The wholistic financial plan and our approach to planning
In a recent survey, participants were asked to nominate the additional services they would like their financial planner to provide, outside of those that they already provide. The responses were divided into different age categories and the results were fairly predictable. In essence, any respondent who was 41 years and older nominated in the top 4 of their ‘wish list’ for advice:
- Aged Care
- Retirement planning
- Tax
- Estate planning
While some members of our profession choose to refer to themselves as ‘Financial Planners’ or ‘Financial Advisors’, there is a distinct and often mis-understood gap between those who specialise in one or two key aspects of planning and outsource the rest; and those of us who provide a wholistic service designed to cater to the changing needs of their clients as they transition through the different stages of life.
Those of you who have been clients of Principal Edge for any length of time understand that our business has as its foundation the fundamental belief that the only way to be a ‘Financial Planner’ is to provide a comprehensive service covering a wide spectrum of client solutions. In broad terms they include:
- Helping and protecting family
- Protecting lifestyle
- Planning for the expected and unexpected
- Creating financial comfort, and
- Building a legacy
More specifically; and in relation to the survey findings, we have a specialised Aged Care service offering designed to be an end to end solution for people requiring both our advice and the practical placement of an aged care resident in a suitable facility. Our in-house specialist has attained the highest accreditation available in this field, being an Accredited Aged Care Professional (AACP).
We have over 100 years of in- house experience and expertise in Retirement and Tax planning. We have the internal resources as well as access to a broad range of technical and aligned professional services at our disposal.
We recognise the importance of Estate Planning as a primary pillar to having a sound financial plan. This has become even more important in recent times with changing legislation around intestacy, and the ‘look through’ provisions applied to some tax structures. Protection of your asset base is one thing, but understanding the implications of your estate plan in its entirety is something completely different. Our in-house specialist has attained the highest accreditation available in this field, being an Accredited Estate Planning Specialist (AEPS).
This list is not exhaustive as we also have specialised offerings in other aspects such as Self Managed Superannuation. We provide advice to those people who need assistance with their business and personal protection, among a host of others.
Our professional staff, includes 5 members who hold a CFP designation, being the highest available in the financial planning field among a host of related graduate and post graduate degrees and diplomas scattered throughout our staff of 16.
Our service offerings and qualifications are merely the tools in our tool kit. Above all is the over-arching drive and desire we have to provide our clients with a positive financial planning experience. We aim to achieve this through:
- Clarity. Working with our clients to clarify their objectives and plan for their future.
- Insight. Delivered through our knowledge, expertise and experience.
- Partnership. Partnering our clients as they face life’s transitions.
