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Writing about money, decisions,
and everything in between.

By Rafiq Hidayat, Licensed Financial Planner

About rafiqhidayat.com

Hi, I’m Rafiq — a Licensed Financial Planner and lifelong student of money, decisions, and the stories we tell ourselves around both. I’ve been sharing reflections on personal finance, choices, and life lessons for years — first on Facebook, and now here.

This site is my digital shelf: a space to gather and share thoughts worth keeping — some original, some reshared, all intended to spark reflection, clarity, or action. Whether you’re here for financial insight, a good story, or just curiosity, I’m glad you’re here.

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Who I write for

💭

Everyday Decision-Makers

People trying to make better money decisions with clarity and confidence.

Financially Curious

Those stuck between “I should know this” and “Why didn’t anyone teach me this?”

🔁

Clients & Reflectors

Clients who want reminders, stories, and real thoughts — not sales talk.

Recent Posts

Client Journey

Client Testimony

Financial Awareness

Announcement

FAQ

What exactly do you do as a Licensed Financial Planner?

As a Licensed Financial Planner, I help individuals and families make informed financial decisions and achieve their life goals through structured, personalised advice.

Here’s what I do in a nutshell:

  1. Understand your financial situation
    I start by listening — learning about your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, goals, and concerns.

  2. Develop a comprehensive financial plan
    This includes key areas such as:

    • Cash flow and budgeting

    • Debt management

    • Protection planning (takaful/insurance)

    • Investment strategy

    • Retirement planning

    • Estate and legacy planning

    • Zakat and Shariah-aligned financial matters (if applicable)

  3. Provide professional advice, not just product sales
    My recommendations are always in your best interest. I’m not tied to any single product provider, so you get objective, needs-based advice.

  4. Support you with implementation and ongoing reviews
    If you choose, I can assist in putting the plan into action — and we’ll review and adjust it regularly as your life evolves.

In short, I’m here to guide you every step of the way — not just for a transaction, but for a long-term partnership in your financial journey.

Do you sell insurance, unit trust, or investment products?

Yes — but only as part of a comprehensive financial planning process and always in your best interest.

As a licensed financial planner, I’m authorised to recommend and facilitate the implementation of financial solutions such as:

  • Takaful/insurance products for protection planning

  • Unit trust and investment products for wealth accumulation

  • Other financial instruments aligned with your financial goals

However, I don’t sell products in isolation. Any recommendation I make is based on a thorough understanding of your needs, goals, and financial situation. You’ll receive a comprehensive plan first — and only if it makes sense for you, will we discuss implementation options.

You’re also free to implement recommended solutions with any provider of your choice. My goal is to help you make informed decisions, not push products.

So, how do you get paid?

I practise a hybrid remuneration model that ensures transparency, flexibility, and alignment with your needs.

  1. Annual Engagement Fee
    This is a fixed fee you pay upfront or annually to engage me as your financial planner. It covers all the professional services provided throughout the year — including financial planning, cash flow analysis, retirement projections, estate planning, and regular strategy reviews. This ensures that my advice remains unbiased and focused on your goals, regardless of any products involved.

  2. Implementation Compensation (If Applicable)
    If you choose to proceed with implementing any of the recommended financial solutions (such as takaful, investment products, or other financial instruments), I may receive a commission or implementation fee from the product provider. This is optional and only applies if you choose to implement with me. You are always free to implement through any provider of your choice.

This model gives you the best of both worlds: a trusted advisory relationship based on a professional service agreement, with the flexibility to engage me for implementation if and when you decide.

How much is the usual fee to engage a Licensed Financial Planner?

Fees can vary depending on the planner’s experience, scope of services, and complexity of your financial situation. 

Here’s what usually determines the fee:

  • Scope of advice (e.g. basic planning vs. holistic planning with retirement, investment, estate, and zakat components)

  • Complexity of your financial profile (e.g. multiple income sources, business ownership, property portfolio)

  • Time and depth of engagement (e.g. frequency of review sessions, hands-on support with implementation)

We’ll always quote the fee upfront before any engagement, so you know exactly what you’re getting and how much it costs — no hidden charges, no surprises. We would usually explain the fee that you will have to pay during the free Discovery session. 

Can you guarantee results?

No — and any financial planner who promises guaranteed results should raise a red flag.

What I can guarantee is:

  • A structured, personalised approach to your financial planning

  • Professional advice based on your best interest

  • Ongoing support to help you stay on track with your goals

  • Transparency in fees, strategies, and product recommendations

Financial outcomes are influenced by many external factors — market conditions, economic shifts, personal life changes — all of which are beyond anyone’s control. My role is to help you make informed decisions, manage risks wisely, and stay adaptable as life evolves.

In short, I can’t guarantee results — but I can help you improve your chances of success, with a clear plan and the right habits over time.

What if I disagree with your advice?

That’s completely okay — financial planning is a collaborative process.

My role is to provide professional, objective advice based on your goals, values, and financial situation. But ultimately, you remain in full control of every decision. If you disagree with any recommendation, we’ll discuss it openly and explore alternatives that you’re more comfortable with.

Your input is not only welcome — it’s essential. The best financial plan is one that you’re fully on board with and confident in following.

Do you accept everyone as a client?

Not always — and that’s intentional.

I believe in providing the right advice to the right people, at the right time. Before we begin any engagement, we’ll have a discovery session to understand your goals, financial situation, and expectations. This helps both of us decide whether we’re a good fit.

I typically work best with individuals or families who:

  • Are serious about improving their finances

  • Value long-term planning over short-term fixes

  • Are open to advice and committed to taking action

If I feel I’m not the best person to help you, I’ll let you know — and where possible, I may refer you to someone more suitable.