This May, I turned 30: a milestone that feels like a turning point where long-held dreams begin to crystallise into tangible goals.
To mark the occasion, I recently took a trip to Japan and South Korea, a journey that left a lasting impression on me not just as a traveller but as someone aspiring to become a financial adviser.
As I wandered Kyoto’s serene temples, indulged in Tokyo’s culinary wonders and navigated the vibrant streets of Seoul, I found unexpected parallels between my travels and my professional journey.
My current role in paraplanning, although rewarding, increasingly feels like a stepping stone — laying the groundwork for a more fulfilling future in financial advice. Like international travel, becoming a trusted adviser requires patience, mindfulness and curiosity.
Growth, whether personal or professional, comes from embracing challenge, staying curious and being open to change
Paraplanning has taught me the value of listening first and speaking later; not just hearing, but understanding nuance and asking better questions.
These are critical skills for any adviser. Rushed assumptions lead to poor outcomes, just as failing to plan properly for a trip can result in missed opportunities. In both travel and advice, observation comes before direction.
The road to financial advice — like my journey across Japan and South Korea — isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. I’ve moved through roles with purpose: from junior account handler to paraplanner and, soon, adviser.
Paraplanning steps out of the shadows
Every challenge along the way has helped shape the professional I aim to become — resilient, prepared and grounded.
One of the strongest lessons from my trip was the power of preparation. Learning a few basic foreign phrases, planning my route and mapping out an itinerary didn’t just make things easier — they deepened my experience.
In the same way, I’m pursuing chartered status before stepping into advice. It’s not just a qualification; it’s about demonstrating the commitment and competence required to earn a client’s trust.
Paraplanning has taught me the value of listening first and speaking later; not just hearing, but understanding nuance and asking better questions
As I stood in awe of Mount Fuji and felt the energy of Seoul’s Hongdae district, I realised these weren’t just fleeting moments — they were reminders. Growth, whether personal or professional, comes from embracing challenge, staying curious and being open to change.
This trip was more than a birthday celebration. It was a metaphor for the journey I’m on, towards becoming a financial adviser who leads with intention, listens with care and prepares with purpose.
Jasmine Pandey is a paraplanner at Finura
This article featured in the June 2025 edition of Money Marketing.
AloJapan.com