What is SOLLA?
Founded in 2008 SOLLA is a not for profit organisation formed to meet the needs of older people and their families in seeking financial advice in later life. SOLLA aims to ensure that people can find a suitably qualified and experienced adviser who not only has the technical knowledge in this specialist field, but also is able to discuss matters with sensitivity and empathy at what can often be a stressful and emotional time.
Accreditation Process
The accreditation process is multi-faceted and looks at qualifications as well as personal skills. Apart from the minimum qualification requirement for any financial adviser, I also undertook qualifications in Long Term Care Advice and Equity Release.
The second phase of the process was to submit a desk based report which covered many aspects of my qualifications, experience and how Fiducia operates. For example, to provide example client reports covering later life planning, evidence of the continued professional development I have undertaken and details of how my work is monitored within the firm.
The final phase of the process was to attend a formal interview in London where my knowledge and my ability to apply that knowledge was tested. This included a case study focusing on a potential later life planning scenario.
The whole process took a number of months and I am delighted to now be a fully accredited member of SOLLA Advisers.
Why I Sought Accreditation?
Having seen my parents struggle to find appropriate care for my grandmothers and to understand the care system with all the organisations that are involved, I appreciate what a daunting task planning care for a loved one can be.
As a qualified financial planner and pension specialist I often advise clients at or during retirement. With my family experience of care planning it is a natural progression for me to extend my specialisms to this field. I am passionate about helping clients and their families plan their care and to ensure that their financial resources work to best effect.
Whilst it is not essential to be a member of SOLLA to advise on care planning or equity release, I believe their professional standards are of the highest level for Long Term Care Advice. By demonstrating knowledge and supportive skills, an ongoing commitment to maintaining technical expertise and adherence at all times to the code of conduct, I consider SOLLA membership to present clients and their families with a trusted source of advice.
Further details about SOLLA can be found on their website:
http://societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk/
Please refer to the Later Life advice pages of our website for details of the services we provide. If you would like to discuss care planning for yourself or a loved one, please do contact me.
