There were three of us sitting in the office.

There were my clients, James and Angela, a business owning couple in their late 50s and me.

James spoke…

“Let’s see how it looks if I wanted to retire at 62.”

“Okay” I said and started changing the graph which was prominently displayed on my laptop.

A few minutes later we had a vision, based on our conversations and certain assumptions, of this couples financial future.

“That looks possible!” said Angela with surprise.

She looked at James and laughed…

For a moment I thought I’d missed something and then Angela spoke again…

“Chris…this is really useful. For years we’ve not had a clear picture on how our financial future looked. Now I know we’re assuming a number of things but it’s great to know that what we’re looking to achieve is…erm,”

“Possible?” I suggested

“Yes!” Angela said “Possible!”

It’s interesting…

There’s an assumption that as financial planners the work we do with our private clients is ‘product focused’

However the reality is that whilst part of our job is helping our clients ensure their money is invested appropriately whilst taking into account a number of factors the reality is that most of our clients work with us because they want an answer to a more fundamental question…

“What’s possible?”

Answering this question is often more difficult than answering the tangible questions relation to pensions, investments and protection.

It’s a question with a multitude of answers.

Which is why a decent part of our work with clients is look at what’s financially possible (and what plans we need to put in place to get there) so that they are able to achieve their goals.

We do this by understanding our clients hopes, dreams, aspirations and circumstances.

Then we providing a clear picture (or often multiple pictures) of their financial future.

Then we review regularly taking into account changes in our clients lives to ensure that their financial goals remain achievable.

The conversation I had with James and Angela (which aren’t their real names…I’ve changed them to ensure confidentiality) aren’t unique.

However they are fantastically satisfying for all involved.

For me, providing our clients with a clear financial picture and visualising a clear route forward is immensely satisfying.

For our clients they understand, and often for the first time, their true financial situation and what is truly possible.

Now if your financial adviser or planner shows you whats truly possible when it comes to your money. That’s great!

If not, and you’re based in London or the home counties it’s probably worth us having a chat to see how we can help…

If you’d like to discuss how we can help you call us on 01708 606 202 or email cassiedaems@cervellofp.co.uk to arrange your initial consultation at our expense.