Working from home can be daunting at first but many Paraplanners have risen to the challenge during the pandemic, according to a report in the latest Financial Planning Today magazine - sister publication to Financial Planning Today website.

Paraplanning has been ahead of the working from home curve for a number of years and some Paraplanners says that team communication has improved during the pandemic.

Financial Planning Today magazine asked some leading Paraplanners for their experiences since the lockdown began and some best practice ideas are featured in the latest magazine.

Ian Dickson, technical specialist at Johnston Carmichael Wealth in Glasgow, said: “Ironically, I actually feel more connected to the wider company team nowadays. Contact has definitely improved, and it is much easier to get hold of colleagues as everyone is at home so I know where they are and can get in touch quickly. We also now have weekly conference calls with the team and we get far more communication from senior management than ever before.”

However, Paraplanners have cautioned that is it important not to get too comfortable and discipline and planning is key.

Damien Davies, founder of outsourced Paraplanning business The Timebank, said: “You have to manage your workload carefully. This includes when you work and crucially when you don’t work. TIP – determine a timetable and stick to it. Otherwise, you’ll end up doing half a job of work and half a job for your family, leaving everyone, including you, unfulfilled and dissatisfied.”

Others have taken the opportunity of working from home to reflect on their careers and the state of the profession.

It's clear that while many Paraplanners have coped well with home working, and many are used to it, some are looking forward to lessons learned from home working.

Paraplanner and Financial Planning Today columnist Chloe Moran FPFS, said: “Despite the upheaval, I am looking forward to the future in a cautiously optimistic manner. I hope that in future we will see the world in a whole new light and there will be positive change to both our profession and our personal lives.”

Read how our three contributors have found home working in this special magazine preview: Financial Planning Today Magazine

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