Meet Connor... Our Paraplanner and Jiu-Jitsu Master!

Hello there, my name is Connor and I am the Paraplanner here at TFP.

I started at TFP in August 2019 as a Technical Administrator, since then I have obtained my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and I am now the resident Paraplanner.

In my role, I support Casey & Dan in the delivering our financial plans & suitability reports and am responsible for conducting research & analysis on financial products, wrappers and investments funds.

Writing this blog is a good opportunity to look back on my time at TFP as I approach my 4th year with the team (how time flies!).

Since starting in 2019, the team has grown, our service & processes have evolved but all while keeping our purpose & values at the centre of what we do and always building out from this.

On a personal level, I have learnt a great deal in my time here; from pensions to the psychology of money and everything in between. I am now studying for chartered status which is a stark reminder that there is always more to learn!

Away From Work

Away from work, my passion is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) which is a submission based grappling martial art; BJJ first came into the public eye at the first ever UFC in 1993 when Royce Gracie won the tournament by winning three fights in a row by submission.

I started by Jiu-Jitsu journey a little while after the first UFC at the tail end of 2020, since then I have obtained my blue belt and train around four times a week. As quite an analytical person, this sport suits me very well – in fact it’s sometimes referred to as ‘human chess’ as you’re always required to be steps ahead of your opponent and strategize under pressure.

Though what makes Jiu-Jitsu stand out to me is that there is no luck, no natural talent and you learn to play to your strengths and understand your weaknesses; it can also be tailored to anyone and there are some truly inspiring grapplers out there whether they’re blind, triple amputees or just starting their Jiu-Jitsu journey at 70 (it does happen!), it just goes to show how resilient and determined humans can be.

I am a keen motorcyclist, which means I am very much looking forward to some warmer weather! I also love to cook and experiment with new recipes – although will admit I am less keen on the washing up side of things… I would say I am avid reader, though the truth is I am more of an Audible kind of guy! Listening to a book in the car is a great way to consume books and is really the only way I can finish a book in good time (the only physical reading I do these days is textbooks!).

I will leave it here, but I am sure I will see you round the office or speak to you on the phone at some point and if you have any Audible recommendations for me, feel free to send them along!