Our Adviser Profile this week is Paul Howden a Platinum Adviser with 109 client reviews and an average customer rating of 100%. Paul works out of Crest Financial Services in Newcastle.
1. Best thing about being a financial adviser?
Always a difference in every piece of advice you do. While the situations of individuals may be similar and the structure and strategies you use may be the same, everyone is an individual and it’s always slightly different.
A bit like being an artist mixing paint, infinite possibilities.
2. One thing you would like to see improved or changed in the industry?
I’d like to see improved harmony between various industry groups and associations. They can all have an opinion but where is the consistent message from our industry.
3. The areas on their finances or economy that worry your clients the most?
Superannuation changes continue to make clients sceptical and frustrated. The government has not set a long term vision and built on it (in recent years). Step back and look how Superannuation was created under the vision of Hawke and Keating, they set an agenda and built on it. Let’s do it again.
4. What's the strangest question a client has ever asked you?
A client once asked how the advice would go if she ended up with a fourth husband, (she had number 3 at the time). She eventually got number 4, but has not asked about number 5 yet, she is obviously confident the advice will work just as well next time around?
5. If you could get three things into consumers' heads about what advisers do or don't do what would they be?
1) Good advisers can coach you, it doesn’t matter where you’re starting even the smallest piece of advice can make a significant difference. Almost everyone can get value from seeing an adviser.
2) Reduce the noise; so many clients rely on small pieces of information overheard at the BBQ, or compare themselves to their neighbour who is in the same position. Get advice. It provides the right answers for your situation.
3) Keep it simple, if you are looking to get rich quick you are going to get in trouble. Find professionals and get advice. It can avoid a lot of pain. Work for the long term.
6. How do you describe your job at BBQs?
Financial Marathon trainer, your financial security is not about getting rich quick it’s about going the distance, building along the way and avoiding the wrong path.
7. Why is there so much legislative change in the industry.
The industry has grown significantly over a relatively short time, there is a lot of money involved and various interested parties, including political, all keen to share in or control/influence the industry, and the money within it: your money. While a lot has been done with the aim to improve things for consumers there is at times a second agenda from interested parties and it’s disappointing when some issues get hijacked and manipulated.
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Comments3
"Paul Howden is a legend!"
AA 14:56 on 07 Oct 16
"I for one agree with Howden on superannuation changes making clients sceptical. What we need is consistency!"
Clara 14:17 on 07 Oct 16
"Financial marathon trainer! That's gold"
Sarah 14:14 on 07 Oct 16