We’ve opened a new office in Hexham. The new space ensures we can offer face-to-face meetings when you need them, whether you want to discuss your retirement or update your will. Read on to find out more about why we believe in-person meetings are a vital part of effective financial planning.
While other firms may be scaling back their in-person meetings in favour of using technology, we know how important face-to-face appointments are. It’s something we know clients value too.
In fact, despite a multitude of virtual options, a report from EY shows in-person meetings are still very popular. Almost half of people that are opening an account would prefer a face-to-face meeting. This compares to 23% who would prefer a video chat or email.
Around a third of people want to see their adviser for ongoing financial planning, investment management, and account management too.
During challenging or emotional times, having the option to meet a trusted financial adviser in person can be reassuring. So, our new office ensures we’re here for you when you want to talk to us in person.
3 key reasons we believe face-to-face meetings are crucial
While technology has made it easier than ever to communicate and pass on information, we believe the personal touch matters. That’s why face-to-face meetings will remain a core part of our service.
Here are three reasons why we believe in-person meetings can be beneficial.
1. They help to build positive working relationships
While people often think about financial planning as being about your money and assets, it’s much more than that. It’s about using your assets and making decisions to help you live the life you want.
So, creating a positive working relationship between clients and financial planners is a crucial part of achieving results. And we believe face-to-face meetings are often essential for that.
- For our clients, feeling comfortable with our team to talk about what they hope to achieve in the future, what worries them, and how they feel about money is vital.
- For our team, getting to know you is a really important part of the process that allows us to build a financial plan that suits you.
Meetings can be held virtually. Yet, as research suggests more than half of communication is non-verbal, some of it can be lost when you can’t see someone. Meeting in person can improve communication and means your financial plan better reflects you.
Aside from potentially delivering better outcomes for you, meeting clients is a part of the work we enjoy too.
Kate Boon, one of our financial planners and compliance officer, explains: “We have seen an increase in new clients choosing us as their financial adviser instead of another company because many firms now only offer online advice.
“Sitting down with our clients over a cup of tea and getting to know them works much better. Both parties, us and the client, always get more out of this and the meetings are much more productive.”
2. They can make it easier to focus
If you’re having a meeting at home, it can be all too easy to be distracted. Whether you have small children around, the neighbours are mowing the lawn, or you’re simply thinking about chores you need to do, it can make it difficult to really focus.
Your financial plan and reviews are important, and could help you reach your long-term goals. So, getting away from home and potential distractions to meet your financial planner could mean you get more out of the process.
3. They can be valuable during challenging times
In-person meetings can always be useful, but especially if you’re facing challenging or emotional times.
We can’t take away the suffering or anxiety you may be feeling, but we are here to take away some of the burden. For example, if you’re dealing with the probate process after losing a loved one, we can deal with the paperwork and answer questions you may have about finances.
In these circumstances, having a face-to-face meeting in your home or our office can make a real difference. A familiar face that you trust can make what may seem like a daunting process easier to tackle. It may also help you feel more in control or provide peace of mind so you’re able to focus on your family.
Through our sister company Lifeplan Wills & Trusts, we can offer you support every step of the way.
We know when you’re grieving, it can be so hard to think about everything you need to take care of. This is why we decided to open our company to assist in will instructions and the probate process. Our clients have found this service invaluable.
The first part of the process involves will writing and estate planning, to ensure each client has taken the necessary steps so their wishes are carried out. On death, we can take over the paperwork and ensure everything is completed in a timely manner and manage things on your behalf.
Our new office gives you more choice
Whether you’re excited to plan your retirement or are going through an emotional time, such as managing the probate process following a loss, meeting face-to-face can be useful.
Of course, there are times when you may prefer to give us a call, send an email, or use virtual meetings. Our new office simply means you’ll have more choice and can choose to talk to us in a way that suits you.
If you want to speak to us or arrange a meeting, please contact us by emailing info@lifeplanfm.co.uk calling 01207 297100 or 01434 620193.
We hope to see you in our new office soon. Please note, the address for our Hexham office is:
3.8 The Beacon,
Beaufront Park,
Anick Road,
Hexham,
Northumberland,
NE46 4TU
