Diary of an Adviser: Sam Sloma

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Diary of an Adviser: Sam Sloma

Monday

I try not to book any meetings on Monday or Friday mornings. This means I can plan ahead with the team on a Monday morning and then have a review on Friday before the week is out. It ensures we do not leave clients waiting on anything over the weekend.

So, Monday starts off with school drop-off, then a Costa run and a team meeting.

We are small enough at the moment that we can run through each and every client; we use a giant spreadsheet. 

I then catch up with Stevie, Engage’s chief operating officer, to discuss our upcoming client testimonials and company rebrand. We are looking to video a few clients, so today we work on the scripts we would like to loosely follow. 

The afternoon is spent confirming meetings for the week ahead and doing the prep work for upcoming client reviews. I go to the gym for an hour at 4:30pm when I can, before heading home for bath and bedtime with the kids. I try to get to the gym as often as possible in the week as it is a good stress reliever.

Tuesday

No school drop-off today as I go straight into London for a breakfast catch-up with an accountant friend and introducer of mine. We meet twice a year and discuss current and future clients, as well as having a general chat. These informal meetings are really useful touch points with people who refer clients to Engage. 

I head to our London office in Kings Cross where I see a client for his annual review. It has been a steady year and, as he is an accumulator, we focus on the continuation of his good habits. 

In the afternoon, I have a meeting with a potential client. It is the first meeting, so it is an opportunity for me to listen and see how Engage might be able to help. 

Wednesday 

I drop the kids off at school and walk to our local office. We took this office after my third child was born to make life a little easier and it has definitely served its purpose. Having a local base means I do not have to go into town every day. Those couple of hours saved in travelling time are really useful. 

The morning is spent reviewing the notes from Tuesday, following up with clients and catching up on emails from the past few days.

In the afternoon, I drive over to a client in West London. He is looking to add to his property portfolio and we discuss the pros and cons, as well as potential mortgage options. In light of changes to tax legislation, for anyone starting a buy-to-let portfolio now, each purchase needs a much more considered approach.

Understanding my client’s perspective and a long-term view gives me reassurance that it is a viable opportunity. 

Thursday 

I have two annual reviews to complete today. I travel to meet the first client at his office, where I use a second screen to run through his investments, discuss how his business is performing and look for any opportunities where we can add value for him and his family. This client is always on the ball, so I need to be focused.

After this meeting I head back to the office to update the team, so we can prepare an annual letter of suitability. 

I have an evening meeting next, as this couple work in town and like to do out of hours catch-ups. They are getting married and want to make sure they are on sound financial footing prior to the big day. Thankfully, the couple are on track and things are positive from their point of view. 

Friday 

Post-school drop-off, I am in the local office to review what has happened this week and prepare for the upcoming week. I will usually finish a little early on a Friday to hit the gym before a weekend chasing the kids around.

Sam Sloma is a chartered financial planner and managing director of Engage FS