In the intricate world of personal finance, navigating the complexities of investments, savings and wealth management can be daunting and stressful. It’s very important to be smart with your money to maintain a good quality of life, so doing what you can to manage your finances well is necessary. This is where the expertise of a financial adviser becomes invaluable.
I’m David Smart, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, and I’m dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to financial success. Understanding what you should and shouldn’t do regarding your finances can be very difficult, but you can make your financial management easier with my help.
Understanding The Financial Adviser’s Role
As an adviser, I play a pivotal role in assessing my client’s financial situation. I can offer strategic advice on various financial products and services and help develop personalised financial plans. I’m here to review your details to figure out the best pathway for you and your specific situation.
My goal isn’t just to provide advice, but to cultivate a secure and profitable future for my clients. This is because smart financial management isn’t just about what you do right now - it’s about developing a good plan to ensure you stay secure for the long haul.
I’m proud to embody the five essential traits that all successful advisers should have, which are:
1. A Passion For Financial Planning And Wealth Management. My passion for financial planning is evident in my decades-long commitment to the financial services industry. Always at the forefront of industry trends, I continuously upgrade my skills to provide clients with the most informed guidance I can provide.
This is a crucial trait for advisers because you deserve personalised service that brings real results. Rather than consulting with someone with no real zeal for what they’re doing, you should always find someone who truly cares about what they do.
2. Deep Analytical Ability. As a chartered accountant and financial adviser, I bring deep analytical skills to the table. My ability to dissect complex financial situations has been honed over my long career, and has allowed me to solve my valued clients’ problems and offer tailored solutions that work for them.
Good analytical skills are more than just being able to thoroughly read and understand information - they’re about thinking about the past, present and future. Clever advisers know how to understand information deeply to see the best options for their clients.
3. Professional Salesmanship. Effective communication is key, and I’m happy to provide solutions that are not only right-sized to clients’ needs but also explained comprehensively. My professional salesmanship ensures clients understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ of their financial plans.
Your finances are very important to you, so it’s vital that you fully understand what’s going on. I’ll always do my best to explain even the most complex parts of financial management in a way that you can clearly understand.
4. Putting A Client’s Interests First. My commitment to prioritising my client’s interests is reflected in my fee-for-service model. By eliminating conflicts of interest, clients can be assured that their advice is independent and solely focused on what benefits them.
This is because, ultimately, you’re trying to discover what works best for you. You’re trying to build a solid foundation for a good future, so unbiased help is a must.
5. Curiosity. I understand that every client is unique and different, so I’ve honed my listening skills and am ready to delve into every individual’s needs. My curiosity drives me to craft solutions that perfectly suit each and every one of my clients.
This is because I don’t want to offer you generic advice that anyone could give, I’m eager to learn about your situation and come up with good solutions that are great for you.
Applying The Code Of Professional Conduct
In New Zealand, financial advisers are required to be licensed by the Financial Marketing Authority (FMA). As a licensed adviser, adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct is essential.
I understand this, so I seamlessly integrate this code into my practice, ensuring fair treatment, integrity and suitable financial advice. I apply this code to guide clients to financial success in the following ways:
Tailored Recommendations. I provide recommendations with clear rationale, covering various options. I review costs, benefits and risks with you to ensure you fully understand the recommendations. I believe clients are better served with straightforward advice and therefore I strive for simplicity and conservatism in my recommendations.
Minimising Conflicts Of Interest. By working on an agreed fee-for-service basis, I can minimise conflicts of interest to align with the FMA’s requirements and ensure complete transparency in the client-adviser relationship.
Client-Centric Engagement. From the initial free meeting, I will focus on understanding clients’ priorities. The Scope of Engagement accurately reflects the advice sought, recording any conflicts of interest and outlining the fees.
Full Benefit/Risk Analysis. In the written analysis, I will provide a comprehensive benefit/risk analysis that’s personalised to the client, ensuring the recommended approach is clearly in their interests.
SMART Objectives. The written Statement of Advice summarises how client objectives will be realised while using the SMART formula: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound.
Client Understanding and Reviews. I always make sure that clients understand the advice, making appropriate changes if needed. Regular client reviews are offered to ensure ongoing suitability or identify appropriate adjustments.
A Partner In Your Financial Journey
In essence, I don’t want to just be a financial adviser; I want to be a partner in your financial journey. My approach is a blend of professionalism, transparency and a genuine commitment to your success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone just starting to plan for the future, having an experienced adviser by your side ensures that the path to financial success is not only clear but also personalised to your unique wants and needs.
If you’re interested in receiving my help, or if you have any questions for me, you can easily reach me on +64 27 543 4455 or by visiting my website.
With my help, your financial goals are not just aspirations - they’re achievable milestones on the road to success.