Only a minority of Australians receiving qualified financial advice: FPA

“These findings are very worrying,” said Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA. “The research indicates not only that few Australians are currently seeking financial advice, but that they don’t have any intention addressing the problem in the near future. The concern is that those who are in most need of advice, people in lower income households approaching retirement, do not receive it. This will place a great strain on the entire economy and the pension system.

The research also found that only one in three (34%) Australians say they know where to find a financial planner whom they can trust.

“The FPA community understands that there is much progress to be made in educating Australians about the benefits that quality financial advice can make to their families’ lives. We have just completed our 13th annual Financial Planning Week, which aims not only to educate, but also to give Australians the chance to experience financial advice first hand, by having their questions answered by financial experts for free.”

“However, we realise that more needs to be done to improve access to qualified financial planners in an open forum. The FPA would therefore like to invite the general public to join the FPA community for breakfast at our Professionals Congress in Sydney on October 17th. They will also have the unique opportunity to hear Victoria Cross recipient and Father of the Year Benjamin Roberts-Smith speak at the opening plenary session,” said Rantall.

Mr Rantall continued, “Despite the best efforts of the FPA community, clearly not enough Australians understand what a financial planner can do for them, and what they should look for when seeking advice. In opening our Professionals Congress to consumers, we aim to demystify financial advice and empower everyone to improve their financial wellbeing. Attendees will be able to learn exactly what planners do, firsthand. We will also talk about what it takes to become a financial planner what questions to ask and how to find a qualified trusted professional.

“We encourage anyone who can to please join us on October 17th in Sydney. And, don’t forget that if you are looking for a Certified Financial Planner in your area, visit our Find a Planner tool. If you would like to ask a question for free, check out our Ask an Expert page,” concluded Rantall.

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Erin Brockovich

The FPA today announced that Erin Brockovich will be the final addition to the impressive line-up of speakers presenting to delegates of the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) inaugural National Congress to be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 and 18 October 2013.

Matthew Rowe, FPA Chairman said: “The FPA community is delighted to announce that Erin Brockovich will close the inaugural FPA National Congress this year. Erin is an inspirational woman whose strong determination and unwavering commitment to help others is something we should all aspire to.”

Victoria Cross winner, Benjamin Roberts-Smith, will open the National Congress with his story of unity, teamwork and going above and beyond the call of duty in combat operations around the world. Second plenary speaker, author and renowned international speaker, Carl Richards CFP®, will use simple sketches to make complex financial concepts come to life and open up conversations around understanding and trust. Richards is attending Your Congress from the United States, where he has an admirable reputation in the financial planning profession.

“Each speaker at Your Congress has been hand-picked as leaders that the FPA community can relate to. We are sure that Carl Richards’ simple, yet thought provoking speech will help you rethink your approach to client conversations. Ben’s fascinating tales about dedication to a cause – improving the lives of others – is something we should all be thinking about, and a cause we all share.”

“We may not be risking our lives, but helping improve all Australians’ lives through better financial planning and security, particularly in retirement, is a cause worth fighting for and one that the FPA is always working towards.”

Registrations to the FPA’s inaugural National Congress are now open, and we welcome current planners, international leaders and the planners of the future to the professional event of the year. The National Congress is focused on the purpose and influence of financial planners and the passion that the FPA community has to make a difference to people’s lives – by helping clients plan and manage their financial health and future.

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