Our clients

By Martin Spears, Managing Partner Operations, SSCG, Senior Financial Advisor, RJFS

Recently, David and I were meeting with a new client referral for the first time and they noticed the sign that is framed and hanging on our conference room wall. The sign is simply the definition of the word ‘client.’ The definition is ‘one that is under the protection of another.’

While David, Daphne, and I see this sign every day, and certainly feel this way about our clients, it was clear that this person had a different experience with their prior Advisor.

As the story unfolded, we realized that this person had always felt more like a ‘customer’ than a client. A deeper dive into their statements underscored this as well. The portfolio holdings and allocation looked nothing like the description of the personal situation that was being explained to us during this initial consultation. Further discussion unveiled that their prior advisor really didn’t know the person or understand their situation and therefore was not necessarily looking out for their best interest.

This particular meeting was a reminder to us that there are a large number of individuals/families out there that are, frankly, receiving bad advice. I don’t necessarily mean owning investments that go down in value. I am referring to strategies and services that don’t fit the needs and objectives of the individual or family. Financial planning can often times bring about fear and anxiety, and a lack of comfort with a Financial Advisor can definitely add to that.

Every survey we’ve ever seen that asks people how they would prefer to find a financial advisor, the overwhelming response again and again is that they would prefer to be referred by a friend or family member.

We are often conditioned not to discuss money or politics, or other subjects that can be sensitive. In many cases, you probably don’t want to know the financial details of people close to you, but you probably would like to know that they are in good hands and getting good advice. You want to be sure someone is treating them as a ‘client.’ If you encourage them to reach out to David and me, that is the way that they will be treated.

We are often asked “what makes you and your firm different?” While the answer to this question can be somewhat complicated, one thing that is not is the way we view our clients. We recognize and appreciate the trust that our clients place with us. It is an honor and a privilege that we never take lightly.

Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Southern Springs Capital Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.