Six roles of a Financial Planner: What they do and how they can help

Your IFA will help you organise your finances and create the best strategy for your money, which involves setting up a comprehensive financial plan. But it’s not a one-off event. Your plan will adapt with you, thanks to ongoing reviews and adjustments. This level of ongoing organisation leaves you free to enjoy the now, knowing your future will remain in your control.

A financial planner is also a teacher, educating you on what’s within reach. This knowledge empowers you to make better decisions with your money. They help you understand the risks and rewards associated with various types of investments and the factors that drive the potential for long-term returns.

Your financial planner will also sift through any financial noise to help you focus on what’s important. With so much financial information available, it can be hard to know exactly where to focus your attention and what to ignore. Your financial planner will help you pinpoint the information that’s most relevant to your situation and goals.

They will also help you make sound financial decisions by providing guidance and support through your biggest financial milestones. While you might have clear life goals, you might not necessarily know how to get there. Your financial planner will craft an independent plan, outlining the possible pathways to reach your objectives.

As the trust grows between you and your financial planner and your relationship builds over time, you’ll start to see them more as a coach. Someone who sits on the same side of the table as you, motivating you, helping you navigate through challenges, and celebrating your successes. By keeping you focused, and being on the end of the phone, they will play a critical role in ensuring you continue to work towards and, ultimately, achieve your financial goals.

Lastly, financial planners play the role of guardian, vigilantly safeguarding your financial interests. It may not be obvious, but there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Market changes and life events will impact your plan and your money, and your financial planner is there to help you spot the opportunities and minimise any negative impact. They are guardians of your current financial wellbeing and your legacy, and how your money can benefit those you leave behind.

Financial advice is a small part of the value you’ll get from an independent financial planner. You’ll be gaining an organiser, teacher, filter, guide, coach and guardian, and you’ll find those in abundance across the Amber River Group.