Diary of an adviser: Tim Morris

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Diary of an adviser: Tim Morris

Birthday celebrations mark the end of a busy week full of client meetings for this adviser.

Monday

Mondays are an admin day for me, so my first action is to reply to clients’ emails.

Sunday evening seems a popular time for my clients to spend time on their finances. I actually do this myself too. I then get my paperwork prepared for the coming week.

Next is catching up on news stories from the weekend. This includes social media and maybe a quick post or two, then a couple of client calls around lunchtime, plus a new enquiry.

I have a few client review meetings each week, but I try to fit in at least one new client meeting. I focus on having the diary looking full for the week ahead.

Tuesday

We have a training session first thing this morning.

We are spread out geographically and the team are not often together in one place, so it’s a good chance to see everyone.

I’ve regained my dependency on a morning coffee, even if I am not having a very early start these days! It just about keeps me going through the session.

Next up is a new client meeting in the afternoon.

They are looking to retire in the next couple of years and have not had an adviser.

Many of the clients I work with run their own business, but this person has worked for the same company for many years and consolidated a few previous pensions.

He wants help putting together a financial plan and to spend less time managing his investment funds, so he can keep his promise of spending more time with his wife.

Wednesday

It’s not an average Wednesday. I have a radio show interview in the afternoon.

I wouldn’t usually do this – I’m not a fan of listening to my own voice – but I agreed to help out a friend.

In return, I get to pick the topic so I can make sure it’s something I’m passionate about. It is pension/investment related of course and the focus is on environmental, social and governance funds.

I have a few clients who have been passionate about ethical investments for many years and I’ve now embedded ESG/sustainable investing into my fund selection process.

It’s a more enjoyable conversation to have with a client than how we can reduce costs by adding in more passive funds to their portfolio, although the latter is still part of the process for many.

Thursday

Today I have a client review meeting: a brunch with some clients I always look forward to seeing.

Since I helped with their retirement last year, they have been enjoying their time in the knowledge they can afford to spend more than they anticipated.

It’s my birthday the following day so that means one thing: 12 Krispy Kreme doughnuts for the office. I have been well fed today, so it’s time to venture down the gym to work off the calories.

Friday

Prior to becoming self-employed six years ago, I always booked time off for my birthday.

Other than the odd half day or two for medical checks for me, my other half or dog/cat, I don’t tend to take off much time unless I book a holiday.

This is perhaps why some people think I have lots of holidays.

After working one birthday a few years back, I’ve made it a rule that I won’t work. When I say that, I mean not being in an office. I still get a few tasks completed first thing – send a few emails, check my share portfolio, and post a couple of tweets.

My birthday agenda (not necessarily in chronological order) is as follows: a meal, cocktails, visit to a rooftop bar, museum and a trip to the moon.

Tim Morris is independent financial adviser at Russell & Co.

If you are interested in writing a Diary of an Adviser then contact Ima Jackson-obot at ima.jacksonobot@ft.com