FAQ

So, are you a financial adviser?

No – although I have the highest qualifications a financial adviser could have.  I hold the CFA Charter which is considered the gold standard by Unbiased.

Financial advisers in the UK are required to operate under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).  Financial Advisers must be registered with the FCA so that any mis-selling concerns can be followed up through the FCA.  While financial advisers do give advice, you must understand that (unless you have contracted otherwise) all financial decisions will be made by you.  You must trust that you understand what your financial adviser is telling you – because ultimately, it’s your money.

Registered financial advisers are restricted by the services and advisory that they offer.  They must also provide you with a key facts document – which can be both informative and overwhelming.  Whilst financial advisory has greatly improved in quality since regulation, unfortunately some advisers still like to bury their fees and risks of investment in detailed and complex documentation.

I provide coaching services which help you make good money decisions, and can help you work better with your financial adviser if you have one.

For more information about financial advice, follow this link to the Citizen’s Advice information page.

 

If you are not regulated, why should I trust you?

Good question.  As a CFA charter holder I am committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and practice that put my clients and financial markets first.

You can check that my membership of the CFA Society is up to date on the CFA Institute Membership Directory.  Maintaining my membership ensures that I continue to update my professional knowledge on an annual basis with at least 20 hours of professional development each year.  You can report misconduct by a CFA Member or Candidate here.

 

Are you qualified?

I certainly am.  I am committed to maintaining my training, professional memberships and relevant training as listed below:

  • CFA charter holder;
  • Member of the CFA Society of the UK;
  • Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from the Henley Business School;
  • Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation;
  • Member of the International Coaching Federation; and
  • Student of the MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change at Henley Business School.

I am also committed to upholding the ethical and professional standards of the CFA Institute and the International Coaching Federation.

 

What does this all cost me?

You pay for my time with you only.  Details of my packages are here. If you would like me to provide a custom service or seminar, please contact me here.

 

Do you manage my money for me?

Hell no!  I believe that everyone has the capacity to manage their own money – and I will help you get there.

 

What techniques do you use?

I use a mix of coaching techniques and information sharing to get you to where you want to be.  The coach techniques I use can include (but are not limited to) asking you open questions, using cognitive behavioural coaching tools, using tools from positive psychology, motivational interviewing techniques, behavioural and environmental interventions, ontological coaching, and also cross-cultural coaching awareness.

I also use my unique Money Pizza tool to get you started with the hardest money conversations.

However, no one tool or technique will work for everyone.  I am more that willing to use a tool that you suggest.

 

What do you mean by ‘coaching’?

Well, it’s kind of exactly that.  A great coach can help you learn, develop your skills and capability, improve your (financial) fitness and guide you in your strengths and weaknesses.  Then – ultimately – the coach will step back and allow you to run the race.

A coach provides guidance – but to succeed you need to do all the work.  Equally, any success is well and truly yours and yours alone.

 

What makes you different from a financial advisor or money manager?

I am not associated to any financial product or company.  As a fiercely independent coach, I do not take sponsorship from any company.  I do not benefit from any income from companies that I recommend, and I disclose any holdings in companies that that I hold directly.

 

Does working with you lock me into a long-term contract?

Absolutely not.  Your contract with me lasts as long as the package is valid.  None of my packages extend beyond 12 months.

 

How to I explain money coaching to my mum/partner/friends/family?

Tell them it’s like having a personal trainer for your wallet.  Remember 30 years ago when personal trainers were only starting out?  (Don’t worry if you’re too young for that, read on.)  Everyone wondered why anyone would pay someone else for information that you can get from a book or online.  But now, millions of people pay personal trainers for personalised advice and motivation.

 

I can get this information for free on the internet – why should I pay you?

Just like a personal trainer – I provide personalised guidance to you to fit your needs.  Unlike your average personal trainer at a big gym – I am highly qualified and extremely experienced in what I do.  I am focused on you, and achieving your financial goals.

 

I can’t afford your fees – where else can I get help?

In the UK: I recommend going to Money Helper first.  It is provided by the Money and Pensions Service and is a great place to get started.

In Australia: Moneysmart is an Australian Government service and has a lot of information and useful templates that you can use, as well as where you can get further help.