As we head into the Easter break, I thought it would be good to reflect on last quarter and share the “glass-half-full” perspective.

1. Necessity is the mother of invention

Whether the shift has been large or small, we’ve had to come up with different ways to connect with our teams, clients and family.  Creative solutions such as ‘Mr Scott’ – Troy Scott running virtual financial literacy workshops with students; Jodie Douglas sharing successful claim stories via video messages on social media; Karam Singh sharing ways to access well-being support in his capacity as an Ambassador for Beyond Blue.

2. Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Think about how much you miss human connection right now. Even little things like the place you buy coffee everyday.  Think about going out to watch your kids play sport or watching your local sporting club.  I suspect there will be a deeper level of appreciation of the freedom life provides once we’re all out of self-isolation

3. The power of technology

As much as it drives us nuts sometimes, technology is bringing communities (even globally) together.  Zoom/Google hangouts/Microsoft teams have been repurposed for virtual birthday parties, girls nights out, book clubs (sorry, that’s me…the reading geek) and countless other clever ways to make sure we stay connected with the people that matter in our lives

4. Healthy is the new black

Yesterday I bought Liv (my daughter) a new pair of running shoes.  It had some logistical complexity, we had to book an appointment, sanitise our hands at least 3 times etc. However, I asked the manager how business was going.  He replied, “it’s been great, the swimmers can’t get in the pool, so they’ve been buying running shoes instead and training other ways”.   There are more people walking, running, cycling, taking dogs for walks or hanging outside with their kids than ever before.  The health benefits of being fit, taking time out to look after yourself are both physical and mental.  And since it takes 21 days to form a habit…odds on these new ways of looking after ourselves stick.

5. You know what matters in life

We probably already knew this, but I think we’re more conscious than ever before.  Looking after the safety and wellbeing of your family is at the forefront of every decision we’re making.  Whether it’s how we reinvent our business, ensuring there is food on the table or making sure we follow the Government health protocols.  It all comes back to one important thing – our family.

Over Easter, I sincerely hope you get some time to reflect on the good things that have occurred in your life in the last 100 days.  I have many to be grateful for; the support from all of you as I’ve had to deal with my father passing away;  the leadership from the Adviser Panel who are working with us to ensure Madison finds a home; my team who seem to be able to pivot when the next challenge comes along; the support externally from Bob & the Seaview team, PwC, OneVue and industry peers. We live in challenging times, that’s the evolution of humanity but it does not mean we can’t overcome it, or that it will get the better of us.  And will we succeed? “Yes you will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)” …borrowed from that great philosopher, Dr Suess

Our best wishes for a safe, healthy and relaxing Easter break.

Sincerely

Annick

 

Madison Sale Update

Our focus is now directed toward working through the questions in the dataroom and ensuring we provide the appropriate responses.  Yesterday the Adviser Panel met with one of the bidders.  I understand it was a productive and worthwhile meeting.  John Francis will be providing a separate update to the community and I’m sure he’ll share the details with you.   Thank you to everyone who provided questions to the panel.  We’re in this together and there is so much opportunity on the other side.  To John Francis, Megan Hodge, Alex Ilievski, Phil Robbins and Paul Giordano – thanks again asking the difficult questions and demonstrating the strength of the Madison community.

Virtual Drinks on Friday

Madison are hosting a weekly drinks each Friday from 3.30pm via Zoom. As it’s the Easter long weekend this week’s drinks will be held on Thursday at 3.30pm. Each week will have a different theme and today’s is Easter. We hope to see you there, CLICK HERE to register.

 

Spotify Playlist

We have been building a Self-Isolation playlist in the Madisonfg spotify Account. We’d love you to collaborate with us and add songs to the list. CLICK HERE to add to your spotify play list or send your songs to adviserservices@madisonfg.com.au

 

Zoom tips for Client meetings

CLICK HERE for some tips on using Zoom to conduct your client meetings.

 

Adviser Guide to Surviving in a Pandemic

CLICK HERE to read through our guide to getting through the COVID-19

 

Working from home tips

CLICK HERE to read a list of things you can do to create a successful remote working environment for yourself and your team.

 

Madison Investment Market Update

CLICK HERE for today’s Investment Market Update. CLICK HERE for the updates to the CFS Madison Model Portfolios.

 

Training & Enhancements to the Xplan Review Process

CLICK HERE to find out more about the recent enhancements to the Xplan review process and the training available.

 

Your 2020/21 CPD Training Plan

An email was sent out yesterday asking for your help in building your CPD Training plan for 2020/21. Please CLICK HERE to read and respond.

 

FASEA Education Requirements

Congratulations the below advisers for passing the recent FASEA Exam!

Norm Sinclair

John Francis

Geoff Taylor

Matt Beauchamp

Tim McKendry

Ralph Taylor

Jodie Douglas

Andrea Fordham

Please remember to email your Statement of Results through to adviserservices@madisonfg.com.au so we can update your records.
CLICK HERE for recent updates from FASEA about the changes to the exam schedule due to COVID-19

 

News and Events from our Industry

Pengana WHEB Sustainable Impact Fund invests exclusively in companies which produce goods and services to address sustainability challenges. Ted Franks (Portfolio Manager) will provide an overview of the fund, as well as an update of the year-to-date performance and the current Coronavirus crises. He will also be looking at the potential impact of the crisis on longer term sustainability issues and the investment opportunities that may result. CLICK HERE to register.

MLC have created a chart pack to assist in client conversations about long-term investing. CLICK HERE to review.

Zurich/OnePath have developed _Zone an online education program, designed to guide you through the professional development you need as an adviser to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. CLICK HERE to check out what is available.

Our Corporate Partners are also preparing operational updates on their support for you, your business and clients. Click on the below links to read through what we have received so far;
AIA

AMP

AustralianSuper

IRESS

Netwealth
Nikko Asset Management

 

Revenue Services
The next revenue payrun will be processed on 1 April 2020.
OPEX has written handy guides for Madison users, available through Zen desk and the below links.

CommPay Reporting
Lodging and receipting an invoice.
Invoice Tracking Template
Xplan Navigation
Power BI webinar recording
Setting up referral arrangements in CommPay

CommPay and revenue queries – ATTN: Brokerage
support@opexconsulting.com.au

 

Discount Codes
FPA – When enrolling in any CFP unit let them know Madison is your licensee for a 10% discount.

Kaplan – PC-RID159

The promotional code for postgraduate study to meet FASEA requirements has been updated to MADFIMFP20. Make sure you enter this code to get the new pricing of $1,600 per subject.

 

Helpful Information

Madison contact list
FASEA Website