A banker is so much more than a financial institution; they’re a partner. If you’re looking to enhance your banking experience, seek out the skills and expertise of a personal banker, who can give you financial advice that is tailored to your needs and wants, and provide access to a wide range of products and services.
While a bank does provide essential financial services, a dedicated banker offers personalized attention, expert guidance, and a proactive approach to managing your finances. They can provide support with such financial matters as investments and retirement planning, or securing the financing you need to achieve your goals.
Going above and beyond
Much like your physician, accountant or even car repair technician, a banker can provide service that is tailored specifically to you. They’ll take the time to understand your financial needs and goals—whether it’s starting a business, buying a home or saving for retirement—by assessing your financial situation and creating customizing solutions.
A banker’s main objective is to provide you with exceptional service and strive to anticipate your needs. To do this, they will keep the lines of communication open, be available to you whenever you need them, and go the extra mile in providing you the support you need.
Expert advice
Bankers possess extensive knowledge and expertise in various financial area, making them well-suited to provide guidance on such financial matters as investing, loans, mortgages and retirement planning. They can also advise you on complicated financial situations, raise awareness on potential investment opportunities, help manage your debt, and recommend ways to increase your savings.
If you’re looking to finance a large purchase—either for your personal or business use—your banker can help identify which loan products are best for you, then walk you through the process, from gathering the required documentation, to filling out the application, to securing the financing and using it towards your purchase.
Access to tools and resources
Bankers aren’t only experts in their field, they also have access to a wide variety of resources that can benefit their clients. Your banker can inform you on banking products and services, such as specialized checking and savings accounts, credit card products, loans and lines of credit, and investment accounts.
Bankers can also provide financial planning tools designed to help you better understand your financial standing. Tools such as financial calculators and modeling applications can help create budgets, track spending, project cash flows, and simulate different scenarios to help you in making financial decisions.
If you’re interested in growing your own personal financial knowledge, your banker can provide educational resources including articles, blogs, webinars, podcasts and workshops focused on financial topics. These resource can help empower you to make informed financial decisions.
Well connected
Because of their work in many aspects of the financial industry, bankers often have a network of trusted professionals who can provide additional expertise and services. From financial advisors and attorneys, to real estate professionals, accountants and insurance agents, your banker will most likely know someone who can further assist you with your financial goals. This can be an invaluable resource as your needs grow and change.
Build trust with open communication
Sharing your financial situation with a stranger can feel like a very personal thing; it’s not typically the topic of casual dinner conversation. However, being fully transparent with your banker is the only way they can provide you with the most accurate information, tools and resources that will help you reach your financial goals.
When meeting with your banker, clearly communicate your immediate and long-term objectives, whether it’s paying off a high-interest credit card, or purchasing a home. By sharing your goals, your banker will be able to tailor their advice and solutions specifically to your needs. Also, it’s important to share pertinent financial information such as your income, expenses, debts and assets. The more your banker knows, the better they’ll be able to assist you.
Foster the relationship
Just like with any relationship, developing a beneficial and long-lasting connection with your banker takes mutual trust and effective communication. A simple, yet effective way to build a strong relationship with your banker is by scheduling regular meetings, when you can review your accounts, discuss any new or ongoing goals, and come prepared with questions or concerns.
Other ways to foster your relationship with your banker include seeking their expertise and guidance on various financial matters; following up promptly; referring friends, family or colleagues; and providing feedback on their service.