Setting Sail for (un) Chartered Territory

Throughout my time at Solomon’s, learning has been one of my primary objectives. When first starting on the journey of becoming an adviser (which now feels like a lifetime ago) this was, of course, an absolute necessity. To ‘learn the ropes’, so to speak.

“Learning the ropes” is a phrase that has its origin in sailing. Each sail has its own set of lines (or “ropes”) and knowing which rope did what was crucial for managing the ship effectively. Sailors had to know this to perform their duties successfully, becoming familiar with the vast and complex network of rigging used to control the ship.

We often talk about having “different levers to pull” when considering your financial plans and the best options available to you. Taking pension income as an example, pulling one lever i.e., taking income by one method can have a vastly different outcome from using another method. We help you navigate your way through the complexities of income tax laws to help to keep your financial plan on course.

Anyway, I digress…

Advisers are always learning. Not least due to the many alterations to regulations and tax law that seem to occur with each passing Budget, but also to continually improve and build upon our knowledge. I have now begun a new journey – the journey to become a Chartered Financial Planner.

This, as before, entails a whole new set of exams and accompanying textbooks that would be fit to anchor the Icon of the Seas cruise ship (no sails on that one!). As you might expect, the process is not a quick one. I am anticipating the exams taking two years to complete at a minimum.

Fortunately, my thirst for knowledge has not waned and embarking on this voyage has been something that I have been keen to do since originally qualifying as an adviser. Some would say that I am a glutton for punishment but, thankfully, the thirst for knowledge appears to be a common trait amongst the wider adviser crew.

No more ships or sailing puns, I promise!