Q&A with Jim Pickersgill, MD of GWM

So who is Gippsland Wealth Management (GWM)

We are the highly respected financial planning arm of the Jim Pickersgill Group.

We joined our dealer group, Count, in November 1997. We have been providing accounting services for almost 30 years in the region.

You're called Gippsland Wealth Management, does this mean you service only Gippsland?

Definitely not! Our valued clients extend from Cape York through to Tasmania as well as servicing as far west as Karratha in Western Australia.

How is it possible to service clients so well over such a large area?

GWM is continually developing and researching methods of engagement such as Skype to ensure tyranny of distance is never an issue.

This allows us to continually stay in touch in a meaningful and timely way and assist them to achieve their personal goals and dreams. We still use good old mail and phone where this suits our clients best.

Are clients financial needs and goals always similar?

Virtually never! We have a philosophy of 'one size does not fit all', even between spouses. Therefore we tailor each piece of advice or strategy, specific to the individual needs and goals. We pride ourselves in holding our client's hands and are there for the long haul, recognising that in their own lives their needs and goals will evolve with their own stages of life.

The only common theme we see in financial planning is that most people need it.

Will GWM suit everyone?

No, it won't. If an investor feels they can pick the market, are prepared to engage in risky or speculative investments, then they probably won't find us a good fit. We operate with the view that, wise and steady investments and strategies, and not taking unnecessary risks, are the perfect model. If you treat investments as a gamble, then you probably will lose and that's not our objective.

We have heard great feedback about GWM, how does the broader financial planning industry view you?

Our team has been humbled by the recognition of Count as well as the broader industry. Included in the industry’s recognition of our work is:

2016 – Count National Award Winners – Excellence in client engagement.

2017 – Count National Award Winners - Pinnacle Award – Recognition of services to Count and the broader financial planning industry.

Past 5 years – Count National Award Finalists for the Count Charitable Foundation Award for community work and devotion to philanthropic causes.

In addition to these, I have the honour of holding the position of Chair – Count Advisory Council – Advocating for change, accessibility and fairness in the financial industry and continually challenging the industry to only serve in the “Client’s Best Interest”.