Every month, we share some of the highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA. This month, we have four big pieces of news to share and celebrate.
Tom Kennedy has passed his mortgage exam
Tom has been on the team since he interned with us in 2017 as part of his degree course, before going on to achieve a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance. Clearly a whizz at exams he’s working towards Chartered status and this month he passed the (CF6) Mortgage advice exam.
We caught up with Tom to find out what it all means and how it went.
Can you tell us a bit about the role you hold at KBA Financial?
I am a financial planning consultant. I ensure my clients, their families and their businesses are fully protected, and their financial futures are planned out as best we can using cash flow forecasting.
I have recently taken the lead on the wills, trusts and estate planning side of the business specialising in this area. As much as we plan for while our clients are here, unfortunately, we also have to plan for when they are not. If anything, this can be the most important part of a client’s financial plan.
What was the exam, and what did it cover?
CF6 – Mortgage advice, I am now a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) society of mortgage professionals.
How long have you been working towards this qualification, and did you have to pass other exams to reach this one?
Originally, I had planned on doing the exam earlier in the year but struggled to find the time. I set aside some time to study in September and booked the exam for 1 October 2021. I had already passed R01 as part of the diploma which is the other exam for this qualification.
How are you at exams, generally?
Relatively good, I have always much preferred exams to written pieces of coursework.
My degree in Accounting & Finance was heavily weighted to exams which is why I think I did so well in it. I tend to take in and retain information much better in shorter bursts of studying. Some call it cramming but it works for me.
What was the hardest part of preparing for the exam?
Blocking out the time and sitting down, starting revision, and reading the study book. I always seem to find a reason to do anything but open that book when left to my own devices.
I will openly admit that I am a procrastinator.
And the easiest?
Ordering the study text!
How was the exam?
The exam was good, some tough questions and a bit of drama getting into the CII’s online invigilation system initially, but I got in and got the job done scoring 80%.
What will it mean for you professionally?
I can now help all my existing and future clients with their mortgage needs, it was the one area of advice in our proposition that I had to refer to another adviser in the practice. I can now offer the full range of services to my clients.
Are you now working towards another qualification, or are you taking a break before diving into your next challenge?
I am still working towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner studying for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
At least three more exams to do yet and a lifetime of CPD making sure my clients always receive the best advice.
We welcome Rachel to the team
Rachel has joined our busy admin team. We caught up with Rachel to find out how she’s getting on.
What were you doing before you joined KBA Financial?
I was working as a receptionist for a local GP.
Can you tell us a bit about your role?
I work with Beccy Brooks, dealing with the front end of the pension information gathering and inputting.
How was your first day at KBA Financial?
Nerve-wracking but exciting.
I was advised to take the lack of work I had to do that day as a blessing and to enjoy it while it lasted. A week later, I wish I had!
So far, what do you love most about your new role?
The people I work with.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months?
Work-wise: learning more about my role within the company, expanding my knowledge within my role, and learning how to say annuity properly. Outside of work: CHRISTMAS!!!
What do you enjoy outside of work?
All things Disney related, watching any kind of sport, exploring waterfalls with my partner and my dog Woody, and anything to do with music.
Celebrating 40 years of making a difference with the Openwork Foundation
Throughout October, each team member has been taking on a challenge to mark the 40 years of Openwork Foundation.
It could be 40 dog walks, 40 cakes to bake and sell, 40km running over the month, 40 dog walks… You get the idea.
Each team member has taken on a challenge to not only support the charity by entering but to push themselves to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do.
Emma took on the challenge to complete 40 dog walks. This is Emma with Max,
If you want to sponsor us or support a worthy cause – please donate what you can to help us reach our target.
Sarah Tate has a new baby
Sarah has had a busy few months and we’ve chatted with her several times. In the summer, she moved to her forever home and, just before going on maternity leave, she celebrated 15 years with KBA.
This month, we’re thrilled to chat with her and meet her new baby boy.
Baby Denver was born just after 2.30pm on 28 September 2021, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 11oz. Here’s what Sarah shared…
This is your third child, so how was your pregnancy?
Apart from horrendous heartburn throughout, I didn’t have many symptoms. However, I did find that I was a lot more tired and achy during this pregnancy.
Other than that, it went really quickly.
How was the birth and who was with you?
I had a planned C-section, as I had previous sections with my other children. Since I knew the date a few weeks prior, I was able to sort childcare out for my other children.
I had my husband with me. And only needed to stay in hospital one night!
How have your two other children adjusted to their baby brother?
They’ve both been brilliant. They like giving him cuddles and his bottle. He’s such a chilled baby that I think half the time they forget he’s there!
How are you feeling now that you’re a week or so into looking after a tiny baby and your other two under-5-year-olds?!
He’s only a week old, but so far so good.
Denver has got the memo that this house likes their sleep! He’s doing really well in the night and only waking a couple of times.
I’m just feeling a bit guilty that I’m not able to play with my other kids properly due to having the operation. But they are loving having their Dada at home!
