The most useful thing in the universe? (With apologies to Estate Agents and Hairdressers)

In the Hitchhiker’s Guide series of books, Douglas Adams proposes that the most useful thing in the universe is, in fact, a towel. His rationale for this is that it can be used to dry yourself, as a blanket (or a pillow), to keep yourself warm or for numerous other uses.

Later on, he proposes that hairdressing and estate agency are the least useful professions known to mankind and proceeds to send them all off on a fleet of spaceships on a scouting mission to a new galaxy. A scouting mission that the rest of the population never have any intention of following.

Adams also theorises at one point that the population of the universe is zero. This, on the grounds that the universe is infinite (which we now believe not to be true, but bear with me), the population of the universe is finite, and infinity divided by a finite number is as close to zero as makes no odds.

This is a piece of mathematical genius that even the Chancellor would be proud of. Anyway, I digress... Presumably, on Adams’ scale of usefulness, all things sit somewhere between towels and estate agents.

So, (at the risk of opening a whole new can of worms) just how useful is a financial adviser and just what is it that they do?

The short answer to this question (because I don’t have space here for the long one) is: What do you want them to do? A good financial adviser will look to build a relationship with you and become a trusted adviser to you and your family. Our firm has clients that pay us fees for advice, often on the most bizarre subjects solely because they value our opinion and guidance.

Ultimately, advisers exist to try and help clients achieve their life goals. They do this – in part – by ensuring that a client is financially able to meet whatever the cost of these goals may be.

It should also be said that part of an adviser’s role is to manage expectations – not all clients can own yachts in Monte Carlo. So, if you have life goals and want to know how to achieve them, a good financial adviser can help.

For further information please contact Shipman Financial Planning Ltd, 1 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter, EX1 1QY, telephone 01392 278491 or email info@shipmanfp.co.uk.

This article is for general information only and reflects the views of the author only. You should seek professional advice in respect of your own circumstances. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Shipman Financial Planning is a highly respected professional adviser offering personal service and innovative advice.