by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, PicketFence.Life
I have wondered many times, if I am ever in the position to choose an expedition guide for a trip, who would it be? The likes of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Vin Diesel, Bear Grylls, or the steady hand of a game ranger? The most obvious question is ultimately who will die for me? Yes, it is that serious?
During any trip many things can go wrong, dangers lurk around every corner, and surely you want the guide that really knows his turf and who will even give up his own life for you.
A person would be silly thinking the hunk will get you up Mount Everest – I will rather leave my life in the safe hands of the Sherpas doing this for a living. They know and understand that mountain better that anybody else.
If you take a trip into wild Africa I really would prefer the ranger that understands every elephant’s moods, Mr. Lion’s den, and if there is a cliff just around the corner….
As entrepreneurs we all know the crucial part that a coach plays in our lives and business journeys. All our blind spots are seen by them and they push us to reach higher and to keep on going.
A gym instructor yelling for another push up, and another…. We realise that the best way to learn and to survive is to have an experienced leader next to you enduring the full journey with you.
In our financial field we are still falling over our own feet. In this day and age of Google, any person is a financial Advisor. Your uncle at the Sunday lunch, a journalist in a magazine, your best buddy has just made money by joining her boyfriend’s investment portfolio, and no one really understands medical insurance vs medical aid.
This makes my hair stand on end. I can see the train in the distance. More than 25 years in the industry I have seen it happening many times. Often with disastrous outcomes.
In the bush - the experienced game ranger; on the mountain - the experienced climber; on the sea - the experienced skipper; with your money? - the experienced, professional Financial Advisor.
Make absolutely sure that they have the professional body’s stamp of approval. That they went through rigorous exams and still do every year to keep up to date with the ever changing financial world. It is acknowledged as a professional occupation all over the globe. Registered Financial Planners, Certified Financial Planners can be found on many websites e.g. www.Fpi.co.za or www.FSB.co.za or on any corporate Insurance and banking websites www.Oldmutual.com, www.Nedbank.co.za
Find your fit. Someone that will stay with you throughout your full journey, no matter what! They must have your best interests at heart; they will give you the best sound advice - whether you think it is wrong is not the issue. Their job is to manage your risk, your financial health, and your wealth growth - lasting your life-time and way after. Don’t accept the first person you meet. Shop around, ask around, and ask for referred advisors. Your money must work for you one day in order for you to enjoy life.
Get a guide that will show you exactly HOW!
Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, is providing access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. It gives practical tips and help and is the expert on your side of the fence. --- You can reach Eldari at www.picketfence.lifeor www.askgerald.com
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