Monday
I have two client appointments today. The first is a follow-up. The client proceeds with the investment and we complete the appropriate paperwork.
The second meeting is with a new client who was introduced to me. He is a business owner who is now looking at pension contributions via his limited company. We discuss our proposition, what services we offer, costs and how I can potentially help him. He agrees to start the advice process and agree a meeting in the following week.
Tuesday
I am meeting three clients today. One existing client and two new referrals.
At the first appointment we review his existing portfolio, attitude to risk and complete a fact-find. There have been no major changes and the client’s expectations have been met over the past year.
The second appointment is for a student who has inherited a trust fund from his grandparents. We talk about his needs and objectives and complete a fact-find.
The third appointment relates to pension planning. This client has been working abroad but has now settled back in the UK and wants to look at pension planning.
Wednesday
We have our twice-weekly team meeting in the morning. This is arranged every two weeks and is a good opportunity to catch up with the staff and discuss what we feel is important to us. As you would expect, due to recent and forthcoming changes, pensions are at the forefront of our discussions. This lasts until 12pm and we grab a sandwich and time for a catch-up.
I do not have any other meetings today. I take this opportunity to prepare for next week. I am off to the gym tonight.
Thursday
I have got a busy day today – all my meetings are existing client reviews, four in total.
I complete all four reviews, although I am not looking forward to the paperwork now required. We agree with two clients to maximise their Isa.
I received a phone call for a potential new client, who has been unhappy with the service they have been receiving from their existing adviser. I make an appointment for the following Monday.
Friday
Fridays tend to be a bit quieter and I tend to complete any outstanding work required for the following week. I have a couple of suitability letters to be completed and need to chase providers up for some outstanding work.
We are attending a one-hour meeting at the Brewin Dolphin offices in Glasgow at 1pm. They have one of their fund managers up and we have been invited to a question and answer session.
The weekend now awaits.
Clayton Cumming is an IFA at Glasgow-based Advice & Wealth Management Solutions
