Darren A Smith  

DipPFS, Certs CII (MP and ER), CeMAP

My first days in financial services began back in 1996 and since then I have undertaken different roles which I believe gives me a unique insight into how the services of your high street bank can differ from that of an independent financial adviser.

The main difference to me is the fact that my first priority is to my clients and their needs. Financial planning can be complex and for some the whole topic can be a little overwhelming. Part of my role with clients is to ensure that they have the knowledge to make their financial decisions.  - I know that this can only be achieved by spending enough time with my clients to properly understand their objectives and to ensure that my recommendations link back to them.

My aim is to enable my clients to achieve financial independence. What does that mean? Well, it means that my clients get to choose what to do, when to do it and how much to spend because they had the foresight to plan ahead.

Time is our greatest financial planning tool, the more time we have to make and implement our plans the better; but we cannot afford to dither we have to choose one option over another.

"Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides"  (M. Thatcher)

Retirement for me is some time off yet but it does not mean that I do not understand the need to plan ahead. My qualifications as an independent financial adviser are enhanced with every new client I meet. For each one of them has a different circumstance that means that I have to find different ways of planning for and meeting them. The benefit to my clients is that they know they can look forward to a bespoke financial plan rather than having to pick something "off the high street shelf".

If you would like to have a chat about your financial plans, please feel free to get in touch. I have clients across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire and I am happy to travel to see you in the comfort of your own home.

You can reach me on 01256 636437, feel free to leave me a message.

About 2plan

2plan are a National IFA business providing independent, whole of market advice, structure and complete compliance and technology services to self-employed financial advisers across the UK, supported by one of the UK's largest insurance companies, Standard Life.