iNVESTING, Saving, Retirement, and more. 

FINANCIAL PLANNING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Gap Wealth?

Why should I choose Gap Wealth?

I make use of sound financial planning strategies to deliver above average returns for my clients. I eliminate “the noise” and create holistic plans that work together, so you get the benefits of an integrated solution.

Whatever your financial dreams and goals, I will partner with you to make them a reality.

With financial qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI), a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA – Cum Laude) from Trinity College, Dublin and an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town (UCT), my diverse and extensive qualifications allow me to offer real insight into, not only my clients’ financial aspirations, but also their business and livelihood.

How can Gap Wealth help me?

My Financial Planning process helps you identify your goals and create a clear plan to achieve them, with none of the stress traditionally associated with money management. My Wealth Management service gives you access to an evidence-based investment approach that’s been proven to beat most competitors over time. And financial coaching helps you stay on track, avoid expensive mistakes and make sound decisions.

How accessible and responsive are you?

I am always available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm to take calls and answer emails. You’ll never have to wait days for a response to your email.

Are you Independent?

Yes. I am an Independent Financial Adviser. My allegiance is to you; not the product provider. Because I am unrestricted, I can recommend products from the whole market.

Who makes good clients for GAP Wealth?

GAP Wealth helps individuals, families, and companies of all shapes and sizes across South Africa achieve their vision for financial success. I specialize in offshore investing and financial risk management and responsible portfolio growth techniques for individuals, physicians, business owners corporates, and more.

Do I need advice?

When is the best time to seek financial advice?

Many people find major life events leave them with burning financial questions. Perhaps they’re setting up a business, buying a new home, facing the death of a loved one, celebrating the birth of a child, or selling a business.

Having a clear financial strategy and plan for the future reduces anxiety, increases your chances of financial success and gives you confidence and peace of mind. Any time is a good time to start planning for your future. 

Why can't I just do this myself?

While a small number of people have the expertise, technical knowledge and investment composure required to do this alone, most benefit from working with a financial planner.

As well as producing a comprehensive financial plan that’ll keep you on track to your goals, I’ll help you invest your money smartly and tackle any blind spots you have around money. I’ll also act as a sounding board for any important financial decisions and provide honest feedback and support when you need it most.

I already have an adviser. Can you still help me?

Many of my clients had an adviser when they first approached me. I’m always happy to provide a second opinion on your financial plan or portfolio – or simply to chat to see how I can help.

How can I schedule an initial meeting?

Get in touch by emailing giles@gapmaynard.co.za or schedule a video call with me directly here

What is the advice process?

How do you give advice?

Our relationship is based on a simple three-step plan. In a nutshell, it starts with a quick phone call or video call from which we’ll arrange a free, no-strings initial meeting. This is our chance to get to know one another and outline the ways in which we can help you achieve your financial goals.

If we decide to work together, I’ll create a comprehensive financial plan based on your goals, responsibilities, investments, protection, tax planning, wills and powers of attorney. It’s a route map for success and a clear strategy for the future.

Once you’re up and running, a quarterly meeting will update your position, cashflow model, and progress, and I’m always on hand to provide support and to answer your questions.

What advice do you give?

I work with you on an individual basis

I help you articulate your financial goals & objectives

I assess your current situation (net worth, income)

I identify obstacles to achieving your financial goals

I create strategies to help you overcome financial obstacles

I follow up to ensure implementation

I simplify complex concepts for you

How much control will I have in the financial planning process?

As much as you want. Nothing happens without your say so.

The initial financial planning process is all about collaboration. I work with you to understand where you are, what you want from life, what your responsibilities are and any concerns you have about your current set up. Your goals and priorities are unique to you.

Once we’ve done our initial research, I’ll present your financial plan either in person or on a video call. Your plan will outline our suggestions on how to achieve your goals and recommend any financial products that will help you get there.

There’s no pressure to follow my advice, and I encourage you to take your time to consider my recommendations before making any decisions. If you decide you’d like our help to implement the advice in your plan I’ll welcome you as a full client of GAP Maynard.

How much involvement will I have in the investments I make?

As much or as little as you like.

Any new investment I make on your behalf needs to be approved by you. Some clients want to understand the finer detail of all their investments; others prefer me to select on their behalf. Everyone is different, and you choose what works for you.

My evidence-based investments are run on a discretionary basis. This means I can rebalance your portfolio every six months to ensure the mix of equity and bonds remains in line with your risk profile. It also allows me to make changes as and when required – to access new funds with lower charges, for example.

Can I choose where I invest my money?

Yes, however, I recommend an evidence-based investment approach for my clients.

Am I tied into a long-term contract for you financial planning services?

No, you are not. You can leave at any time. I hope that you won’t want to leave. Financial Planning is an ongoing service that is built around you and changes as you change throughout the course of your life. I hope to demonstrate the ongoing value of having this service so that you will not want to leave.

What protection do I have?

Is my money safe?

I only work in well regulated and safe jurisdictions both locally and abroad, and only with highly reputable investment firms 

I don’t hold clients’ money (other than in settlement of my fees) so there’s no trading risk associated with working with GAP Maynard.

It’s important to note that Investing money with any company carries a degree of risk. Valuations fluctuate daily, and you may get back less than you invested. I’ll help you complete a comprehensive risk profiling questionnaire – a vital factor in deciding which financial products are right for you.

How are you regulated?

I am registered as an independent financial advisor for a reputable company registered in South Africa. 

My advice is covered by comprehensive professional indemnity insurance.

The Financial Services Ombudsman Service (FOS) is available to help with individual complaints that individuals and financial services businesses aren’t able to resolve themselves.

How do you protect my data?

Your data is very important, and I have robust systems in place to manage your personal information. My internal systems are covered by the latest technology security systems, including end-to-end encryption and multifactor authentication.

What is fiduciary responsibility and why is it important?

Fiduciary means to hold a confidence or trust. A financial services industry professional under the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) who has a fiduciary responsibility to his or her clients must put a client’s needs and interests ahead of his or her own. Financial Planners have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients. While stockbrokers and insurance agents are regulated and licensed, they do not have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients. The recommendations they make must only meet the “suitability standard.” In other words, the risk level of the product must be suitable for the client based on income, assets, risk tolerance or another standard that is specified in the prospectus. Advisors with a fiduciary responsibility are less likely to push products that earn them a quick buck.

 

How do you charge?

What are you fees?

There are two types of fees depending on what you are looking to do/achieve. The first is a setup/establishment fee and the second is an ongoing advisory fee and both vary depending on the advice being given, the types of structures you are using, and the duration of working together. 

Expertise

Financial advisors know more about investing and managing money than most people. They can guide you to better choices than you might make on your own.

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Advice

It’s in the name: Financial advisors can make suggestions about the best strategies to implement to improve your finances. This can include everything from what investments to make to what insurance to buy.

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Accountability

Financial advisors help keep you on track by talking you out of making emotional decisions about your money. For example, selling all your stock funds when the market plummets.

Action

Working with a financial advisor means someone else can handle what you don’t have time for and make sure your money is being deployed in the best way.

About

I provide individual investment and wealth management services for private clients and companies. I've been trusted by clients, large and small to manage, and preserve their wealth. How can I help you with yours?