Imagine someone who truly gets thrilled talking about budgeting over coffee or lights up discussing long-term investment goals as though they were sharing a great vacation story—Nathan Garries someone who does fit the typical pattern of a financial advisor. Imagine someone who doesn’t blink at your complex tax inquiries and manages to make a boring spreadsheet review interesting. That is what distinguishes some planners really.

Curiosity strikes you immediately among other things. There’s an impulse to ask a barrage of questions: What keeps you up at night? Rather than hurrying off the same boring advice on “diversify your portfolio.” Had your dog consumed your will? Do you truly enjoy IPOs or are you investing because your parents said so? At the appropriate moment, humor slices the tension like a hot knife over butter. After some dad jokes on compound interest, financial discussion sounds less stuffy.

Then fast forward to the planning stage. Permanent marker offers no one-size-fits-all road map. Rather, there is opportunity for deviations. While some people are accumulating money for a classic car, others want to purchase a farm. Recommendations have flexibility incorporated into them. Like purchasing the first house or recovering from a market fall, milestone events become shared successes. It more resembles having a financial partner than it does a numerical rehearsal.

Every discussion we weave transparency into it. None of such cloak-and-dagger behavior exists here. You are told upfront if anything does not make sense. Clients occasionally turn sideways and wonder, “Is this even possible?” At that point the honest, sincere conversation starts. No sugarcoating. A strategy that might run across a hitch is called out—loudly and precisely.

The magic potion is empathy. Listening is more than just a checkbox crossed off in a meeting. Some advisers remember specifics like your side gig, pet ferret, or karaoke phobias. Sometimes better than you do, they recall your questions and dreams. Understanding comes first; decisions follow from that.

Not to overlook the crazy world of rules and financial tools. Others could drone on, but there is deft use of parallels. “Consider this fund as a buffet; sample a small amount but avoid stuffing your plate too full.” Restraints and guidelines? They are presented in plain English, occasionally with a narrative about a client who learnt the hard way by trying to outsmart the tax system. Only the wisdom of experience—no lectures.

Curves balls fly—unplanned medical costs, sudden job changes, marriage, divorce, twins. One can adapt better than any stiff screenplay. A very involved adviser moves fast, ready with a new game plan and moral support.

Every stage of the process is imbued with vitality and honesty. There is not dry, detached professionalism here. Rather, one finds a constant presence. someone who responds to calls late in the evening while you are panicking over declining markets. Someone who speaks before your major mortgage conference to inspire you.

This kind of financial advisor? Far more than someone doing calculations. It’s like having a seasoned, eccentric friend who uses grit and good humor to balance spreadsheets and life’s surprises. To keep your plans reasonable, trust, enjoyment, adaptability, and just enough harsh love will help. That makes a great difference.