This adviser is helping clients on their financial journeys from the cradle to the grave
Monday
As a father of two young children I rarely need an alarm to get me up in the morning, and so business starts early with a round of breakfast for the family.
After the school run, first on the agenda every Monday is a telephone meeting with my administrator, Paul, to plan the week’s activities.
Today I have an income protection case with an existing client who has no ‘back-up’ plan to cover him if he has to have time off work. He has two young children, a wife and a mortgage, so this cover is high priority for him.
I spend the afternoon checking outstanding reports for clients I have recently completed annual reviews for.
Tuesday
Today I manage to get a good rowing session in before breakfast. This morning I have a telephone meeting with a client whose father-in-law (also a client of mine) has recently passed away.
I help him understand the probate process and navigate the many forms that need to be completed due to the complexity of the estate. I also arrange for probate packs to be generated for the investments I looked after for his father-in-law.
Later I have two annual review meetings, both of which are to be completed over Zoom.
After a bite to eat, my second meeting involves looking at some potential inheritance tax planning opportunities.
The rest of the day is spent responding to client emails and enquiries.
Wednesday
Today I am focusing on a number of clients I have just taken over following another IFA company joining Ascot Lloyd.
I spend the day talking through the clients’ circumstances with the vendor and we do a number of joint introductory meetings over WhatsApp and FaceTime so they can see my face and ask questions about the process and how we can work together.
Thursday
Today I have two annual review meetings and again turn to technology, as both clients are classed as ‘clinically vulnerable’ for different reasons.
The focus of both meetings is on the markets and how their portfolios have fared in the harsh investment of 2020.
It is uplifting to hear that the clients have full faith in me to steer them through this uncertain time, and we agree to hold tight and stay the course.
Friday
With the school run completed, I contact some more newly acquired clients to introduce myself and see if they have any urgent financial planning needs.
In the afternoon, an existing client calls to say he wants to make Isa contributions for his three great-granddaughters.
It is nice to see the comfort it brings him knowing he has helped to set them on their way to a financially secure future and helped to address his own IHT issue at the same time.
William Diggins is a financial adviser at Ascot Lloyd
If you would like to write a Diary of an Adviser then contact Ima Jackson-Obot at ima.jacksonobot@ft.com
