Q & A with Matt
How did you get into financial services?
I was always good with numbers and had an interest in finance which led me to study Economics, Finance & Banking at university. When considering what I wanted to do after graduating, I came across a survey that ranked financial advisers among the professions with the highest job satisfaction. After looking into the skills required, I felt it would be a perfect match.
I’ve worked in financial services since leaving university, starting out as one of those annoying people in shopping centres trying to stop you for a chat about your pension! Since then, I’ve worked in insurance advice, paraplanning, employee benefits and holistic financial planning. I joined Insight in January 2024.
What are your areas of expertise?
One of the best things about the job is the variety of clients and circumstances we come across, which means getting involved in almost every aspect of people’s finances. Naturally, this means building knowledge across a wide range of areas.
I wouldn’t say I specialise in one particular area, but a consistent theme throughout my work is understanding how people view money, how that influences their behaviour and the financial decisions they make.
What do you love helping clients with?
Challenging their beliefs about money and helping them see money as a tool to get more enjoyment out of life, rather than simply something to accumulate.
Understanding risk as there always seems to be a stigma around it. Whether markets are going up or down, everyone in the same boat, it's just a question of how far either way. Your objectives should dictate the level of risk you take and part of my job is helping people understand that risk and giving them confidence to take it.
More about Matt
What insights or advice have you given that helped a client AND made you as proud as punch?
Sometimes the best advice is the simplest. Whether that’s helping someone with their finances when there’s no need to charge them or advising a client against investing more money because they already have enough to achieve what they want in life.
What’s your personal financial freedom dream?
Time is more precious than money and it’s something you can’t buy back. For me, financial freedom is having the choice to spend my time doing the things I enjoy.
Tell us about something you’ve done for your community.
I regularly deliver financial education seminars through our education and corporate teams. I believe everyone should have access to financial education and it’s something I’d love to see taught more in schools. After all, I can’t remember the last time I needed to use Pythagoras’ theory!
What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent money on?
Definitely experiences over material things. Memories last a lot longer than things you can buy.
What’s the one luxury you could never give up?
Holidays! Everyone tells me I’m always on holiday, but you’ve got to practise what you preach!
What’s something colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I love a kebab and will always try to sample the local kebab shop whenever I’m somewhere new!
You have a lifetime to save, but you'll never be the age you are now again. Sometimes you don't realise just how good a time you're having until you have the chance to look back and reflect on it.