Tell us about yourself and why you chose to focus on financial advice.
My journey into financial planning wasn’t a straight path. I grew up around my dad’s accounting practice but initially pursued a hairdressing apprenticeship after completing a business course. When that didn’t work out due to allergies, I found myself at a crossroads. I explored financial planning on my dad’s advice, and given that I had always wanted to run my own business, I figured it was worth pursuing.
By my 21st birthday, I had qualified as a financial planner and started my first role. Soon after, I obtained a new role, and it was eye-opening to discover that I was the only female financial planner nationwide in that position! This realisation sparked a passion in me. I understood that most women seeking financial advice wouldn’t have the option of working with a female planner who truly understood their unique challenges and perspectives. Sadly, there weren’t enough to go around!
While gender isn’t the primary consideration when choosing a financial planner, I believe that a female mindset and shared experiences can be a significant advantage for women seeking quality financial advice.
What are some of the challenges faced by professional women seeking financial advice?
Through my experience and conversations with clients, I’ve identified several key challenges:
1. Feeling invisible: Many women have shared experiences of feeling overlooked during financial meetings, even when they were the primary breadwinners.
2. Juggling multiple responsibilities: As a single mother myself, I understand the pressure of managing household finances, raising children, and pursuing career goals simultaneously.
3. Time constraints: Professional women are often time-poor, carrying a significant mental load with little room for financial planning.
4. Financial anxiety: Many women struggle with anxiety related to money, often stemming from their upbringing and personal “money stories.”
5. Lack of understanding: Some women have limited knowledge of their finances but are eager to take control and want to know how!
6. Need for trust and empathy: Above all, women are looking for an adviser who understands their unique situation, listens actively, and offers genuine empathy. I find that, having, in many instances, been in their shoes, trust and empathy flow pretty quickly from the initial appointment.
My personal experiences, including becoming a single mother about ten years ago, have given me invaluable insight into these challenges. I’ve walked the emotional tightrope of managing everything from household finances to childcare and career development. This firsthand experience allows me to connect deeply with my clients and offer truly relevant and meaningful advice.
Is there a growing demand for your style of female-led advice and financial education?
Absolutely! I’ve seen a significant increase in demand, particularly in two key areas:
1. Post-separation financial planning: Many women seek advice following family breakdowns or when merging finances in blended families. Often, this is their first time taking full control of their financial lives.
2. Cost of living pressures: With housing costs consuming a large portion of household incomes, making smart decisions with the remaining funds is more crucial than ever.
Women, just like me, are screaming out for help. They want to find someone to support them in the chaos of their lives, someone they can trust to guide them. Many have little understanding of their finances but want to take control of this aspect of their lives. They are time-poor, carry a significant mental load, and have no time for life admin. When I meet with them, they are often close to breaking point!
What do you believe makes you stand out from the crowd?
At the heart of my practice are empathy and understanding. I have walked in their footsteps, so I know what they are going through and what they need to get back on track. I don’t just offer advice; I stand beside my clients through all their ups and downs, guiding them through financial complexities. I’m their advocate, their supporter, and someone who truly cares about their overall wellbeing.
My ability to recognise and address the financial anxiety many women face is crucial. Importantly, I help clients understand how their money stories shape their financial behaviours and guide them towards healthier financial mindsets and practices.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my commitment to being more than just a financial adviser. I’m a partner in my clients’ journeys towards financial empowerment and success.
Want to find out more?
Feeling overwhelmed by your finances or life in general? Don’t navigate this journey alone. I’m on a mission to help educate and empower women to maximise their financial potential, reduce their stress, and unlock the freedom to focus on what is most important in their lives. Whatever your goals might be in life, I can provide tailored strategies and professional advice to help you get there. Get in touch to find out more.
