Here, we share some of the highlights of what’s been happening in and around Blue Wealth.
This month, congratulations go to Mason Harrison who has been certified as a Chartered financial planner. Also, following the poll we put to you about which charity we should support, you have spoken, and the winner is clear…
Read on to find out which worthy cause got your vote and hear what Mason has to say about his latest professional achievement.
Mason Harrison is now a certified Chartered financial planner
Following on from our chat with Mason in June, 2022, when we learned about his promotion to financial planner, Mason has now achieved his Chartered financial planner certification from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Here, Mason tells us more about what was involved…
How long have you been working towards becoming a Chartered financial planner?
I started a training course with an external provider – NextGen Planners – in January 2019. That was the first time I had enrolled in any financial planning exams, although I joined Blue Wealth five months prior to this.
The training course ran to November 2020, by which point I had passed my diploma in regulated financial planning.
I jumped straight into my Chartered exams and began taking them as soon as possible. I had my last result published on 22 July.
All in all, the journey from zero to Chartered took three and a half years.
What did the process involve?
The training provider, NextGen, have been brilliant. They provided support throughout both my diploma and Chartered-level exams.
They delivered weekly webinars, practice exams, and a constant stream of hints and tips to help guide me through each exam.
Also, about a fortnight before each exam, they held a two-day intensive webinar as a final push towards the exam. This focused on making sure we were revising the right topics that were likely to come up and giving pointers on frequently asked questions.
A lot of the work also revolved around technique for these exams, which can be equally as important as the knowledge needed.
Of course, all of this happened alongside my own revision, which I did in the office after work for months on end – I’m glad that’s finished now!
What will this mean for you professionally?
This is something I have been working towards for so long, it felt miles away at some points.
The excitement of passing one exam quickly meant my attentions were turned to the next one, so to achieve the end goal has been brilliant.
It has also coupled with my role developing into a financial planner from April and having the Chartered badge has given me a massive boost in terms of the knowledge and skills I’ve developed while studying.
At Blue Wealth we look for all advisers to be Chartered to coincide with our chartered firm status, so it was also great to be in keeping with this.
Are you taking a break now, or are you already pursuing a fresh challenge?
Study-wise, a bit of break definitely!
The goal now is purely towards financial planning and finally being able to do the role I have been working towards for so long.
I have been itching to get out and see clients for a long time, so it’s great to finally be at that stage. I’ve loved speaking with new clients and it’s safe to say it was all worth it.
The hard work definitely starts now and I’m looking forward to helping lots of people take control of their financial future.
Is there anything else you wish to add?
I’m really happy that I managed to get through each exam without experiencing a single fail.
This achievement is largely due to the support from my colleagues at Blue Wealth and the training provider NextGen, who Rob (Bowers) and Dan (Britton) decided would be a great route for me back in 2019.
The guidance they have given me filled me with a massive amount of confidence going into each exam, which only grew as time went on!
With your help, Blue Wealth will support homeless charity BillyChip
From the shortlist of eight local charities that we thought deserved our support, you voted resoundingly in support of BillyChip.
About BillyChip
Set up in 2018, BillyChip works to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a 20-year-old ambulance driver from Bristol, who was the inspiration and idea behind the BillyChip.
After helping support the homeless one Christmas, Billy felt disheartened at how little support the public gave to local homeless people. Although many people donate to charity on a regular basis, Billy was surprised by how few donations were given directly to homeless people, living rough on our streets.
Billy put this down to the fact that people can feel awkward engaging with a homeless person, even when offering a donation of food or a drink.
The BillyChip is a small act of kindness that helps break down barriers
The BillyChip allows people to engage and offer help to a homeless person.
The small act of kindness of giving a homeless person a BillyChip not only helps the person in need, but also helps to build better communities within our towns and cities.
The BillyChip can be given to those sleeping rough and/or homeless to allow them to purchase food and drink from takeaways and coffee shops. This helps people give money directly to those who need it, without fear of how it’s being spent.
How it works
We will make a £50 donation to BillyChip for every initial meeting we have that comes from a client recommendation.
However the meeting takes place – in person or remotely through video call – we’ll donate.
So, if you recommend your friends, family or colleagues to us and we meet with them, we’ll make a £50 donation on your behalf.
There’s still time to join us at the Bristol and Clifton Golf Club
As you may already know, we are holding a client golf day at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club on 22 September.
It’s not too late to add your name to the list of attendees and it would be great to see you.
Arrival starts from 12.30pm, when you can take advantage of full access to the club’s practice areas, including the driving range, which has eight undercover bays allowing you to practise in comfort, no matter the weather.
Tee times begin from 2pm onwards, after a light lunch.
Following a pleasant afternoon on the course, dinner and drinks will be served in the Clubhouse.
