See full profile: Pietermartizburg Financial Advisor- David Mason
Were you always planning to be a Financial Advisor and why?
No, I didn't know much about the industry when I returned to SA from working in the UK. I did however want to be involved in the finance industry and control my own time.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
I meet with clients where it is most convenient, we mostly meet at my office as this provides a quiet environment with access to information.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Face to Face
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about being a financial advisor
What I love most about being a financial advisor is the opportunity to work with a wide range of interesting people. I enjoy helping clients through difficult decisions. I also love the fact that I am able to structure my time so that I am able to be there for the kids.
Would you recommend becoming a financial advisor as a career for school-leavers, and why?
South Africa needs qualified financial advisors and this is a wonderful career choice if you are good at managing your own time. The sky is the limit but hard work needs to be put in.
What qualities should South Africans be looking for in their financial advisor?
I think that South Africans should be looking for a financial advisor that can offer an independent range of options, as well as someone that can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to offer advice.
What is the biggest challenge facing financial advisors today?
Biggest challenge that faces financial advisors today, is constructing retirement plans for people that have not saved enough for retirement. Unfortunately many people start too late or don't put enough money away for later and retirement catches up with them.
What aspects of financial advising do you focus on most?
I spend the majority of my time focusing on the investment and retirement aspects of my clients portfolio's. We have spent an enormous amount of time finding the best providers out there.
Describe your average client:
I can't box my clients into an average client. I have clients from all aspects of life, from very young to very old.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
New Zealand, I would say that is pretty far from my premises.
From your financial advising experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons financial goals, what would it be?
I think that many South Africans don't achieve their financial goals because they don't start early enough and are not forced to save part of their earnings. Sticking to a plan is sometimes difficult but with some help and guidance many more financial goals would be achieved.
What financial software do you like best?
We use a wonderful CRM package as well as secure cloud storage.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
We have access to numerous tools.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some financial advisor jobs and why/why not?
I don't feel that the "wave automation" will "steal" many jobs as I know that people like to interact with someone that can look in the eye. When it comes down to making that final decision, people like to be helped by someone that they can trust.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is interesting but is something that I have never played with. I think that the block-chain technology will bring some needed changes to the finance sector.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family. I love the outdoors and spend some time Hiking.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
Hiking the Otto Trail, Rafting the Orange River with the family
What has your experience been on FindanAdvisor?
I have received some high quality leads that have added value to my business.
