Financial planning is a bit of a mystery. Lots of people have no idea what that work could possibly look like… or what it could help with.
I had no idea until a few years ago.
And honestly, I think that even the financial industry doesn’t completely understand what helps and what doesn’t.
That’s why I’ve started to talk to my clients about what they really got out of working with a financial planner. What surprised them? What helped them? What stopped them from working with someone for so long? And I want to share their feedback with you so we can all learn together.
If you’ve ever worked with a planner, feel free to add in the comments anything you liked about it (whether it was me or not).
Here are a few questions and answers from Tammy, a bad ass digital nomad I’ve been working with since the spring.
1. What was the obstacle that would have prevented you from working with a financial planner in the past?
I didn’t think It was something that people like me did. It didn’t occur to me to do so until I cracked down and made the decision that I wanted to have some money to work with. Then I hired Chris, and suddenly I started getting the confidence to go for bigger contracts and make more money—because I had somewhere to “put” the money, and control it. Having a plan actually made it more psychologically appealing to go after more money.
2. What surprised you about working together?
I was surprised at how easy it was to listen to and take your advice. I’m a know-it-all and figure things out for myself normally, so I wasn’t sure if I could be helped. You are really good at making it clear why I need to do something without pushing my defence buttons.
3. What part of our work together did you like the most?
Coffee. No seriously, working with you is like having a coffee with a friend and figuring stuff out. Only I know you know what you are talking about and not just saying what I want to hear like some friends do. 🙂 I liked that you gave direction, I tried stuff, then consulted with you and redirected, you didn’t push a particular agenda.
4. What are some other benefits that came out working with a planner.
The biggest benefit is money confidence. It is a big deal to feel like I know how to handle money. The psychological effect is like a release of old conditioning and an openness to invite money in.
5. Would you recommend it to someone else? If so… why?
I recommend a financial planner to anyone who feels stress around money, so I guess that is just about everyone. Why? Because money has been blamed for marital problems, suicide, ulcers, and evil, or at least the root of evil… when actually, the blame goes to a mindset that can be shifted when you are armed with the right plan.
6. Anything else to add?
During this time I have had thoughts like “What would Chris think if…”, and I’ve had the urge to hide expenditures from you, and in my head, I find myself justifying costs and thinking twice about purchases with the sense of accountability that comes from having a coach and mentor in my head. The accountability you bring to the table makes it much easier to build new habits.
I think it is important to note that only a trusted, pleasant and thoughtful person could invite the trust it takes to allow you into my head! You are a lovely, funny, capable and professional angel on my shoulder!
As you can see, she’s clearly awesome :-).
But she’s just one person. What do you think? Have you ever worked with a financial planner? What would your answers be?
Emily Nixon
Rags to Reasonable Community Outreach Coordinator
Emily Nixon is an actor/writer/director/filmmaking Swiss Army Knife. She is also a big money nerd and Community Outreach Coordinator for Rags to Reasonable.
She came to this work after becoming completely fed up with living paycheque-to-paycheque and being too afraid to look in her chequing account. She is passionate about empowering other artists and variable income earners to keep doing what they love and feel confident about their finances.
Email Emily at emily@ragstoreasonable.com
