Teamwork is the key to financial planning

Press, 20 February 1986, Page 34

Teamwork is the key to financial planning

Any time you have more money on hand than bills to pay, you have participated in financial planning. Today’s financial market offers a wider choice than ever for the potential investor. The right decisions are critical and, yet, often difficult to achieve. Most people are either busy or bewildered, and so unable to give the best attention to such matters. The fact that while most New Zealanders are successful at earning money, only a small percentage can ever rely on their own resources for finan-

cial independence, suggests that we all need some financial planning.

Therefore financial planning has become so widely used and needed that is has resulted in a profession of specialists known as financial planners. They serve the total range of client requirements. Christchurch’s Financial Planning Group has such a team of qualified professionals. They combine their individual areas of expertise to offer a comprehensive and well balanced personal financial planning service. The ser-

vice is primarily offered to Christchurch clients, but also, through representation, to other parts of New Zealand. The group utilises the services of every required specialist including, for example, accountant, solicitor, and investor adviser, but it is not their intention or recommendation to replace those professionals already employed. Rather, what Financial Planning Group does is work together with’ existing advisers to provide an analysis and coordination of total financial situation towards fully

determined personal objectives. The Financial Planning Group looks at a client’s affairs in their entirety, including the client’s goals and aspirations. A typical analysis looks at areas of personal budgeting and cash management, investment analysis, tax planning, retirement planning, insurance planning and estate planning. It compares the current situation with objectives and aspirations. The planner then prescribes an over-all financial plan to reach those particular goals, and details specific implementation steps, along with regular evaluations. Then, when confronted with the vast array of investment opportunities, the client can answer questions such as "Is this a good or a bad investment compared with my goals? Does this fit in with my financial plan? Will this investment get me to where I want to be?” But there is still no simple answer and certainly no single product or investment opportunity that can provide the financial security each of us desires. Only a fully integrated plan based on carefully defined objectives can hope to provide longrange client satisfaction. During the Investment Show, the Financial Planning Group has made itself available to provide full details of its range of financial planning services. Many will find this particularly helpful as they are presented with so many options by other show exhibitors. In addition it will participate in the seminar programme. As part of its function of working with other specialists, during the Investment Show Financial Planning Group has associated with several other organisations experienced, in unique investment choices. These include: Paynter Holdings Group,

specialists in property development and investment; Remarkable Enterprises, Ltd, specialising in investment partnerships, film and video productions, computer software and management services; and W. Holliday and Sons, who specialise in antique investments. They each provide financial products which would often be found in a sound, balanced investment portfolio.