Jim started the Practice in 1986 after leaving the oil industry where he spent 8 years as a Financial Consultant.
He is a fully qualified adviser with over 35 years of experience. Jim holds the Diploma in Financial Planning with the Personal Finance Society. He is also a founding member of the Institute of Financial Planning.
He trained as a Chartered Accountant, and has an Honours degree from the University of Strathclyde Business School. He covers most aspects of financial planning, but in particular investment, estate planning, trusts and tax mitigation.

Susan joined Advanced Financial Planning in May 2002. She started as a receptionist but within 6 months had moved on to become Jim Smith’s Personal Assistant. Having steadily progressed, Susan is now the Practice Manager.
In addition to office management duties, Susan is also an accomplished Paraplanner, providing valuable technical and administrative support throughout the advice process and in managing client relationships.
She studied at Aberdeen College and Robert Gordons University where she completed a BA in Hospitality Management.

Craig has over 18 years of experience advising clients across all areas of financial planning. He entered the financial services industry in 2003 having gained an Honours Degree from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
He is a Chartered & Certified Financial Planner. Craig holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning via the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Level 7 Certified Financial Planner qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment. The certification is generally considered the gold standard in the financial planning industry. Craig also holds the Chartered Wealth Manager designation awarded by the CISI.

Main areas of advice and expertise:

• High Net Worth Financial Planning
• Pensions & Retirement Planning
• Wealth Management & Investments
• Trusts, Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
• Cashflow Modelling
• Personal & Business Protection

Tom has worked in Financial Services for over 35 years, having previously been employed by Unilever for 15 years. He joined AFP in 2020 as part of his succession planning strategy.

Fraser joined AFP in 2020 after 23 years in the retail motor industry in Aberdeen.
He successfully attained the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in March 2021.

Fraser provides advice on:

• Wealth Management & Investments
• Pensions & Retirement Planning
• Trusts & Estate Planning
• Cashflow Modelling
• Family & Business Protection

Joyce joined AFP in January 2022.  She has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, starting as an administrator, progressing to a paraplanner position and has been an adviser since 2012.

She holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management.

She provides advice on:

• Investment Planning
• Pensions & Retirement Planning
• Trusts & Estate Planning

Amanda joined AFP in January 2023. She spent her early career working as an accountant in the oil industry before moving into Financial Services in 2016 initially as a Mortgage & Protection Adviser, then progressing to Financial Adviser in 2021. 

Amanda holds the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and the Certificate in Mortgage Advice Qualification.  Amanda is regulated by the FCA to give financial advice and holds a valid Statement of Professional Standing from The Chartered Insurance Institute.

Amanda provides advice on the following:

• Financial Planning
• Wealth Management & Investments
• Retirement Planning & Pensions
• Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning
• Mortgages
• Personal & Business Protection

Ross joined AFP in January 2023 and is currently undertaking the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, with a view to joining the advisory team on attaining the qualification.

Mhairi joined Advanced Financial Planning in April 2016, initially as an Administrator and moved on to become a Paraplanner once she gained the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

In 2024 she took on the role of Head of Paraplanning. Mhairi provides valuable technical and administrative support to advisers in the Practice.

Sarah joined AFP in January 2023 having amassed 7 years of Paraplanning experience. Sarah provides valuable back-office support to our team of advisers.

Lizzie joined AFP in June 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience from 27 years in Financial Services. Lizzie provides valuable back-office support to our team of advisers.

Gwenyth joined AFP in November 2022, and is your first point of contact at Advanced Financial Planning.

Tracy has been with AFP for 10 years, and provides valuable administrative support to our whole team.

Dale joined AFP in September 2024 having amassed over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. During this period, he has worked in various positions working his way up to become a Paraplanner. Dale provides valuable back-office support to our team of advisers.