How will a financial consultation help me?
If you’re a Preferred Banking client, you’ll know you can quickly get in touch with an adviser. But you might be wondering exactly how these consultations can help you or what sort of people are on our team. Here’s your chance to meet Inge Derksen, one of the advisers on our Preferred Banking team.
How long have you been an adviser at ABN AMRO?
“This is my 35th year at the bank! I’ve worked in many roles in the province of Gelderland throughout my career, starting as an ABN AMRO branch manager and joining the Preferred Banking team as an adviser in 2001.
What do you enjoy most about talking to clients?
I love hearing about clients’ dreams and wishes for the future and helping them work out exactly what they need. Most consultations start off quite broadly. Once we’ve managed to pinpoint what clients want, we’ll focus on the next steps and produce a plan of action. I love opening clients’ minds to things they might not have realised and finding solutions to those issues together. At the end of the day, my role is to help clients understand financial subjects and put them in a better position to decide what works for them. Having a clear picture of your finances gives people peace of mind and opens doors.
Are some clients more knowledgeable than others?
Of course. However, knowing the facts doesn’t automatically mean you truly understand financial matters. Money management might just not be your thing. I was recently helping a judge who wanted to retire early. They’d built up enough wealth to do that, but they were struggling to map out a financial plan.
What are the questions you get asked most?
Lots of consultations are about early retirement, paying for children’s education, transferring wealth to children, savings and investments and, on some occasions, ways to top up your pension. However, some clients just want a better grip on their finances in general. They may have a lovely house, children and a well-paid job, but want clarity on the state of their finances and whether they can improve them. A Financial Future consultation can kick-start that journey.
How do you manage your own money?
I keep track of my weekly expenses, plan a budget and set money aside for my kids. I use Portfolio Management to invest and make some small investments myself. That’s all with a view to the future, of course. I also enjoy living in the moment, eating out, going on weekends away.
You need to think about yourself. When I split up with my partner three years ago, I was very relieved that I’d got my own finances in order. Having full insight into your financial situation puts you in control. Many women find out about the state of their partner’s finances only after divorcing or splitting up, and they’re often unclear about their own finances. It sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating: financial independence is incredibly important for women.
Do you ever schedule a consultation with colleagues?
During my separation, I made a Financial Insight report with the help of a colleague. I wanted to know how best to approach my situation and find answers to questions like: ‘is it a good idea to buy my own home right away or should I wait?’. The Financial Insight report is a tool I often use with clients, but it really gave me a lot of clarity in my own situation too. It was an anchor during that turbulent chapter of my life, giving me confidence to move forward.
What piece of advice would you give clients who want to understand their finances?
A consultation is the easiest way to begin exploring. Getting a grip on your finances sounds like a huge task, but you’ve got to start somewhere. You’ll be surprised at how good it feels to have that foundation of confidence. Check in every couple of years and see whether you need to tweak your plan based on any changes to your financial situation or tax position. A consultation is a springboard, a quick check, a way for you to gain an overview at your own pace. You might find everything is as it should be, and you’ll leave with some helpful advice.”
How can the advisers from the Preferred Banking team help you? Ask your questions right away over the chat, call us using Direct Video Banking or make an appointment.
