Josh Hoskin Smart Money jhoskin@goldridge.co.nz

It feels to me like there is nothing more in decline in this world than people who actually care. If you are a customer receiving service, no matter who you are, you deserve respect.

Following on from my rugby story of last fortnight – go the ABs – due to my coaching, I have had involvement with the Bay of Plenty rugby union. One particular staff member showed me that there remain some people that will go out of their way to help. Although not strictly to do with his role, he solved an issue, completely leaving me with a feeling of a job well done. In a world where many see their job as being simply to pass the buck onto someone else, the experience was refreshing.

When choosing who to take advice from, I think there are some parallels here. As a client – choose someone who cares. That attitude can be hard to find, but it can be done. Avoid those that use 'I” more than they use 'you”. Look for people that listen to your question and answer in a straight forward manner with an earnest tone. Financial planning is about you – not the adviser or the corporate. So don't settle for the silver medal.

Thanks to the staff member involved. I hope he uses this article as a lever at his next salary review – people that care are rare commodities and deserve rewards.