FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Having been put onto this forum by one of my Cathay clients and I couldn't agree more with so many of the criticisms and wise practical suggestions. I am not here to to tout for business nor am I here to defend my chosen profession which, for the most part quite frankly, is a disgrace. However, I believe that the biggest misconception is that a financial advisor ("FA") is expected to be some sort of all encompassing all seeing financial wizard like e.g. you wouldn't expect a pilot to have a rating on every ship that has ever taken to the air so why think a FA knows every think about money or investing or foreign exchange or tax planning or wealth creation or a myriad of other related financial matters. A good FA is no more a financial magician than say a good doctor is the panacea for good health. If you are still not understanding my sentiment then imagine this ridiculous scenario of me turning up at Chap Lap Kok with no flight reservation and expecting the airport terminal staff to know where I want to go, for how long, for what purpose and by the way make sure I have good time.
Ludicrous I know but just think about what you are doing here e.g. my expectation of a pilot is to perform a specific role for which i have entrusted him which might be to land me safely in a destination of my choosing and hopefully, if all goes according to plan, in a timely manner (and I wouldn't think about blaming the pilot for factors beyond his control like weather or mechanical delays. In the process of considering finance start from the premilse that if you want to make a small fortune, then best to start with a large one and give it to a FA..........guaraanteed to return a small one. Now you are past go, there are many, many factors, hazards, choices, decisions, changes in circumstances and opprtunities along the way as well as a bit of luck as you role the dice around the Monopoly board of life.
Start by asking yourself a few basic questions like what do you wish to achieve, by when and by wh method. Talk to friends, colleagues and work mates and find out what other folk are doing and if nothing else keep it simple and go and buy some property (coz at least land, aren't making any more of it) if it is wealth creation you are seeking. Wealth presevation is different but always remember that it is easier to earn the money in the first place than keeping it thereafter. If the opinion of a financial professional is felt necessary, then go and seek a professional. Ask around and find out what they have done and for what reason and obtain a personal introduction. Commission hungry salesmen are very good at convincing you that you are in safe and capable hjands because that is what they are good at. It is so easy to work out if your FA is any good by applying some common sense. Does he own property, does he have any of the investments of his own and does he buy into what he is rcommending to you. Did your FA chose his profession as a career option since gradating, what real training and profesional qualifications does he hold and how long as he been around with company he is representing or did he somehow fall into jfinancial services sales after selling carpets previuosly. Ask and verify. It should become abudantly clear sort of person you are dealing with. If he doesn't have basic integrity, then the duping ensues. And before anyone asks, we only work by referal so go find a client of ours and then you will find us. No ability to go chasing those that don't have an idea of how we work or what we are capable of. Too many children I am afraid. There endeth the lesson. Good luck with your research, safe travels and happy landings.
Last edited by andreweden; 18th Mar 2013 at 02:33.