The biggest thing I’ve learned as an IFA
Fintan has been a Financial Adviser since 1992 and is a director of High Peak Financial Planning Ltd.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned over the last twenty-odd years,” he says, “is that you’ve got to have strong values and stick to them no matter what. Honesty, integrity, professionalism are all at the heart of what we do. We’re all about long-term growth, not a get-rich-quick mentality. I want to attract clients who share those values and that makes for strong, long-term relationships.”
Client first
According to Fintan, another vital factor in his successful relationships is putting client needs first. “My aim is always to help each person to fulfil their individual financial goals. I’d never attempt to cross-sell products that aren’t of true and lasting value to my client.”
Human stories
Fintan’s clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and include both private individuals and business people. “One of the pleasures of this job is that there’s no such thing as a ‘standard’ case,’ he says. “Everyone has their own human story and dreams and it’s my job to play my part in getting them to where they ultimately want to be.”
The initial client meeting with Fintan is always free of charge. “That first meeting should be quality time, when we can chat about that person’s needs in depth to ensure we’re able to build maximum value into the service we give.”
Impartial advice
Fintan’s firm is a directly authorised and whole of market independent financial advisers. This gives him the freedom to look at the options from all providers in the marketplace – something not all financial advisers are qualified to do.
Fintan will help clients consider a range of possible options including Pensions, Investments, Mortgages, Inheritance Tax planning, Financial Protection and Wills & Power of Attorney. “One or a combination of these things may be appropriate depending on where a client is on life’s journey,” he says.
Fintan is also a Pension Transfer Specialist with the necessary permissions from the FCA meaning he is able to give advice on Defined Benefit pensions (also known as final salary pensions).
Fintan on networking…
“Recently a client of mine took voluntary redundancy and he was thinking about using the funds to set up his own business. Like a lot of people in his position, however, he found the organisational side of things daunting.
He came to me to talk about investment options but our discussion soon broadened. We discussed his plans at length and set out some priorities. One was to place the business on a professional footing.
I introduced him to Bowdon Business Club member Chris Wrighton who was able to set up his accounts systems. Through the club I know I can trust Chris and that my client would be in good hands.
Another imperative was to protect the finances of the fledgling business with the right commercial insurances. Once again I could turn to someone from the club who I knew would share my values of honesty and integrity. Steve Allen from Steve Allen Insurance was able to secure the right cover at a sensible price.
In both cases, the feedback I received about these two introductions was really positive, which further increased my belief in the value of proper, active networking.”
High Peak Financial Planning Ltd
Unit 1 Wyebrook House, 12 Lismore Grove Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9AW
Contact: Fintan Gannon
Dip PFS AwPETR
High Peak Financial Planning Ltd is a family run business with over 32 years’ experience providing traditional values such as, honesty, integrity and professionalism.
