Finding The Right Money Advice

Remember to conduct a due diligence before finalisng a financial planner.

- Anagh Pal

Financial planning has always been difficult for Gurugram-based professional Geetanjali Shivdasani, 29. Juggling a full-time job and family that comprises her 10-year-old son and grandmother often leaves her drained in terms of managing finances and making conscious investments.

She did have some savings but at the same time, she realised that her monthly income was not being channelised through prudent investments and conscious savings behaviour. “I felt the need to provide a definite structure to my finances and regain confidence, so that my career path and associated earnings would enable me to achieve my goals,” said Shivdasani.

It was then that she started looking for a financial planner. For her, it was important that her financial advisor truly understood her life’s journey, successes and challenges as well as her money psychology.

Similarly, Bengaluru-based professional Sarath Chandra Gudlvaletti, 40, felt the need of appointing financial planner after the birth of his daughter in 2014. While the couple had already started their journey in terms of soft financial planning, they geared up to seek professional help upon becoming parents.

“The need for a financial planner or an advisor is there all through one’s life. It is just that we realise it when we become concerned about our future, like when we are married, have children or nearing retirement,” said Chenthil R Iyer, Founder and Chief Strategist, Horus Financial Consultants. However, ideally, one should seek financial advice as soon as one starts earning. Starting early always helps rather than approaching a financial planner after having made a few financial mistakes, added Iyer.