Why Financial Planning.

He who has a why can bear almost any how - Nietzsche.

In February 2019 I made the decision to leave Fresh Eats Bristol, the business I had started with friends two years prior.

It was a difficult decision, one that had plagued me for some months. I had been the catalyst for the business, and then after two years I was hanging up my hat.

When I initially broke the news there was an instant wave of relief, letting go of the built up tension and stress from the months prior in which I had been rather unhappy. I knew that food was better placed as a hobby in my life, rather than being my career.

I left the business with no plans and spent some time feeling listless, deflated and, quite frankly, like a failure.

At some point I knew I needed to sort myself out and find a new path. I got a part time job at a local sausage restaurant and spent some time thinking about what I wanted out of life and out of a career.

One thing that became clear to me was that I wanted a life of meaning and of purpose.

Most of my working life has been in the services industry and helping others has always been where I derive the most satisfaction.

My friend Nick, who is an IFA, suggested following him into financial planning. At the time I was blissfully ignorant to the financial services industry and believed that investing was only for the Jordan Belfort's of this world.

Nick opened my eyes to the profession and after some additional reading and devouring podcasts I felt I had found my new calling.

I was drawn to the meaningful impact one could have on peoples lives through proper planning and guidance.

It was the realisation that financial planning is much more than simply helping clients with their finances, it is helping them plan for their life. Money is an intrinsic part of all our lives and is the undercurrent which runs throughout our existence on this earth.

The idea of building multi-decade relationships with clients, helping them navigate through life and having their best interests at heart spoke to me.

I have been influenced by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and social entrepreneur, who has shown that business can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Since reading Muhammad's book at university I have always wanted to offer a service which helps people and has a positive impact.

Following those first conversations with Nick, I have managed to get my foot in the door of the financial services industry and have been studying for the Diploma in Financial Planning during my spare time.

There is a long way to go and I still have a lot to learn. However, I am truly excited and energised by the challenges that lie ahead.

Thanks for reading.

Tom Redmayne

Financial Planner-in-waiting

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