What I’ve Learned About Being a Good Financial Adviser…

After six years in financial services, and with just one exam left before qualifying as a Chartered Financial Planner, I’ve found myself thinking more about how I advise, not just what I advise on.

Technical knowledge, qualifications and experience are all important. But the longer I work with clients, the clearer it becomes that great advice goes far beyond numbers, products or performance charts. At its best, financial planning is deeply human - knowing when to pause, listen, and understand.

As I continue to shape my own approach as an adviser, these are qualities I’ve come to value most.

1. It starts with purpose

Advice should be driven by wanting to help people move closer to their goals, not simply implementing transactions. When the focus is right, everything else tends to follow.

2. Empathy matters

Behind every plan there’s a person, a family, and a mixture of hopes and worries. Understanding that money is rarely just about money requires listening, patience, and genuine empathy, fundamentally changing how advice is delivered.

3. Listening beats talking (most of the time)

Early on, I thought being helpful meant filling every silence. I’ve since learned that some of the most valuable moments come from listening properly and asking the right follow‑up questions – ones that spark reflection and clarity.

4. Curiosity matters

Client curiosity: the more curious I am about a client’s values, priorities and goals, the better the advice tends to be.
Professional curiosity: staying open to new ideas and continuously developing technical knowledge is just as important.

5. Honesty builds trust

Clients don’t expect perfection. They do value clear explanations, realistic expectations, and someone who will take the time to ensure they come back with the considered answer.  

6. Discipline through uncertainty

Markets go up, down, and sideways, often with dramatic headlines attached. Staying disciplined (and helping clients do the same) can be one of the most valuable parts of the job.

7. You never really finish learning

Being close to Chartered status feels like a milestone, not a finish line. Every client conversation and market cycle adds another layer of experience.

I don’t believe there’s a one‑size‑fits‑all adviser. But I do believe the best advisers share a commitment to professionalism, empathy, honesty, curiosity and a genuine desire to do the right thing.

These are the principles I’m continuing to build into my own approach, and ones I hope clients feel when they work with me.