befall others.
So, I just want to reassure you, by sharing with you the plans we have in place should such a catastrophe occur.
In the first instance of course, Kim and Adam, are here to help; they know you and the plans we have built with and for you. They will, therefore, be able to respond to any immediate enquiries you may have. Together we have built your financial plans for the long term, and it is unlikely anything occurring to me in the short term, should affect them.
However, in the event of a longer-term absence, it is vital that you continue to have support from a similarly well-qualified financial planner. I have therefore sought to find another adviser who could step in to help if needed. My priority has been to find an adviser who works in the same way we do, has the same experience and qualifications as I do and is familiar with the same systems and solutions we use and recommend. They would need to be able to hit the ground running if it came to it and with minimum disruption to you.
After a fruitful search I have found such a firm, Financial Planning Partners Ltd, run by brothers David and Andy Hearne. They are both Chartered Financial Planners who have each been in the financial planning profession for over 20 years. Based nearby in Berkshire, their business provides a virtually identical service to ours and as a result, I am confident that David and Andy, would be able to provide an excellent continuation of service to all our clients.
From their side, David said the following: ‘I’ve known Graham for a number of years and as Certified and Chartered Financial Planners we are both dedicated to providing the best independent advice and financial planning service to all clients. Graham and I have found ourselves mixing in the same circles, using the same services, and recommending the same solutions and this feels like a very good fit. We hope we won’t ever be required, but we are ready and willing to help if needed.’
David was recently awarded the Certified Financial Planner of the Year 2022 at the CISI Financial Planning awards. Of course, I hope nothing untoward happens to me that requires his help, but I am confident that Financial Planning Partners, with the ongoing help of Adam and Kim, will be ready to step up in a worst-case scenario.
If you had any concerns about this issue, I hope this reassures you that we do have robust plans in place.
As always, if you have any concerns about your own financial arrangements or would like to discuss whether you are truly making the most of your money, please do not hesitate to call me.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely
Graham Ponting CFP Chartered FCSI
Managing Partner
