Paul Leonard CFP, got a B.Sc. in construction, landed up selling property and then joined a life assurance company.

He was amazed that as an educated man, he knew very little about personal finance and his fascination motivated him to try to understand the principles of personal finance and wealth. He quickly became dissatisfied with the conventional way of dispensing financial advice that appeared to be designed for products distribution rather than advice. So he embarked on a process where he tries to build strategies around principles rather than products. For many years he has run seminars to teach people practical ideas to implement those principles.

Today, after 12 years in the financial planning profession, he uses a values-based approach to lifestyle financial planning. His approach to financial planning has been independently endorsed by academics, financial journalists and professional peers when he was named one of the finalists in the Financial Planner of the Year awards in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. These awards are based on the quality of the financial planning process used when dispensing advice rather than on sales volumes.

Paul Leonard CFP operates an independent financial planning practice, Money Talk Financial Planning from Port Elizabeth.

He is married to Carol and they have 3 children. Paul’s passionate pastime is amateur theatre and singing.