Harold’s extensive experience, coupled with an ability to develop genuine and trusting relationships with clients, enables Harold to provide clear direction for the achievement of their financial goals. His clients also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their financial arrangements are in very good hands.

Harold’s clients include business owners and professionals across a range of industries who face a significant degree of financial complexity, as well as retirees looking to make the most of their retirement lifestyles. An active involvement in the Port Lincoln community provides Harold with the opportunity to get to know his clients well and fully understand their financial interests and priorities.

With an understanding that planning for retirement and protecting and maintaining wealth accumulated during working life can be overwhelming, Harold works closely with retirees on all financial areas of retirement. His advice includes making the most of  superannuation, assisting clients to take greater control of their investments through a SMSF, managing cashflow and identifying any available Centrelink entitlements. He admits many of the retirees who visit his practice are unaware that they may be entitled to an age pension despite having significant savings and investments.

Adept at helping clients protect their lifestyles through insurance, disability insurance and unemployment benefits, Harold helps clients understand their risk exposures and the need for protection against unexpected events that could seriously impact their financial wellbeing.

Harold offers all his clients the same commitment. He endeavours to understand their entire financial life and to offer guidance for investment decisions to help achieve their personal, family and business goals.

His client-first approach and an ability to translate complex financial matters into plain English enable Harold to help clients articulate what they want their financial futures to look like, so he can help organise their finances and provide financial protection and security. Working collaboratively with other financial professionals such as accountants and lawyers, Harold is able to offer complete financial solutions for his clients.

Harold is known for his quick wit and strong sense of humanity. He cites a career highlight as providing financial guidance to help an elderly couple at an extremely challenging time in their lives. His considerable insurance knowledge enabled him to locate a terminal illness policy condition that would fund the couple’s twilight years and give them the freedom to remain in their own home. What Harold calls a “good day in the office” is all about making a positive difference for each and every one of his clients.

Personally…

Harold’s commitment to helping his clients is reflected in his personal interest in life-long learning. He genuinely enjoys studying and is currently completing a master’s degree in Financial Planning, and also travels to the UK to attend courses at Oxford University.

Harold is proud of his Dutch heritage and occasionally returns to visit. He also enjoys exploring other world destinations – France is a favourite.

With family an important foundation in his life, Harold’s other great love is for his grandchildren. He is actively involved in their lives, often caring for them during school holidays. Harold enjoys seeing the wonder of the world through his grandchildren’s eyes and credits them for giving him a new lease on life.

Harold Braakhuis is a financial adviser at Active Financial Management. Active Financial Management Pty Ltd and its advisers are Authorised Representatives of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306. www.fortnum.com.au