When I set up a first meeting with a new customer, one of the things I am sometimes asked is: ‘what do I need to bring?’ or ‘what will you need from me?’

And that’s a good thing, because it means the client wants to be prepared and we will be able to make good progress from that first get together.

But for those who don’t ask that question, here’s my guide to preparation and getting the best from meeting with an adviser like me for the first time.

Firstly, it makes sense to think about and write down what it is you are looking to achieve.

Are you looking to buy your first home or move to a bigger or smaller house? Maybe you have a mortgage but it is coming to the end of its fixed-rate term or you are on the lender’s standard variable rate and you want a better deal.

If it is insurance you are looking for, make a list of what it is you need to cover. Is it you and your partner’s lives, or do you want protection against illness or redundancy, for example? If you want to insure the contents of your home, make a list of all the expensive gadgets you have – you might be surprised?

Maybe your circumstances are changing – you are getting married, having children or going self-employed, for example. Or maybe you just want to review all your current policies and commitments, to see if you can save some money?

Whatever your needs, have a good idea in mind about what it is you are wanting to do before we meet.

Work out your budget. This is something I will help you with, but bring along details of bank accounts, bills you pay each month and a rough idea of what you spend on things like food, going out and so on. That isn’t just me being nosey, it’s the only way we can agree between us what you can afford, particularly if you are looking to get on the property ladder. Far too often people rush off and fall in love with a house without realising they couldn’t afford to buy it. It’s always best to know your budget before you go house-hunting, it avoids disappointment later.

Details about your health. This might seem odd, but when applying for insurance, details like your age, height, weight, health and medical history will be relevant and again, it will save time on applications if you have the details to hand. Be honest too. If you don’t disclose health issues when you take out some policies and they come to light later, the policy might not pay out.

This is also a great time to get your paperwork together too. Things like a copy of your passport and driving licence. Mortgage lenders will need your latest three months’ wage slips, or your latest two years’ accounts, if you are self-employed, as well as your latest three months’ bank statements to show your income going in and bills going out.

Finally, bring along any questions you have – whether that is about me and my services or about the products we are discussing. You might want to know about charges (with me there aren’t any, by the way) or have any number of questions about mortgages or insurance products. These can be complex and it’s important you fully understand what you are signing up for before you put pen to paper.

As the boy scouts say, ‘be prepared’ and you’ll get the most from our first meeting!

For a free, no obligation discussion on any mortgage or insurance-related issue, please give me a call on 01723 384558 or 07767 692 653 or email me at mgrayshan@googlemail.com