See full profile: Springfield Park, Durban Advisor- Nunthee Naicker
Were you always planning to be a Financial Advisor and why?
I started my career as assistance to HR management at a furniture manufacturing company. Always interacted with 200 factory staff on financial matters and wages and salaries. The idea of finance and helping individuals with money matters prompted me when the opportunity arose to join Old Mutual as a Financial Adviser in 1996. Since then I always advised potential clients on financial matters pertaining to their needs.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
I mostly go to my clients
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp.
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
No
What do you love most about being a financial advisor
The joy of helping individuals meet their goals, and at claims stage to be their with clients when they need you most.
Would you recommend becoming a financial advisor as a career for school-leavers, and why?
There are many careers to choose from, depending on the individual.
I would recommend Financial Advisor career, if the person is a peoples person, like to interact with other people and be advice driven.
The financial industry offers many benefits like, you are your own boss, you can choose the amount of money you would like to earn, you virtually become a teacher in your own right, by teaching people how to save and invest, because most people are not taught how to build wealth.
What qualities should South Africans be looking for in their financial advisor?
Qualification in the financial field, must he honest, have integrity, must be trustworthy, be approachable, and simplicity and easy to understand.
What is the biggest challenge facing financial advisors today?
Making clients understand the importance of regular reviewing their portfolio. The South African population are not keen on savings. The financial savings subject should be taught at primary school level so when the student completes studies will start to save when in a job situation.
What aspects of financial advising do you focus on most?
I follow the "Life Stage" formula of Old Mutual, and in the aspect, depending where the client is on what stage of his life and advice accordingly.
Mostly advising on Retirement Planning, Income Protection, also Risk Benefits for Family Financial Protection
Describe your average client:
I like dealing with client between age 25 to 50, earning between R15 000. to R50 000pm. Middle management to Company executives.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Locally about 50km. Also have client in other provinces, who either settled or gone on working business.
From your financial advising experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons financial goals, what would it be?
They do not save enough, although advised on their needs analysis the amount need to be saved to meet their goals on different products.
Insurance on risk benefits and on savings is the last priority on the clients list.
What financial software do you like best?
At my company we use the XPLAN tool to analyse the clients needs and I think, it is a very comprehensive software.
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Very rarely do I use any external software to advise clients because of regulations and protection of clients personal information, we are protected by using my company tools and software.
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some financial advisor jobs and why/why not?
With Regulation and automation and technology, the Financial Advisor have to be hands on with change. In most cases customers like be face to face with accredited Financial Advisors.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Cannot comment as I do not deal with them
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like doing spiritual work for family and community. Also taking out my grand children in the weekend for sports and entertainment.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To retire comfortably and be available to assist people to achieve their desired goals.
What has your experience been on FindanAdvisor?
Nothing much as I did not receive and leads or sales from the company, but I am optimistic, may be in the new year things may happen. Thank You
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
