Frequently asked questions.
FAQ: About Lead Your Life and its approach:
What does "Leading Your Life" truly mean in the context of financial advice?
"Leading Your Life" is our core philosophy. It means empowering you to take conscious control of your financial future, aligning your money with your life's aspirations. It's about moving beyond just numbers to build a life you're truly proud of, with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
How is your approach "more than financial advice"?
While we provide expert financial advice, our approach goes deeper. We focus on you as a whole person, understanding your values, wellbeing, and life goals. We craft strategies that not only manage your finances but also support your overall life vision, ensuring your money serves your life, not the other way around.
What is the synergy between financial wellbeing and physical wellbeing that you mention?
We believe that financial stress can impact your physical health, and good physical health often contributes to mental clarity needed for sound financial decisions. Our approach recognizes this connection, and we offer resources and referrals to support both your financial and physical wellbeing, as they are intrinsically linked to leading a fulfilling life.
How do you tailor your services to individual circumstances?
Our approach is "Tailored, Not Template." We start by listening deeply to understand your unique views, needs, and tolerances. We then design strategies and deliver solutions that are specifically aligned with your individual circumstances, goals, and aspirations, ensuring you get a plan that truly works for you.
What is the "Plan A" and "Plan B" approach, and how does it work in practice?
Our unique "Plan A" and "Plan B" approach ensures both your aspirations and your security are addressed. "Plan A" is your vision – the life you envision, and the path to achieving your financial independence and goals. "Plan B" focuses on protecting that vision. It involves strategic risk management and insurance solutions to safeguard your "Plan A" life against unexpected events like illness, injury, or premature death, ensuring your future remains secure.
How do you help clients gain clarity and take conscious control of their financial future?
We prioritise "Clarity Over Jargon." We communicate in a straightforward way, ensuring you understand every aspect of your financial solutions. By providing clear insights and showing you the path forward, we empower you to make informed decisions, giving you true control and awareness of your financial journey.
How do you stay up-to-date with industry changes and regulations?
The financial services industry is constantly evolving. We are committed to continuous professional development, regularly participating in industry training, seminars, and staying abreast of legislative and regulatory changes. This ensures that the advice you receive is always current, compliant, and reflective of the latest best practices.
What are your qualifications and experience?
I have over 25 years of extensive experience supporting Financial Advisers and institutions within the Financial Services Industry. I founded Lead Your Life to directly apply this deep expertise to empower individuals and businesses. My background encompasses a wide range of financial planning and risk management areas, complemented by my practical experience in high-stakes environments as a Senior Lifeguard.
I hold the National Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), in Life & Health, Investments and Residential Property, and I am a licensed financial adviser FSP1009816.
Other qualifications that I hold are BCOM from University of Auckland, Certificate in Management from University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
FAQ: Specific Financial Concepts and Services:
What is KiwiSaver, and how can you help me make informed decisions about it?
KiwiSaver is a voluntary, work-based savings scheme designed to help New Zealanders save for their retirement. We specialise in providing generalised advice to help you navigate its complexities, ensuring your contributions, fund choices, and overall strategy align with your unique financial goals for a secure future.
Can you explain the different types of personal insurance (Medical, Income Protection, Trauma, TPD, Life Insurance) and why I might need them?
Each type of personal insurance serves a crucial purpose in safeguarding your financial wellbeing:
Medical Insurance: Provides financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs, giving you access to quality private medical care when you need it.
Income Protection Insurance: Offers a regular monthly payment if you're unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you maintain your lifestyle and meet financial commitments during recovery.
Trauma Insurance: Provides a lump-sum payment if you suffer a specified serious illness or condition, offering crucial financial support during challenging times.
Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) Insurance: Delivers a lump-sum payment if you become permanently unable to work due to serious illness or injury, providing vital long-term financial security.
Life Insurance: Provides a lump-sum payment to your chosen beneficiaries upon your death or diagnosis with a terminal illness, offering financial security and peace of mind for your loved ones.
We help you understand which types are most relevant to your specific needs and situation.
What does Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance cover?
TPD insurance provides a lump-sum payment if you suffer an illness or injury that permanently prevents you from working in your usual occupation or any occupation you are suited for by education, training, or experience. It's designed to provide significant financial security for you and your family if your ability to earn an income is permanently lost.
You mention Fire and General Domestic Insurance as a referral; what does this typically include?
Fire and General Domestic Insurance typically refers to policies that protect your personal assets from common risks. This includes things like Home Insurance (for your house and property), Contents Insurance (for your belongings inside your home), and Car Insurance (for your vehicle). While we don't provide these directly, we refer you to our trusted commercial partner, Blanket Advice Limited, who specialise in these areas.
For businesses, what are Shareholder Protection, Debt Protection, and Key Person Protection?
These are vital business insurance solutions designed to protect your company's stability:
Shareholder Protection: Ensures continuity of business ownership if a shareholder dies or becomes incapacitated, allowing remaining shareholders to buy out the affected shareholding.
Debt Protection: Provides funds to repay business debts if a key individual (like an owner or guarantor) dies or becomes seriously ill/disabled, preventing financial strain on the business.
Key Person Protection: Offers financial compensation to the business if a crucial employee (whose absence would significantly impact operations or profits) dies or becomes seriously ill/disabled. It helps cover lost revenue, recruitment costs, and provides stability.
What is Estate Planning, and what is the difference between a Will, Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), and a Trust?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and disposal of your estate upon your death or incapacitation.
A Will is a legal document that outlines how your assets (money, property, belongings) should be distributed after your death.
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to do so yourself, covering either property or personal care and welfare.
A Trust is a legal arrangement where assets are held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary). It can be used for asset protection, wealth management, and specific distribution goals, often bypassing the probate process.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid and confirming the authority of the executor (the person named in the will to manage the estate) to administer the deceased person's estate. If someone dies with assets exceeding a certain value (currently $15,000 in New Zealand), their will often needs to go through probate before assets can be distributed.
What is the AIA Vitality program, and how can it benefit me?
AIA Vitality is a health and wellbeing program offered by AIA insurance. It's designed to help you understand your health, improve your health through active participation (like tracking steps, getting health checks, and eating well), and get rewarded with discounts on insurance premiums, everyday benefits, and more. It encourages a healthier lifestyle which can, in turn, benefit your long-term wellbeing and financial security.
What does SME stand for, and how do your services cater to this market?
SME stands for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise. This refers to businesses that are typically smaller in size than large corporations, often characterized by fewer employees, lower revenue, and simpler management structures. Our services are specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by SME owners, including strategic planning, risk protection, and employee benefit solutions to help them grow and thrive.
FAQ: Expertise and Trust:
Why should I trust Lead Your Life with my financial future?
We build trust through "open and honest communication," "clear expectations," and "truthful insights." Our commitment is to act with the highest level of integrity, fulfilling our commitments, protecting your information, and always exercising the greatest discretion. With over 25 years of industry experience and a passion for empowering clients, we are dedicated to being your reliable partner.
How does your background, including your role as a Lifeguard, inform your approach to risk management?
My experience as a Senior Lifeguard at Piha has deeply ingrained the principles of risk management. Just as on the beach, my professional expertise focuses on prevention and using strategic approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes. This means identifying potential risks, proactively planning for them, and putting robust strategies in place to safeguard your financial wellbeing.
What is your process for working with clients?
Our process begins with a "Free Discovery Call" to understand your unique needs and goals without obligation or fees. From there, we work collaboratively to define your "Plan A" vision, then develop and implement tailored "Plan B" protection strategies. We ensure clear communication, provide clarity over jargon, and guide you every step of the way to ensure your solutions align perfectly with your aspirations.
What kind of relationships do you have with Product Providers and Referral Partners?
We have established strong relationships with a range of trusted Product Providers and Referral Partners. Each of our partners have agreements in place that ensure that we act with professionalism and protect your privacy at all times.
Practical / Process Focused FAQs:
How do your fees work for your services?
Our initial Discovery Call and Advice Process is always free and without obligation. During this call, and further meetings we'll discuss your needs and outline how our services are charged. For our services, we may be remunerated directly by product providers. We will always ensure complete transparency about any costs upfront so you can make informed decisions.
What information will I need to provide for our initial call?
For our initial Free Discovery Call, you don't need to bring any specific documents. It's an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss your aspirations, and understand your current financial situation at a high level. If we proceed, we'll guide you on what information will be helpful for the planning process, which will include any existing covers or solutions that you have in place.
How often should I review my financial plan or insurance policies?
Life changes, and so should your financial plan! We recommend reviewing your financial plan and insurance policies at least annually, or whenever there's a significant life event such as a new job, marriage, birth of a child, purchasing a home, or starting a business. We'll help you stay on track and adjust your strategies as needed.
What kind of ongoing support do you offer after a plan is put in place?
Our relationship doesn't end once your plan is in place. We provide ongoing support, including regular reviews of your strategies, updates on market changes, and being available to answer your questions as they arise. We support you with any changes that you need to make, as well as assist you with any claims that you may have. We are your long-term partner in leading your financial life.
Are you able to help clients who are not based in Piha/Auckland?
Absolutely! While we are based in Piha, Auckland, we leverage technology to serve clients across New Zealand. We can conduct meetings virtually, ensuring you receive the same personalised and high-quality advice regardless of your location.
Ready to take the lead?
The first step is to book a call, we can then decide together what is the best way to support your goals. For your peace of mind, there are no obligations to proceed or fees to pay.