The power of planning: How one adviser's simple question helped save hundreds of lives

'A formidable woman'

clock • 9 min read

The power of financial planning was never been more evident to paraplanner Kim Bendall than when she saw how asking a client one question changed their life and many others. Here, she tells Sally's story and how it affected hundreds of people

Throughout my 20-something years in the industry I've seen many examples of how good financial planning can have a profoundly positive effect on people's lives. I want to share with you a personal experience that highlights just how deep the relationship we have with our clients - and the wider impact it can have - can possibly go. This is a true story about how a simple question from an adviser changed someone's life, and subsequently the lives of hundreds of people. Many years ago, I joined a local financial planning firm as an in-house paraplanner. One of the firm's clients was a l...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

It's a family affair: How advisers can close the participation gap

It's a family affair: How advisers can close the participation gap

Small changes to everyday conversations and meetings that make the biggest difference

Jenny Davidson
clock 04 November 2026 • 4 min read
Opening up careers in financial services

Opening up careers in financial services

Sponsored content from WIFA 2026 headline sponsor LV=

LV=
clock 04 November 2026 • 3 min read
WIFA 2026 headline sponsor video: LV= COO Anita Fernqvist talks female representation in advice

WIFA 2026 headline sponsor video: LV= COO Anita Fernqvist talks female representation in advice

'Different perspectives around the table bring breadth of thinking'

Professional Adviser
clock 03 November 2026 • 1 min read