AES International - Daniel van Niekerk
FINANCIAL PLANNING: Trading the axe for financial planning
Batswana and expats in Thailand are becoming increasingly aware of the need to make wise and safe decisions regarding their finances and financial futures.
On-shore vs off-shore, local investment vs international exposure...risk and return...the pros & cons, when, where and with whom to invest.
More than a few money cowboys and fly-by-nighters have tried over the years to get a slice of this great country’s expanding economy with one primary goal in mind: To make as much money in as little time as possible at the expense of good citizens. The only thing these cowboys care about is their commission, commission and commission....period. Here today, gone tomorrow.
People are bamboozled with slick financial lingo and arm twisting sales techniques to emotionally manipulate them to make quick and “urgent” decisions regarding their future financial well-being. Yes, I'm sure more than a few of you are nodding your heads in agreement.
Needless to say, that is NOT Rock & Roll !
Says Daniel van Niekerk, (a UK qualified independent financial advisor and CII- Certified Financial Planner (Chartered Insurance Institute of the UK)
“Meeting with people from all walks of life on a daily basis is something I enjoy tremendously. Being a truly independent financial advisor means that I'm not tied to any particular company, service provider or brand and can therefore give my clients and prospective clients the benefit of the best possible unbiased advice. All this from a FREE of charge financial assessment.
People I deal with prefer this transparent modus operandi as there are no hidden incentives for me or our company to push or punt a particular product or brand.
I don't sell products; I sell my services as a professional independent financial advisor. We provide real solutions from a sitting-on-the-
Now THAT is Rock & Roll !
Interesting to know is that Daniel van Niekerk is an entrepreneur originally from South Africa. He cut his business teeth in his family’s musical instruments retail, imports and distribution business environment.
With over 15 years management, sales and face to face customer services experience, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to gain experience not only as a keen property professional and speculator, but also a seasoned property broker and mortgage originator.
Want to know what is REALLY Rock & Roll?
Well hear this! Few people in Botswana and Thailand will know that Daniel is also a bit of a dinkum Rock Star in South Africa. Daniel was up until not so long ago a signed performing- and recording artist and co-founder of South African hard-rock band and sensation ONE DAY REMAINS (David Gresham Records).
ONE DAY REMAINS toured with the likes of well known SA rock legends Prime Circle and is most known for their performance of the SABC TV3 series theme song “Going Nowhere Slowly”, and the 2009 DSTV Super Sport tri-nations rugby track “Never Say Die.” So, when Daniel reckons something is Rock & Roll, he probably knows what he is talking about!
The group has since moved on, but hard rock fans can still hear and download a track or two by clicking here ! An older band profile can be viewed by clicking here
When asked what his primary objective as a Private Client Wealth Manager is, he had the following to say:
“I'm in Botswana and now also Thailand to educate, train and help people with their varied financial planning needs.
As an example, the traditional and very commendable culture of Motswana kids looking after their parents in their golden years is slowly diminishing. This is largely attributed to the Westernised everyone-for-
Increasingly, youngsters study and live overseas for extended periods of time, with many not coming back to Botswana after graduation. Many countries offer permanent residence to degree qualified professionals upon completion of their studies with good employment prospects.
Botswana Government bursaries are now reserved for the top performers only and so self-funded tertiary schooling and future education planning is becoming a reality and necessity. Future financial planning is crucial for parents wanting to send their now-young children to universities in years to come.
I speak to an alarming amount of people who are NOT providing for themselves or their children’s future needs. On the other hand I find that those who have some form of planning in place have a dire shortfall probably attributed to poor and inadequate advice given by poorly qualified ‘sales people’.
I make sure my clients are properly informed and the decisions they take as a result of my advice ensures sustainable, attainable and realistic goals being set and met. It’s all about people, their needs and service, service, service!”
Well, that is how you can mix your investments and future planning with Rock & Roll !
Daniel used to work for a small independent IFA firm in Gaborone Botswana, before collaborating with a few IFA firms in SE Asia.
For more information, you can also reach Daniel on the internet here: https://www.google.com/
1) http://www.facebook.com/
2) http://th.linkedin.com/
Email: dwhvn@hotmail.com
Botswana Mobile: 72974711
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
