Going for chartered status is a significant moment in any financial planning career, and Hannah and Kelsie, have both recently gained their chartered qualification. In a recent interview we discussed their ambition and dedication, why financial planning was the career for them, as well as their broader accomplishments as they head to their next chapter.
What’s been your biggest motivation to becoming chartered?
Kelsie: I’d been doing the Financial Planning Assistant (FPA) role for some time and had achieved my level 4 diploma, at this point I then had to decide whether I’d like to go for a financial planner role, and with that going for my chartered status and studying towards those exams. To get a better insight I trialled some elements of the financial planning role and the team around me helped to build my confidence. They were always happy to help, and there was never a silly question which created a really supportive environment for me to feel ready to start my training.
Hannah: I’ve always viewed the chartered status as representing a high standard of professionalism, and I think clients also have the same view. I was particularly motivated to becoming chartered because as a young planner, I think this helps build trust with clients, shows credibility, and importantly, increases their confidence in you.
What does being chartered now mean for you?
Kelsie: I’m currently getting my teeth into the job specifics and transitioning from my FPA work to doing the FP role full time. The education and exams get you to one place, but the experience and doing the role day-to-day really does impact and support your learning.
Hannah: For me it reflects my hard work and time that I have put into improving my knowledge and skills. I’m so pleased to now have chartered status and really proud of what I’ve achieved.
How did you find the process?
Kelsie: The exams are a pinch point, they are time consuming alongside a full-time job, and fitting the studying in before and after work and at weekends can sometimes be a challenge. You have to be really dedicated, it took me just over a year to complete, but I can look back now and safely say it was worth it.
Hannah: I did find it really challenging, although the hard work has paid off! My main challenge was balancing a busy work week, with studying and having a personal life (which I did have to sacrifice for a while!) It involved fitting my studying in before and after work and sometimes doing 60-70 hour weeks. I did find it hard, and there were tears, but it has definitely been worth it, and I feel my knowledge and skills have greatly expanded.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Kelsie: Take the time it deserves, to respect the qualification. There is no pressure to complete in a certain timeframe. Having someone else going through it at the same time is also important and you can go through exam questions together which really helps.
Hannah: The hard work and time is worth it!
Did any particular resources / mentors help you on your way?
Kelsie: I had a number of people and supportive resources, several of my colleagues were studying at the same time, so we had regular study groups, Farida who I work alongside has been a fantastic mentor as well as NextGen.
Hannah: I independently studied as well as following NextGen Planners 60-day guided study programme for the CISI Level 6 exam. This was a great programme to follow and really helped in solidifying my knowledge. They also went through the structure of the exam and gave exam technique tips which was so helpful. Martin who I work with day-to-day has also been a fantastic support and a real mentor in my learning.
What aspects of working in financial planning do you find most rewarding?
Kelsie: When a client comes in with a question or has confusion about what their life looks like, it’s really reassuring being able to give them peace of mind that they can go on a lovely holiday or support their children. Seeing clients reach their goals is always a lovely feeling and being able to take the fear of finances away from people is something that I find really rewarding.
Hannah: It’s so rewarding being able to help clients to achieve their goals and being able to have a positive impact on their lives. Clients are sometimes frugal with their money and need reassurance or confirmation that it is okay to spend their money and enjoy life! There have been a couple of examples where clients have been ‘on the fence’ about whether to retire early, go on a once in a lifetime trip, or move home and through our work we have shown them that they can afford it, and encouraged them to go for it! I love that you also have long-term relationships with clients so you can then hear the amazing things they’ve been doing when you see them next.
Can you share a memorable success story, either client or career?
Hannah: Probably my most memorable success story for my career was winning the CISI undergraduate educational trust award. Each university nominated a candidate, and the process involved a short essay, a general knowledge test and an interview by industry professionals. Following winning, I was invited to a memorable awards evening at Masion house in London to celebrate the various award winners.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Kelsie: My working day mainly consists of a morning run or gym session, walking to work and then spending time catching up on clients, and making sure we’re moving things on that need to be. Meeting follow up from the previous week or day and then meeting prep for future meetings. I spend a lot of time writing reports and then at the end of my day, I walk home, spend time with my boyfriend, have dinner and try to catch up with friends or family.
Hannah: It does vary but a typical day could involve dealing, writing recommendation reports, cashflow modelling and client meetings, I like to go on walks and see friends and family in my spare time, so I do try to fit that in with my working week.
What next? What would you like your future to look like?
Kelsie: I would really like my colleagues and clients to see me as a really good FP, it’s early days but I feel like I’m growing in confidence every day. There will be more exams in the future as I keep on top of my professional development, our industry is always evolving.
Hannah: I enjoy learning and always want to expand my knowledge and skills, which is good as there are what seems like endless exams or qualifications you can obtain within the financial planning profession! I’m currently working towards being signed off so that I can manage my own clients, then I would like to gain the level 7 certified financial planner qualification, which I hopefully plan to do in the near future.
What impact do you hope to make in your clients’ lives over the next few years?
Kelsie: I’d love to be the go-to for clients, if they have a worry, they can come to me and I can help them navigate their concerns by providing really good advice that makes them feel comfortable in what they’re trying to achieve for their life.
Hannah: I hope that I am able to take the ‘worry out of money’ for clients. Help them set and achieve their goals and gain the most out of life with their finances, as well as helping them to feel financially secure. Improving their financial literacy to empower them to make informed decisions about their money is something I’m really passionate about and to hopefully build long-lasting trusting relationships with them where they feel confident in my recommendations.
Thank you Kelsie and Hannah for taking the time to talk about your recent achievements. Wishing you every luck as you navigate your financial planning career.
