Frequently Asked Questions
The seven most commonly asked questions about working with Cherry Tree Financial Planning.
Why do I need a financial adviser to help me?
The object of financial advice is to move people closer towards financial independence. Whether we like it or not, we are all on this journey trying to accumulate enough money to provide us with the lifestyle we desire. In order to achieve financial independence, it takes more than just paying our debts and saving money, it takes proactive planning and ongoing review with the help of a financial adviser. A professional who has the knowledge, skill, and time.
To ensure that you are successful in the long term, you need to make the most appropriate financial decisions at the right time for you.
Knowledge is power. But it’s often been quoted that a little bit of knowledge is dangerous. Planning your financial life is not just about knowing how investments work or understanding which the best performing investment types are. To ensure that you are successful in the long term, you need to make the most appropriate financial decisions at the right time for you. This decision making should encompass aspects far beyond just picking the ‘right’ investment.
Most people are so busy making a living we don’t have the time to keep up to date with all the knowledge that’s required about the financial world, including government legislation and taxation changes, in order to make the right investment and strategy choices.
We are committed to an intensive education program, which ensures our industry knowledge and awareness of current legal issues are impeccable. We have access to refined information technology and communication processes that enable us to access changes in financial markets and products as they occur.
But most importantly, we specialise in retirement planning, so we can provide you with tailored retirement advice that is matched to you and your unique circumstances. Advice that’s right for you.
How will we work together?
We have a “step by step” process. Our first step is to meet to discuss your situation and establish whether an ongoing adviser/client relationship may be appropriate for both parties.
The next step is to agree to work together. Having established that we will work together, and agreed upon the terms through which you will employ us as your adviser, our work then begins on your financial plan.
In order to provide you with the comprehensive financial advice we have discussed, we follow a detailed process which requires us to complete a range of initial and ongoing tasks, as well as a range of initial and ongoing services.
To understand your needs and requirements, we need to gain a thorough understanding of your financial situation, current and potential financial resources, as well as your lifestyle goals and objectives. This ensures we’re in the best possible position from which to develop and provide recommendations.
Using all this information, we make an assessment about your investment profile or ‘tolerance towards risk,’ and undertake a series of ‘Financial Plan Models’ in order to design, write, prepare and present a financial strategy that is individually tailored for you.
Most importantly, on an ongoing basis we provide strategic advice and regular reviews. This includes regular information via newsletters and other communications. Regular monitoring of your progress is essential for your financial wellbeing. Reviews allow us to meet to discuss investment performance and to make the most appropriate adjustments to your financial strategy to ensure it remains on track to meet your objectives.
Our aim is to help you to create and protect the optimum level of wealth that your circumstances allow.
Are there any guarantees?
Yes. As a valued client we will deliver our services to you in the most professional and friendly way. We will always place your needs ahead of our own, continually deliver friendly caring service, contact you if your investment strategy requires review outside of our agreed review period and always listen to your concerns and requests.
Our Unique and Exclusive 100% Money Back Guarantee, provides that if within three months of receiving your financial plan and after paying your ‘advice fee’, you show that our advice and plan have not matched your circumstances, personal investment risk ‘comfort level,’ and the lifestyle goals detailed in your written plan , we will refund 100% of your plan advice fee. That’s not something you’ll find in writing with many other financial planning organisations.
What results have other clients seen?
Through our financial planning process, not only have we been reorganising clients’ affairs so they achieve many of their financial objectives, we’ve been regularly saving clients $2,000 to $30,000 a year or more in unnecessary income and other taxes, as well as from other hidden, wasteful expenses.
For many retiree clients, we have organised for them to receive social security benefits for the first time, or increase their benefits. This has meant anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000 plus per year in extra benefits. These are benefits they would not have otherwise received. In many cases we have arranged their affairs so that they receive most or all of their retirement income tax-free.
For other clients we have ensured that their investment portfolios benefit from the most appropriate asset mix for them and the best strategies for their own unique circumstances. In most cases this has meant improved performance and overall results, which means they build their nest egg sooner and create their wealth in the safest way.
Our clients usually reduce their personal and/or business taxation; increase the long-term returns on their invested money; have their finances structured in the most tax and social security effective manner; reduce the administration burden and time commitment they experience in managing their finances and insurances; and ultimately increase the level of income they can draw upon, from both their own investments and where appropriate from social security. All this means they have more money in their lives.
When is the best time to get started?
Right now, today, this minute, before you take another step, waste another dollar. Far too many people procrastinate and they think that something better may come along or “it will be alright” all by itself. Of course, we all know that “money doesn’t take care of itself.” The sooner you start planning your financial future the more comfortable it will be and we can make sure that you are not missing out on anything you may be entitled to. Engaging our services will allow you to spend more time with your family and friends and enjoy your money. There’s no time like the present to get started on your dreams and goals.
How do we get started?
Well, the first step is to take the first step. If you haven’t already done so, contact us today. Contact our office to make an appointment to meet and discuss your own unique situation to determine how we can help you to have more money in your life.
