‘We think it’s time you consider pro bono advice’: PFAN

In a Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) blog post, Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) deputy chair Natalie Kleibert said it’s time advisers start doing more pro bono work.

Established in 2014, PFAN has been connecting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with advisers to access pro bono financial advice through its partnership with MS Australia.

In April, PFAN announced new partnerships with Pancare Australia and MND Australia to expand its pro bono advice offering to people affected by pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and motor neuron disease (MND).

Highlighting the personal value of pro bono work, Kleibert encouraged advisers to consider the community impact they can make using their skills as a financial adviser.

“We think it’s time you consider pro bono advice. And the time you need to devote to helping need not be onerous. Just taking on one case a year will make a life-changing difference to a person in need, and many advisers taking on one case a year helps a whole community,” Kleibert said.

“Using the same skills you use in your everyday job as a financial adviser to help people in need, but not expect anything in return, is indeed a great way to contribute to the greater good.

“Financial advice is a career that is dedicated to helping people. The numbers and spreadsheets are usually the easy part. The gratification is that you are building relationships, helping human to human.”

Speaking in April regarding the expanded new partnership announcement, PFAN chair Nicola Beswick said the expansion is an important step to increasing the impact of the organisation and their adviser community.

“Helping to improve the financial wellbeing of Australians living with a serious illness or disability is the reason behind PFAN’s inception. So being able to extend the network of charities we work with means we can help more people in need with access to financial advice,” Beswick said.

“As an adviser myself, I know firsthand the value of advice in helping to reduce financial worries and stress and create a clear pathway forward for clients in terms of feeling confident about being able to plan for and achieve a comfortable retirement.

“Having access to advice is nothing short of life-changing, especially for people who are experiencing financial hardship because of a personal health crisis.”

Beswick added: “Through PFAN, it is our hope to inspire the next generation of advisers and increase awareness of the value that we bring to others through our profession. So, I encourage any adviser who is interested in giving back to consider joining.”

The FAAA also works with Cancer Council to help them provide pro bono advice to cancer patients. The program provides these patients with access to services to help them with legal issues, financial advice, small business accounting, and workplace advice.