Your IndustryMar 29 2017

Diary of an adviser: Kieron Robertson

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Diary of an adviser: Kieron Robertson

Monday

The week begins with a day in the office discussing things with my colleagues Adam and Tracey. We discuss two clients, our plans for the next 12 months and how we move the business forward. It is always good to bounce ideas off others and I am grateful to be working with them as part of the team.

I have a call with a client who is trying to sell her mother's home, which is currently held in trust, and is wanting me to advise her on the proceeds once completed. It is a complicated situation (partly caused by a DIY lasting power of attorney), but there is light at the end of the tunnel, so we agree the next steps and put something in the diary. 

To be honest, it could have been avoided, but it is all too easy to judge others by what we know and I try to remember, as Mr Ford once said, that we sometimes need to remind ourselves of the importance of seeing things from the other person's point of view as well as our own.

Back at home, I hear about everyone else’s day and spend valuable time with the family.

Tuesday

In a meeting with a solicitor, I bring her up to speed on a client she referred. We also talk about presenting more seminars together on later life/care fees planning issues. We also catch up on social topics, as this is the first time we have managed to get a mutually convenient date in the diary in 2017.

Also, I have discussions with the local authority on working together. These go well as we establish how I can be of value to residents in the local area.

I am back home in time to take my son to his football training – a cold night.

Wednesday

I am setting up the Tunbridge Wells office so I have lots of conversations sorting phone numbers and new business cards – an exciting time for Concierge Wealth Management.

Then I have discussions on a care fees situation with another client, whose mother has moved into a home and, as attorney, is part way through selling her home to fund the care costs (contrary to Tony Blair's idea to stop this happening way back in 1997). As such, the client has asked me to help them investigate the most suitable solution for their mother.

Some people are reluctant to consider their options, as they fear the cost of the advice will be too much, not realising or, perhaps, accepting that the cost of not receiving advice could be many times greater. 

Thankfully though, this client only sees the value we can add for their mother and the headache we can potentially save them, over the months and years ahead.

I pick up my daughter from her dance class and get home in time for dinner.

Thursday

Today I have an inspirational meeting with a client whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer as a young teenager, which was some 30-odd years ago. She had spent most of her life battling the disease, although she continued to achieve a great deal personally and refused to be just another victim. She recently lost her fight, in her early 50s, and her mother wants to ensure her legacy does not go to waste. We have explored options on how these funds can be used to provide a safety net for her as well as her other children.

I am back in time to take my daughter swimming – oh, the life of a parent/taxi driver!

Friday

As it is my son's 12th birthday at the weekend, I take the day off. I am taking him, a few of his friends and his godfather paintballing for the day, so I expect a few bruises come tomorrow but, to be honest, I think the adults are as excited about it as the boys are.

I am looking forward to the weekend too, as it is fight night at the WBC Cares White Collar Boxing Academy event in Brighton on Saturday (so bruises for others I am sure), and we have ringside seats.

Kieron Robertson is chartered financial planner of Concierge Wealth Management, based in Kent