The true value of a financial advisor

By Jessica Martyn

Properly managed finances can set you up for the kind of life you truly want – but creating that life on your own can feel like an uphill battle. A good financial advisor can help you turn that battle into a victory lap.

Managing money well is key to maximising quality of life, and although many of us think ourselves financially savvy, this is a process fraught with potential pitfalls. 

Given the complexity of financial decisions and the risk of loss, a DIY approach to wealth management can lead to confusion, stress, lost time, and missed opportunities, particularly amidst changes in the market or legislation.

Over the past few years, financial markets have been increasingly volatile, characterised by inflation, soaring interest rates, and declining income and equity – and at times like these, trusted financial advisors are worth their weight in gold.

After all, with outsourcing a common trend across everything from accounting and legal representation to pet care, the question begs to be asked: why wouldn’t you hire a highly experienced professional to handle your financials? 

The true value of working with an advisor

The benefits of expert, customised wealth planning are many, particularly as advisors can cover everything from insurance needs, charitable planning, and legacy to custom requests within long-term client relationships. 

As client needs become more complex and the need for personalised service grows, advisors are building and spearheading a network of experts to help create comprehensive, customised long-term plans – not just for investors, but for entire families. 

The core of an advisor’s value proposition for investors is two-fold: active investing (diversification and regular rebalancing to keep your risk profile on track) and peace of mind (guidance and behavioural coaching to manage emotions and prevent panic buying or selling). 

With this underpinning, professional private wealth advice and a well-constructed portfolio can generate impressive excess returns – which, in 2023, amounted to at least 5.9%. 



Choosing a financial advisor 

A financial advisor’s ability to deliver results hinges on certain personal and professional qualities. 

Early in the selection process, the following questions should be front of mind:

• Do they treat you like a person rather than a portfolio, providing responsive service? 
• Do they know how to balance the likelihood of failure and success, handle deviations, and make decisions accordingly? 
• Do they set clear expectations around their services, strategies, and performance, and then meet those expectations?
• Do they have key qualities such as curiosity, authenticity, honesty, discipline, and passion? 

Shadforth Financial works hard to deliver on these points, putting their advisors through ongoing rigorous training and certification programs throughout their careers. 

With a 100-year history and many Barron’s Award winners on their team, Shadforth Financial have truly demonstrated expertise, discipline, and professionalism in their field. 

The company also embraces the philosophy of Phillip Gillard, who emphasises the importance of understanding a client’s tolerance to risk. 

As Gillard said, “The appropriate risk profile is based on client cashflows, building an appropriate allocation in low-risk assets, and investing the balance into shares and property.” 

Backing up this proven philosophy, Shadforth Financial also boasts an advisory team that CEO Terry Dillon proudly describes as the best in the business. 

“I’d trust any one of them with all of my money – in fact, I do trust one of them with it,” Mr Dillon says. 

“With the help of technology, we can build scenario models, lifetime cash flow models and keep bringing people back to the reason that they came to us: achieving their life goals.”