In Your Shoes - Alison Miller - Thorntons Investments

Alison Miller is Financial Planner within Thorntons Investment Management, providing independent financial advice to assist clients with retirement, investment planning and tax planning, as well as an associate solicitor within the Private Client department of Thorntons Law dealing with Wills, Powers of Attorney, trusts and tax planning.

Start with a good deed

I am generally a morning person, so this morning starts like most others- a check of the emails to see what the day may have in store. Being a Monday, today is my legal time within Thorntons Law.  Each client I met today had a different story to tell and unique life experiences to share – it is such an interesting part of my job.

Early start travelling east

The rest of my week is spent with Thorntons Investments so it’s an early start to meet a client at our Edinburgh office. The client wishes to review the financial recommendation that I have sent to her in relation to her pensions.   The client is reassured that her retirement planning is all in hand and she is on track.  On my way back to the office, I drove over the new Queensferry Crossing (thankfully without delay), which is a marvellous structure and a great sight to see.  On my return to the Dundee office around lunchtime, I spent the remainder of the day catching up with emails, phone calls and dealing with incoming mail correspondence- a typical afternoon in the office.

Typical day before a sporting finish

It is a typical day in the office that involves speaking to clients and responding to new enquiries to respond to.  I find it is really beneficial for me to have at least one appointment-free day allow me to focus on the compliance and regulatory side of my role, as well as making sure that my client meetings and telephone calls are documented correctly.  Quite a few of us are leaving the office sharp this evening as Thorntons Investments are hosting a table at the ever-well attended Sportsman’s dinner at the Invercarse Hotel.  A great (late) night was had by all with entertainment in the form of after dinner speakers, providing a very humorous end to the evening.  As well as a fantastic evening, lots of money was raised following the raffle and the auction in aid of local sports clubs and groups. 

Thankful Thursday

Since joining Thorntons Investments, there has been quite a bit of expansion within the Financial Planning team and as a result some of the client base has been reorganised and redistributed accordingly. The morning is spent meeting some clients who have been passed to me from one of my fellow Financial Planners who has reduced his hours and is in semi-retirement.  All of the clients that I have been passed over are so thankful and appreciative of the advice that they have been given previously supporting them through different life events.  I hope that I am able to continue providing the level of service to them that they expect – I am very aware of the big shoes to fill!  It is so rewarding meeting clients who are new to me but that have been with the company for such a long time and have been so loyal over the years.

I end the day making a ‘to-do-list’ to help me prioritise the work ahead and decide the course of action for the end of the week.

That Friday Feeling

The morning starts early with a trip to Montrose to meet a new prospective client.   The sun is shining on the beautiful coastal route showing the Angus countryside at its best.  I’m back to the office for early afternoon in time for a quick look at my diary for the next week and to make any necessary plans – another varied, interesting and busy week lies ahead.  I end the week with a conference call to a trustee client who lives in America.  It has been tricky to find a convenient time for the call to suit all of those required to attend, not to mention the time difference and the client’s own work commitments.  The telephone call ends with the client wishing me a ‘happy Friday’!  An action packed week ending on a positive note – the Friday feeling indeed!