Financial consultants help individuals and businesses manage their finances. The focus is on planning for the future by reaching certain goals and guarding against potential pitfalls. Many financial consultants have knowledge and degrees covering accounting or economics. They are usually trained by banks and private firms via internships to gain practical experience about the consulting process.
Popular Financial Consulting Services Include:
Planning a business
Financial advisors help South African business owners devise wise plans for the future. Thanks to their knowledge and insight into local economic trends, they can give advice on how to position a business. This helps to attain the most growth with the least amount of risk.
Planning personal finances
Financial advisors help South African clients prepare long term financial goals, for their personal lives and to benefit their families. These plans take economic factors into account and include the following:
- Investments
- Asset planning
- Wise budget processes
Planning for the future
The South African economy is filled with risks. One way of preventing financial problems is by planning ahead. Financial consultants help clients pick the best options in terms of:
- Pension funds
- Provident funds
- Saving plans
Financial services
South Africans need to act in line with SARS’ requirements. Some of these processes are complicated and daunting. Financial consultants help clients manage these processes by offering the following services:
- Advice on tax saving
- Assistance with tax forms submission and tax payments
Insurance services
No South African should be without insurance. This prevents financial strain whenever problems arise such as damage or theft. Financial consultants help clients—individuals and businesses—to obtain the best home, building and vehicle insurance. Life insurance is also essential. Financial consultants make this a priority, so families are well looked after if a breadwinner dies.
5 Tips when Hiring Financial Consultants
1. Enquire about their reputations
You need to make sure financial consultants don’t simply advise, but that their advice works. Do they follow their own plans? Can other clients report on how their plans were beneficial? Read reviews and do background checks before you trust someone with your money.
2. Ask about their credentials
An excellent starting point to vet financial consultants, is credentials. Ask about degrees, training and experience, so you know the person you trust is knowledgeable in relevant areas.
3. What is their customer service like?
If you need to talk about private matters, you want to feel comfortable and safe. Financial advisors should focus on offering excellent customer service. Ask about this aspect or contact their offices and see how you’re spoken to. Make sure your financial consultant treats you with respect and friendliness, so you feel confident to ask questions & share your personal information.
4. Do it sooner rather than later
Financial advisors can help you prepare for the future, so you have as few problems as possible when you—or your business—become older. The sooner you start the process, the more you can build up in terms of assets and investments.
5. Prepare yourself mentally
When you consider asking financial advisors for advice, they may guide you to make unorthodox decisions. Make peace with the fact that their way of doing business is different to what you’re accustomed to. The only way you can benefit from their skill and methods is when you embrace & use it.