Q & A with Jason
How did you get into financial services?
I was 18 years old, in a nightclub and a barman suggested financial services. I attended a seminar and was inspired. Back then, in 1989, there were 300,000 financial planners in the UK. I founded Insight in 2004.
What are your areas of expertise?
I have technical expertise in every area of financial planning, but the big skill is coaching clients to help them understand what issues they have, that they might not have known about, and resolving them.
What do you love helping clients with?
Taking away the fear. Money is a concept but not having it is very frightening and makes you insecure. I help my clients develop proper plans for themselves, their families and their companies – and I make sure they feel happy with those plans.
What advice have you given that helped a client and made you proud?
A very sad case has stayed with me. Many years ago, a client referred me to their friend whose child had died from leukaemia. The trauma and bereavement really affected their lives. I looked at their insurance contracts, and they had £25,000 that they could have claimed for but it was outside the claim period. The company insisted it wasn’t payable because it was in breach of their T&C however I persuaded them show their heart and they paid £25,000 to the people.
The most powerful pound you put away is the first pound.
Insight and Jason are to be congratulated
My husband and I have been associated as clients with your CEO & Founder Jason Howard for over 30 years. It was with some anxiety and trepidation that Jason found himself in a position where being time challenged, he could no longer realistically “service” at the time our small portfolio. He recommended Mr Ashley Filby as his successor. He reassured us he would give the same high-level service and thought, to us as clients, with what was now a growing portfolio. Jason’s choice and intuition proved and is proving “spot on”.
More about Jason
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever helped a client fund?
Purchasing a boat to sail around the world.
What’s your personal financial freedom dream?
I’ve already achieved my financial dreams.
Tell us about something you’ve done for charity?
I am actively involved in fundraising for all of the charities that Insight supports – The Clare School, Little Lifts and Blue Bear Foundation. The Clare School is particularly close to my heart, and I love being with the children – it’s humbling and brings me great joy.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent money on?
Giving to charity.
What’s the one luxury you could never give up?
My sauna.
What’s something colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be alter boy and wanted to be a priest.
Don’t be afraid to take risks, especially when you’re young.