Staff spotlight: Meet Tara Wood

If you read our newsletter regularly, you may have spotted Staff Spotlights featuring Rachel Heeley and Dan Dimond, two of our technical client services team members.

You might not get the chance to speak to everyone here when you get in touch with us, but as such a close knit team who support each other whenever things get busy, it’s good for you to know who our team members are and what they do.

So, every other month in our newsletter, you’ll find an article all about one of our talented team, giving you an insight into their role here at Cheltenham IFA and their life beyond work.

Continuing on this theme, meet Tara Wood, one of our independent financial planners.

Hi Tara, tell us what your role is at Cheltenham IFA, how long you’ve been here, and what you do day to day.

Hi!

I’ve worked with Cheltenham IFA since 2012.

As a financial planner, I work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and develop tailored strategies to achieve them. I provide investment advice, retirement planning, tax planning, and estate planning services. My role involves building and maintaining strong client relationships and providing ongoing support to help clients stay on track with their financial plans.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My clients, especially those I’ve worked with for many years. I greatly value the trust they place in me and find real satisfaction in helping them achieve their financial goals and dreams.

What is a memorable experience or achievement in your career?

One standout moment of my career was getting a sought-after and specialist role with my previous employer managing very high net worth clients (one of just two women in the country, at a time when the sector was very male-dominated).

How do you build relationships and trust with clients and understand their needs?

My approach is to be my normal, friendly self in client meetings, while taking the time to gain a thorough understanding of the client’s unique circumstances and goals. Regarding advice formulation, I take sufficient time to develop a personalised strategy that is most appropriate for the client.

For me, the most important thing is to always ask the right (and sometimes difficult) questions and take the time to listen to the answers.

For example, I recently helped a client with particularly complex financial affairs to navigate the run-up to early retirement. Ultimately, we:

• Achieved the early retirement they hoped for
• Streamlined their pension arrangements
• Made Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax savings
• Arranged flexible and appropriate investments for the whole family
• Created an Inheritance Tax-savvy portfolio.

The trust and gratitude my client expressed were incredibly rewarding.

What do you think sets our firm apart in the industry?

Our outstanding team of experienced, conscientious, and hardworking people. Our client-centric approach and reputation for excellence are what make us stand out.

What are your hopes for the future of our firm and the clients we serve?

My hope for the future of the firm is continued growth built on innovation and strong client relationships. I think further success will come from our forward-thinking and client-centric culture.

What would you tell someone who has never taken advice and is considering it?

Seek advice if you’d like a clear roadmap for the future, financial peace of mind, and help in achieving specific financial or life goals.

Some quick-fire questions about you…

• What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? I enjoy playing netball, travelling with my husband, spending quality time with family and friends, walking my dog, and reading.
• What is your favourite book or movie and why? My favourite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I love that Elizabeth Bennet is smart and independent and refuses to settle for less than she deserves. Mr. Darcy is quite nice too. Also, on the same theme, I love the film adaptation of Bridget Jones’ Diary.
• What is the most interesting place you’ve visited? It’s difficult to choose between South Africa and Borneo…
• Can you share an inspiring quote that resonates with you? “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
• How do you stay motivated and productive? I set myself clear, achievable goals and break larger pieces of work down into sets of smaller tasks. I’m a notorious list-maker and take great satisfaction in ticking things off!
• What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? I once got caught in a rip tide on my bodyboard in Cornwall (initially not fun) but got rescued by a very lovely lifeguard.

Thanks, Tara!

Get in touch

Our fantastic team at Cheltenham IFA is on hand to help you achieve your financial goals.

Email info@cheltenhamifa.co.uk or call 01242 269656 to speak to one of our friendly staff and find out more about how we could help you.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.