Every month, we share some highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA. This month, our team have been busy passing exams and getting active to raise money for Cancer Research UK…
Cheryl Clarke is on her way to a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
In March, Cheryl passed her RO3 exam. This tested her knowledge on personal taxation, and forms a core unit for the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Here’s what Cheryl had to say…
“Learning doesn’t come naturally to me; I have to work hard at it, and am very determined.
“The most difficult part of preparing for the exam was making time. I have to make myself go somewhere quiet and get started. Fortunately, once I start, I find it easy to focus, but I do need complete silence.
“So far, the RO2 exam has been the most challenging exam as there were many formulas which I needed to learn and apply. At one point while sitting the exam at the Pitman Centre in Nantwich, I inadvertently said, “I haven’t got a clue,” out loud!
“I worked hard and passed first time. I totally believe in the old adage, ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’.
“From a professional point of view, I have a greater understanding and knowledge of investments and finance, which I can call upon when dealing with my customers, so they receive a more informed choice and experience.”
Hannah Needham is also moving closer to getting her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
As a trainee adviser, Hannah is learning the entire financial planning process from beginning to end and shadowing our current financial planners.
We caught up with Hannah to find out more about the RO5 exam she just passed…
How long have you been working towards this qualification?
I have been working towards this qualification for just over 12 months now. I have just one more to complete before I officially have my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning!
How are you at exams, generally?
They are much more difficult than I think some people give them credit for. Most of them have been multiple choice but that doesn’t make them easy!
Ticking each exam off one by one has been a real motivator.
What was the hardest part of preparing for the exam?
The hardest part is starting a new topic after you’ve completed one exam. Going from knowing most of the information to being clueless again on a different aspect of financial planning is tough!
And the easiest?
I don’t think there is an easy part, but the more I learn, the more interested I am.
How did you prepare for the exam? Do you have a revision technique or does learning new stuff come naturally?
Overall, learning does come quite naturally, but I like to prepare by taking notes and doing lots and lots of practise question.
How was the exam? Did you have to go somewhere to sit it or was it done online?
I sat this one online, but I’m doing my final, longer exam in an exam centre in Manchester.
What will it mean for you professionally?
Once I have passed all six exams (yes, six!), I will have my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, which makes me qualified to speak with clients about investments, pensions, and protection – once I have my license, of course.
Are you now working towards another qualification, or are you taking a break before diving into your next challenge?
I may give myself a little break, but then I’ll start to work towards Chartered status, which is the Advanced Diploma.
Fin Cottam took part in and won a charity boxing match
Having only been boxing for a few months, Fin bravely pulled on his gloves and climbed into the ring, raising more than £270 for Cancer Research UK.
“I wanted to do what I can to raise money for cancer research as I have had many great people in my life suffer from the disease.
“My grandad, Jack, was my biggest inspiration. He never stopped fighting or having a positive attitude about life, despite his circumstances. He taught me how to be brave and make the most out of what you have in the face of pain and suffering.
“He must be where I get my fighting spirit from.
“I trained every day for two months, with a combination of technical drills, running, skipping, and sparring.
“I won by the judges’ decision and although I won every round on the scorecard it was a hard fight with a tough, well-prepared opponent.”
If you want to show your support and donate money to Cancer Research UK, you can still sponsor Fin through his Just Giving page.
Karen Fogg walked 10,000 steps a day for Cancer Research UK and has raised £346
Karen hosts an annual summer garden party for Cancer Research with her daughters, so walking 10,000 steps a day for the whole of March is a big step up. We had a chat to find out more…
What prompted you to take up the 10,000-step challenge?
I wanted to do something to get fitter and healthier. This seemed to be a good start and I was raising money for a good cause too.
How have you managed to fit 10,000 steps into your daily routine?
It was much harder than I thought, especially on days when I was at work behind a desk all day. I had to make an effort to go for a walk at lunchtimes and then again in the evening after work.
Weekends were much easier.
I’d go out first thing, so I was completing at least half of my steps very early in the morning, which made it easier for the rest of the day. The sunshine always helped. If it was raining, I did walking workouts at home instead.
Did you have to find ways to keep yourself motivated, or was knowing that you were doing it for a good cause enough to keep you moving?
Once people started to sponsor me it definitely spurred me on but the closer it got to 31 days, I just kept thinking “I can do this”!
I’ve found it quite therapeutic. I’d just pop my headphones in, and I’d be off.
What was the hardest part of keeping up with the regular 10,000 steps each day?
Definitely the days I was in work and had something on in the evening. One week, I was out with a few colleagues, and I still had 3,000 steps to do at 10.45pm. I ended up walking around the restaurant to complete them. Good job there was only us left at the time!
Can readers still donate money?
Yes, my Just Giving page is still open for business!
