+ MFF Introduction: Ben Manso de Zuniga, Financial Planner Is there anything you would like to change about the finance industry? I would like it to become more approachable and accessible, especially to younger people. I feel more of an emphasis should be placed on educating soon-to-be or young adults about key financial topics, which would provide them with the knowledge to make positive choices to benefit their futures. We should all leave school understanding what a mortgage is, how a pension works etc.
Ben originally trained as a physiotherapist before choosing to take a different career path. He has worked with MFF for nearly 3 years. Why did you decide to change careers? I studied physiotherapy at the University of Birmingham and worked for two years at the Princess Royal University Hospital, part of King’s College Trust. I completed my foundational rotations on different departments including Neuro-Rehab, A&E, Trauma & Orthopaedics as well in a classic musculo-skeletal outpatient setting. While I enjoyed my time working in the medical field, I have always had an interest in finance and business. I studied business at A-Level and, during my years of studying physiotherapy, kept a close eye on economic affairs and the global markets. I started to realise that finance was the industry for me. I am now a qualified financial planner and also studying to achieve Chartered status. I often tell people that the fundamentals of physiotherapy and financial advice are very alike in terms of problem solving and building relationships, but they never seem to believe me! What is the best part of your role? I really enjoy helping our clients to achieve their personal goals, such as retiring early, paying off their mortgage or supporting their children on to the property ladder. It is hugely rewarding to see your work come to fruition and the clients reaching their objectives. I also enjoy strategically planning which route is best for them through detailed analysis of their financial position. The visible look of relief clients express when they know their finances are all in-hand, is also incredibly satisfying. What do you love most about working for MFF? The company has continued to grow and, since I started here, it has nearly twice the number of employees. Despite this, I am delighted to say that the welcoming, familial nature of the team, which instantly made me feel at ease and motivated to stay, has remained constant. We retain our small company ethos and client service. Everyone knows their clients really well and are ready to help wherever we can. I feel fortunate to say I look forward to working in the office on a Monday morning.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I’m half-Spanish, so I love to cook for friends and family with a glass of Rioja in my hand. When I’m not eating paella, I like to be as active as possible. I’ve always been into sport, mainly rugby, which I played from age 9 through to university, but I also played hockey and more recently tennis too. During lockdown, I got into Crossfit and enjoyed putting myself, and my brother, through gruelling workouts. There is something quite satisfying about finishing something that you felt, at the time, you never would be able to, which is why I probably decided to enter the London Marathon. A marathon has always been on my bucket list and, for me, it had to be London. How did it go? I entered the ballot in 2018 and luckily secured a place for 2019 on my first attempt. Unfortunately, while training, I picked up an injury to my calf and so had to defer my place to 2020. After recovering, I began training again for 2020 but as we all know, the next two years didn’t go to plan, and my marathon was postponed twice until 2022. Its’s an inside joke that my marathon training is the longest to ever be completed. I was really pleased with my time of 3 hours 27 mins. I chose to raise much needed funds for the mental health charity Mind because I believe mental health issues affect us all. During the pandemic especially, I think we all realised how important it is to look after our mental health and the mental health of people around us. After recovering from London, I feel like I have got the bug to run again. Although, I find myself drawn towards completing an ultramarathon with a friend, as I feel there is less pressure on the time and a greater focus on just completing the 50-odd miles. Equally, a group of my friends would like to run half marathons in different capital cities in Europe, which sounds like a fun few weekends away. Do you have a mentor? Probably my 87-year-old grandad. He is a proud Yorkshireman who has lived a life travelling the world as an RAF engineer, and puts me to shame with how active he continues to be. I hope I have inherited some of his genes.