S7:E8 - Becoming a CFP pro helps sole practitioners

Professionally lonely! That’s how the late Paul Etheridge used to describe financial planning sole practitioners. He went on to explain that not having anyone to work with on a regular basis can make us feel a little isolated but also, as financial planners, we need to be able to challenge ourselves and others in order to do better and be better financial planners. In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro podcast we talk to Greg Cooke, a sole practitioner at Polaris Wealth, about his journey to become a CFP professional, how it challenged him and how he is changing the way he works because of it. This episode is particularly relevant for those starting out in business on their own or who are planning on doing so in the future.   #CFP #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast    Greg Cooke bio:  I am a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner running my own firm, Polaris Wealth Management Ltd. I have been advising clients for just over ten years now and started my own firm in 2015. I started off in the industry advising clients on their mortgage and protection needs, but now provide advice on all areas of personal finance. Whilst I still provide mortgage advice, my practice is now very much focused on providing long term financial planning to our clients and their families.      I am passionate about continuous development and always looking to learn and improve my skills as a planner. Last year I completed the CFP and I have since enrolled on a coaching course led by a highly respected financial planner. Aside from the CII & CISI qualifications mentioned, I have a degree in financial services and hold the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society.      Outside of work my main hobby is walking. I live on the edge of the Peak District with my long-term partner Cathy. We try to walk most days, but life sometimes gets in the way.