Monday
I wake before the 6.30am alarm, probably due to aches and pains of Sunday morning ‘walking’ football.
After a quick cuppa, I am in my office (home-based) sorting through emails and checking my diary for the week ahead.
Just the one local appointment this afternoon, which is the wife of a friend who is looking to retire early from her nursing role and wishes to confirm she can by crunching a few numbers.
Having advised surgeons and consultants in a previous role, it is an area I am very comfortable with.
Most of the day is spent on admin until I wrap up around 5.30 to drop my youngest son to his football academy in Penzance.
Tuesday
A day on the road today – which is good.
Starting with a couple who would like to use their stocks and shares Isa allowances.
It is then onto a retirement planning meeting before visiting another new client who is unhappy with her existing portfolio performance.
Having covered the best part of 140 miles, I am back in the office by 4pm to return clients' phone calls and emails.
I like to cook something ‘different’ on a Tuesday evening; it is hake, chorizo and spinach tonight, which fortunately tastes better than it looks.
No football on television, so a trip to the cinema to watch Rocketman.
Wednesday
On the road at 8am visiting a new client in North Devon who wishes to talk about mitigating inheritance tax – it is a referral from an existing client, which is always nice.
She is a lovely lady who provides a light lunch. She had a distinct lack of financial planning previously and a further meeting is booked.
I then pop in and say hello to my other clients in the area, which adds up to a 240 mile round trip – everybody happy, so all good.
Thursday
Quick catch up on the phone with my colleague in Cheltenham first thing – living in the far depths of west Cornwall has its benefits, but you can feel a little isolated sometimes.
Having put the world to rights, it is back on the road for a couple of annual review appointments.
Both clients are lovely and I am greeted with freshly made saffron cake.
Back in the office by 3pm, so it is a couple of hours doing the part of my job I like least – paperwork.
Fortunately, I have a fantastic paraplanner who keeps me in check, so it works really well.
With that all done, I have been talked into resurrecting my pool career this evening, so it is a quick shower and off for some practice.
Friday
Friday mornings are spent clearing any outstanding admin and making and confirming appointments for the coming week.
I then have a webinar booked, which focuses on the volatility challenges faced when investing for retirement – I try to keep on top of my CPD each week.
I have had a call from one of my older clients who is slightly confused with some post she has received.
She is only five miles away, so I pop over to see her and end up setting up her new microwave – all part of the job.
After returning any calls and emails and a quick check on my whereabouts this Monday, it is time to wind down with a couple of drinks with mates at the local football club.
This will be followed by a Chinese takeaway with my eldest son, who is down from university for the weekend.
Tony Sharp is an independent financial adviser at Compass Wealth Management, but is based in Cornwall
