“My clients say we’re just having a chat and a cup of tea. That’s exactly how I want them to feel.”
I grew up from very humble beginnings and financial planning was not a huge priority on the list. This taught me that having a lot of wealth is not that important, it’s more what you do with it and ultimately, how you enjoy it. I started my career at 16 with an apprenticeship at a major bank. Over nearly a decade in financial services, I had several different roles, most recently as a mortgage and protection adviser in the new build housing sector. I joined Mattioli Woods because I wanted to take a holistic approach to wealth management and to build long-lasting relationships with clients across all areas of their financial lives.
There’s no one solution for every client. My job is to dig deep on what’s important to them. I don’t walk into a meeting and talk about pensions, Inheritance Tax planning or investment opportunities. I talk about what they enjoy in life, what they want to do not just when they retire but in the next five years.
I recently met a client from a farming background. Her dad had bought an annuity when he retired and sadly passed away shortly after. The money was gone. As soon as I walked in, she said she didn’t believe in pensions. We had a conversation where I was able to explain why her dad’s money had gone as well as the benefits of retirement planning. Thanks to clear communication and empathy, she became a client.
One thing I’m passionate about is budget planning. Everyone should know how much money they’re bringing in and spending every month. You cannot plan if you don’t know what you’re doing with your money. I can’t tell you to contribute to a pension if you can’t afford to live your lifestyle right now. Through careful budget planning, you can live comfortably now and prepare for the future.
My clients often say, “Mo, it doesn’t feel like you’re doing any work. We’re just having a chat and a cup of tea.” But I’m getting to understand their objectives, digging deeper into their life experiences to understand their mentality. I have a natural ability to make people feel comfortable and enjoy having genuine conversations. You’re not going to meet with me just once and become a client. We’re going to have several meetings before we do anything together because when you really understand someone, that’s when you can plan efficiently.
I’m currently working towards becoming a chartered financial adviser with the aim of completing my MBA afterwards. Investing in yourself is as important as investing in your retirement.
I have a young family who keep me on my toes. Spending time with them, my friends, and being active with all types of sports, ensures I stay balanced both in and out of work.
