Arranging financial advice with GESB Financial Advice is easy! Here are a few simple steps to help you maximise the use of our services.

Step 1 - Contact GESB's Member Services Centre

If you have a query regarding financial advice, call us on 13 43 72 and talk to one of our friendly GESB Member Service Centre consultants.

Depending on your situation, we may suggest you attend one of GESB's free seminars and/or meet with one of our consultants for further information.

Step 2 - Arranging an appointment

If it's agreed that you will benefit from personal financial advice then a member of the GESB Financial Advice team will contact you. This is when an initial consultation with an adviser will be arranged.  The adviser will then discuss and agree upon the type of advice and service you require.

Before your appointment we ask that you give thought to your future financial aspirations and goals.  We provide you with information about how to prepare for your initial consultation and what paperwork about your current circumstances will be required.  Part of this process involves the completion of a financial questionnaire, called the Financial Fact Find.

This preparation is designed to help you make the most of your initial consultation. Having already recorded details of your circumstances, you'll have more time to discuss your goals and objectives with your adviser.

Step 3 - Initial consultation

This step explores the benefits of our financial advice, where you will typically spend an hour discussing your lifestyle and financial goals with your adviser. During this consultation your adviser will discuss the fee involved in preparing your Statement of Advice, after agreement on the scope or topic of advice.

If you wish to proceed your adviser will prepare an engagement letter for you to sign before any advice is prepared. This will clearly establish the area(s) in which you want advice and the agreed fee.

Usually your adviser will need some time to do the necessary calculations to prepare your Statement of Advice. A second appointment will be arranged to present the advice to you in person, explain the expected outcomes and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4 - Strategy

At this stage your adviser will identify the strengths and weaknesses in your current financial position and future aspirations. Together with our analysts your adviser will model the strategy and document a path that helps attain your goals and objectives.

Step 5 - Presentation of Advice

At your second appointment, your adviser will provide you with your Statement of Advice and explain the recommendations, including the expected outcomes, the risks and any associated fees.

Step 6 - Implementation

When you are satisfied with the recommendations, your plan is ready for implementation.

Step 7 - Review

As time passes, your circumstances can change, as can the economic, tax and legal environment around you. Once you've implemented your financial plan it is important to check your progress and review your strategy for effectiveness. Your adviser can provide a review service to you, to assist in this regard.