FAQS

Done right, financial planning is a process that helps you answer the following questions:

1. Where you are financially today? We review your current financial situation.

2. Where you want to go? We find out what you want, your objectives and goals for the future.

3. How are we going to get there? The route map.

Everyone needs financial advice from time to time. Maybe you need help with your investments, retirement pot? Maybe you see retirement on the horizon and you want to know how you can afford it. Maybe retirement is here and you need to know how to make your money last. Maybe you are doing your own investing and you want to make sure you are doing the right thing. The list goes on and on.

Anyone can say that he or she is a financial advisor. Find out what the qualifications, credentials and life experiences of your “planner” or “advisor” are before you pay them anything or entrust them with your finances. We offer a no-obligation, get acquainted meeting via phone or in person.

Financial Planning Matters is part of The Trusted Advisor Group and also are trusted partners of Zurich, Irish Life, Aviva, Standard Life, New Ireland, Royal London, Greenman Investments and Wealth Options.

Each member of our team is required to be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional— or be in the process of earning the designation. This means that the advisor has taken extensive training, adheres to a rigorous code of ethics and is registered with a state or the Securities Exchange Commission.

We adhere to the CFP® Board Code of Ethics and Practice Standards and also hold an MSc in Financial services from UCD.

We put the client’s interests first. Act with the prudence, skill, care, diligence and good judgment of a professional. And will provide full and fair disclosure of all important facts.

We do not sell products, only time and expertise. We do offer specific recommendations and opinions on various products and services that may be appropriate for a client’s situation. We then can advise a client where to obtain the product or service.

So, if you need to obtain an insurance policy, invest in a portfolio of funds or find an estate planning specialist or tax professional, we can direct you to the resources you need or help you obtain these products and services.

Yes. We have no minimums income levels or net worth requirements. We are proud to work with people from all walks of life.

No. We have no income or investment account minimums.

Any individual or family seeking financial peace of mind can benefit from our services. We serve people from all walks of life. Clients have the flexibility to work with us on a one-time, as-needed, or ongoing basis. We welcome clients who simply need a one-time financial consultation or a second opinion, as well as those who need full financial planning or ongoing investment management services. In addition, any business or organisation seeking quality unbiased financial education for their employees or members can benefit from financial education programs.

Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. We can provide a professional review or second opinion.

Education is the key to increasing employee participation. We can help your people understand the benefits of your programs. We can customize a training program for your organisation.

We provide advice for all types of financial planning needs.

Absolutely not. We offer recommendations in our professional opinion that will meet your needs and objectives. It makes sense to shop around for the best product or service. For example, if you need a life insurance policy or disability policy, we will suggest the kind of policy, which riders and amounts may be best for you. We will direct you to a choice of companies that provide a quality product, with a competitive price for you. If you desire, we can help you purchase investments and or establish your account with a third-party custodian.

As a financial advisor and investment consultant, we believe in the following fundamental principles when it comes to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations: The purpose of a client’s investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives.

The design of the portfolio must take into account the client’s financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes. The important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. A difference of opinion makes a market. Investment and economic “experts” provided with the same information often come to different conclusions. 

We do not suggest that we, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that we may recommend, will make the correct decision every time.

We do believe, however, that studying the historic trends and relationships of investment classes and the philosophies and approaches of successful investment managers can provide valuable insight. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio.

We believe that a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, combined with long-term strategies, affordability, and patience, increases the likelihood that one will achieve his or her long-term financial objectives.

Before recommending any investment, we consider the current economic conditions, the outlook for a particular asset class or type of security, and how the investment fits within a client’s portfolio given his or her objectives and tolerance for risk. We strive to obtain the most appropriate investment vehicles to meet a client’s objectives while being very conscious of total expenses and risk exposure.

Our fees are based on the actual time meeting with a client or via the phone, researching and analysing that client’s current situation, and providing specific recommendations and implementation assistance if needed. Please see our Services section for more information including our fixed-fee options.

Financial planning fees are determined on a project basis. The total fee will vary based on the specific needs and complexity of your situation. An estimate is provided after the “Get Acquainted” meeting when your personal needs are identified.

Our first step is an initial enquiry. You can reach out to us at questions@fpms.ie. The initial get-acquainted meeting is no cost and no obligation and we’ll discuss which of our services is appropriate for you. The result is greater peace of mind. Contact us.