What to expect from a Financial Planner

Summary: 

Some people feel a little daunted by this process, but you really needn't be. When you make an appointment with a Suncorp Financial Planner, you're making the decision to take charge of your financial future. So what can you expect?

1. Establish your financial situation & identify your goals

Your first obligation FREE appointment is an opportunity to discuss your needs and goals with a qualified professional, who can explain strategies simply and provide tailored advice and assistance.

You will gain an accurate picture of your income, expenses, assets and debts, and consider the direction you could take to achieve your short and long-term goals and financial wellbeing.

Prior to your appointment, your Suncorp Financial Planner will call you to confirm the location, day and time, as well as let you know what you should bring to the appointment.

During the appointment, your Suncorp Financial Planner will address the following with you:

  • what you want to achieve from the meeting
  • Suncorp's Financial Services Guide (FSG) and the planner's obligations
  • clarification of your goals and the funds required to achieve them
  • a detailed 'fact find' on your current financial situation
  • strategies that will be considered to achieve your goals
  • determine your tolerance towards investment risk.

2. Customise a plan that best suits you

When you choose to proceed, your Suncorp Financial Planner will prepare a personalised financial plan, with recommended strategies to help you meet your financial goals.

Your Suncorp Financial Planner will give you an overview of what you can expect in the financial plan, (including the cost involved) and outline the remainder of the financial planning process.

What do you get in your Financial Plan?

It is a comprehensive document based on your objectives, the personal details you discussed with your Financial Planner and your attitude towards investment risk. Information contained in your Financial Plan includes:

  • confirmation of your goals and objectives
  • the scope of advice, which includes any special instructions you provide
  • your desired exposure to investment risk
  • our recommendations and advice, both strategy and product-related
  • your insurance requirements
  • your estate planning requirements (if applicable)
  • detail of applicable fees for advice and service
  • remuneration for your Financial Planner
  • your authority to proceed.

You may want to adjust or change certain components of the plan to make them more relevant to your situation. An amended Financial Plan will then be prepared for your approval.

A number of alternatives are considered before finalising the recommendations set out in your financial plan. These recommendations will appropriately balance risk and return, and help you achieve your goals.

3. Review your insurance cover

Any financial plan should include adequate insurance protection. This will help to protect you and your family's financial future.

4. Implement your financial plan

Once you're satisfied with your customised plan, your Suncorp Financial Planner will manage the implementation of the plan, keeping you informed along the way.

5. Review your financial plan

Implementing your financial plan is just the beginning of your relationship with a Suncorp Financial Planner. Keeping in touch with your planner is essential, because addressing changes to your personal circumstances, the economy or legislation will help you stay in control of your financial situation.

At Suncorp, we recommend that people review their financial plan every 12 months. Regular contact with your planner allows you to keep your financial plan on track. Ask your Suncorp Financial Planner about ongoing service and the benefits of this service to you.

Important Information

Financial product advice is provided by representatives of Suncorp Financial Services Pty Limited ABN 50 010 844 621, AFSL 229882

This is general advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this general advice you should consider the Product Disclosure Statement and the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs and consult your financial adviser.