Laura Collins

Hello! I am Laura and I have been providing financial planning advice to local families for over fifteen years. I believe everyone should have access to high quality, uncomplicated and honest financial advice. All too often, hard-working everyday people ask me "Laura what’s the secret?" My answer is always the same... Three simple steps 1. UNDERSTAND what your financial position right now! Unfortunately, too many people have the perception that financial advice, is a service only needed by the wealthy. The truth, is that any income earning adult would benefit from engaging in regular financial planning reviews. The first step in my advice process is to understand exactly where my clients’ finances are now and then demonstrate what position they will be in at retirement, if they take no action and remain on their current course. 2. DECIDE where you want your financial position to be, at a certain point in time! Many people I have had the pleasure to meet have never actually sat down and thought about their retirement years. Again, perception often being that it is too far away to worry about right now. The second part of my advice process is to help my clients visualise themselves in their ideal retirement! Exploring questions like - How old are they? Where do they live? How often do they travel? Who do they support? What fills their days? Once I have a clear understanding of what my clients’ individual aspirations are, I can model what financial position they would ideally need to be in, at a certain point in time to achieve them! 3. PRIORITISE what are you are willing to commit toward your financial plan! Once I have taken my clients through step 1 & 2 it is time to focus on reality! We start by writing down in detail what income they have coming in, what expenditure they have going out and determine what they truly have to work with, at this stage of life. This is the part of the advice process where I often challenge my clients to prioritise, what is most important to them. Once we have agreed an affordable amount to commit to their financial plan, I then remodel the difference inaction and action will make. I always tell my clients something is better than nothing and a plan in any form, is better than no plan at all! The key is to revisit your plan and commitment on a regular basis. In summary, when my clients fully understand their position, visualise their retirement and honestly assess their financial capabilities on a regular basis. They tell me they feel more in control of their financial future and have more confidence that their life plans can actually be achieved. My recommendation is to ignore preconceptions and arrange a financial review meeting to draw up a financial plan as soon as possible. I live in Derry City and typically cover Counties Londonderry, Tyrone & Fermanagh. Although I am also widely experienced in providing Financial Advice to anyone, anywhere via remote & secure video meeting technology. Thank you for taking the time to read my VouchedFor profile and I look forward to having the opportunity of speaking with you in future. As a proud partner of M&G Wealth Advice. I am able to provide advise on a range of products from Prudential (Part of M&G PLC) and other carefully selected providers. This is known as a restricted advice service. Ardent Wealth Limited is an appointed representative of M&G Wealth Advice Limited. “M&G Wealth Advice” is a trading name of M&G Wealth Advice Limited which is registered in England and Wales. Registered office at 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London EC3M 5AG. Registered number 5739054. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.