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Leonard Tan

BBA, AFPCM, MDRT

Financial Services Associate Director

My Personal Story

My journey in Financial Planning looks pretty smooth on the surface.

In 2017 alone, I have won various personal awards in my company and even tripled my sales.

But yet, there’s a helpless feeling you can’t escape from when your own mother is diagnosed with cancer without any insurance…

Funnily enough, my relationship with her deteriorated when I first joined the industry in 2015. She and dad were dead against it.

“Study all the way till NUS then go and sell insurance? It’s a dead end career!”

Perhaps it was my desire to prove them wrong, or perhaps it was pride, I went ahead against their wishes while still in University.

And I did pretty well for a start. The additional income was very comfortable for student life, my school fees were less of a burden, and I could even afford little luxuries every now and then.

But all this came at the cost of my relationship with my parents. As a result, I stayed in school longer and worked late into the night. This way, I could avoid one more potential argument at home.

This was the relationship I had with my parents, until one night in 2016…

My mom fell into sudden coughing fits and coughed out a lot of blood. Worried, we sent her to the hospital where they conducted a series of tests and examinations.

By the end of it, our fears were realised as the doctor said these dreaded five words, “We have found a tumour”

I still recall being by my mom’s bedside. She looked at me worried and asked, “Son, is it too late to get insurance?”

My heart immediately sank as I softly whispered…no. Imagine being a financial planner who couldn’t insure his parents. Imagine being a financial planner who had to tell his parents it was too late.

The cost was also a worry. My dad had just gone into retirement, while my brother and I had only just started our careers.

Financial sacrifices had to be made. Every appointment at National Cancer Centre, even today, we would ask, “How much would this cost?”, instead of “What is the best treatment available?”

And quite frankly, I still blame myself for not doing more for them.

While we are still finding the best care for my mom, this experience has helped me in 2 ways.

  1. My relationship with my parents has healed
  2. I take on a very different approach when meeting my clients now

I’ve realised since that the 1hr consultation I have with my new clients could make a massive impact in their life’s adventure.

And everything I share or recommend could impact their future lifestyle, or even the difference between Life & Death, between choosing the cheapest medical care treatment versus the best medical care treatment

This shift in perspective has had a positive impact in both my career and my clients’ lives.

My sales have improved as I could now better communicate my concern for my clients.

As for my clients, it is better to show, rather than tell.

A good friend of mine, Wendy (not her real name), was one of my clients. At the age of just 25, she found a cancerous tumour in her adrenal gland.

On top of that, the cost for proper treatment totalled $200,000. Fortunately, due to adequate coverage, she’s recovered and is now a mother of 2 bubbly boys! Her family did not have to fork out a single cent during this time.

What many do not know was that if I was just 7 days late in engaging her as my client, she and her family’s life would have turned out very differently.

Beneath the waters of success always lies a strong driving force. And to me, it’s stories of my mom and clients like Wendy who continue to drive me in what I do.

Testimonials

Read More About What Others Have To Say About Leonard

Leonard took great effort to get to know me and my financial needs before recommending coverage options that best suited me. From time to time, he would also check up on me and provide information regarding the latest AIA deals such as free travel insurance during the holiday season as well as free COVID19 coverage during this epidemic season. Thank you Leonard for your help and sound advice this past one year!

VanessaMOE

Leonard is a trusted advisor who is committed to giving his best when serving his clients. He takes the time and effort to understand my needs (and budget) before recommending products that best suit me. With good knowledge in this field, he gives genuine financial advice and I'm glad that he had reached out to me a few years ago to kickstart my financial planning journey. Really grateful to have a friendly and dedicated advisor who has my best interests at heart!

Kar YeoHR

Leonard is an agent I trust. He listens to what I am looking for and recommends products based on not just what I want, but what my financial situation allows. He is very patient as well and never makes me feel pressured to buy something I do not need. That said, he truly cares and if he sees a gap in my coverage, will definitely let me know what options I could take. Thank you Leonard for being my agent, and above that, someone who cares!

Joanne

I have always known Leonard as a warm, sincere and cheerful individual. His drive to succeed and passion in helping others are some other qualities that come through in my interactions with him. Not only do I have the trust and confidence in his competence as a financial planner but also the assurance that he will be there for me as a friend.

Joshua

Leonard took the time to understand my needs and financial goals, as well as
analyze my current coverage before making a proposal. He gave me enough
options (but not too overwhelming), and patiently explained the pros and cons of
each proposed policy. I liked that he understood what were non-negotiable for
me and worked around my concerns instead of dismissing them or trying to
change my opinions. Unlike many other financial consultants I have met, Leonard
is truly genuine and passionate in what he does!

BelleMarketing

Leonard is one of the nicest, most sincere insurance consultant I’ve gotten the pleasure
to meet. He takes plenty of effort and time to understand my needs and gave straight-
to-the-point advice on how to protect myself and my loved ones from any unforeseen
risks.
Most importantly, Leonard is genuine in advising and advocating for his clients' best
interests - and not his own.

Lim Jing RongMarketing

Leonard Tan

BBA, AFPCM, MDRT

Financial Services Associate Director

My Personal Story

My journey in Financial Planning looks pretty smooth on the surface.

In 2017 alone, I have won various personal awards in my company and even tripled my sales.

But yet, there’s a helpless feeling you can’t escape from when your own mother is diagnosed with cancer without any insurance…

Funnily enough, my relationship with her deteriorated when I first joined the industry in 2015. She and dad were dead against it.

“Study all the way till NUS then go and sell insurance? It’s a dead end career!”

Perhaps it was my desire to prove them wrong, or perhaps it was pride, I went ahead against their wishes while still in University.

And I did pretty well for a start. The additional income was very comfortable for student life, my school fees were less of a burden, and I could even afford little luxuries every now and then.

But all this came at the cost of my relationship with my parents. As a result, I stayed in school longer and worked late into the night. This way, I could avoid one more potential argument at home.

This was the relationship I had with my parents, until one night in 2016…

My mom fell into sudden coughing fits and coughed out a lot of blood. Worried, we sent her to the hospital where they conducted a series of tests and examinations.

By the end of it, our fears were realised as the doctor said these dreaded five words, “We have found a tumour”

I still recall being by my mom’s bedside. She looked at me worried and asked, “Son, is it too late to get insurance?”

My heart immediately sank as I softly whispered…no. Imagine being a financial planner who couldn’t insure his parents. Imagine being a financial planner who had to tell his parents it was too late.

The cost was also a worry. My dad had just gone into retirement, while my brother and I had only just started our careers.

Financial sacrifices had to be made. Every appointment at National Cancer Centre, even today, we would ask, “How much would this cost?”, instead of “What is the best treatment available?”

And quite frankly, I still blame myself for not doing more for them.

While we are still finding the best care for my mom, this experience has helped me in 2 ways.

  1. My relationship with my parents has healed
  2. I take on a very different approach when meeting my clients now

I’ve realised since that the 1hr consultation I have with my new clients could make a massive impact in their life’s adventure.

And everything I share or recommend could impact their future lifestyle, or even the difference between Life & Death, between choosing the cheapest medical care treatment versus the best medical care treatment

This shift in perspective has had a positive impact in both my career and my clients’ lives.

My sales have improved as I could now better communicate my concern for my clients.

As for my clients, it is better to show, rather than tell.

A good friend of mine, Wendy (not her real name), was one of my clients. At the age of just 25, she found a cancerous tumour in her adrenal gland.

On top of that, the cost for proper treatment totalled $200,000. Fortunately, due to adequate coverage, she’s recovered and is now a mother of 2 bubbly boys! Her family did not have to fork out a single cent during this time.

What many do not know was that if I was just 7 days late in engaging her as my client, she and her family’s life would have turned out very differently.

Beneath the waters of success always lies a strong driving force. And to me, it’s stories of my mom and clients like Wendy who continue to drive me in what I do.

Testimonials

Read More About What Others Have To Say About Leonard

Leonard took great effort to get to know me and my financial needs before recommending coverage options that best suited me. From time to time, he would also check up on me and provide information regarding the latest AIA deals such as free travel insurance during the holiday season as well as free COVID19 coverage during this epidemic season. Thank you Leonard for your help and sound advice this past one year!

VanessaMOE

Leonard is a trusted advisor who is committed to giving his best when serving his clients. He takes the time and effort to understand my needs (and budget) before recommending products that best suit me. With good knowledge in this field, he gives genuine financial advice and I'm glad that he had reached out to me a few years ago to kickstart my financial planning journey. Really grateful to have a friendly and dedicated advisor who has my best interests at heart!

Kar YeoHR

Leonard is an agent I trust. He listens to what I am looking for and recommends products based on not just what I want, but what my financial situation allows. He is very patient as well and never makes me feel pressured to buy something I do not need. That said, he truly cares and if he sees a gap in my coverage, will definitely let me know what options I could take. Thank you Leonard for being my agent, and above that, someone who cares!

Joanne

I have always known Leonard as a warm, sincere and cheerful individual. His drive to succeed and passion in helping others are some other qualities that come through in my interactions with him. Not only do I have the trust and confidence in his competence as a financial planner but also the assurance that he will be there for me as a friend.

Joshua

Leonard took the time to understand my needs and financial goals, as well as
analyze my current coverage before making a proposal. He gave me enough
options (but not too overwhelming), and patiently explained the pros and cons of
each proposed policy. I liked that he understood what were non-negotiable for
me and worked around my concerns instead of dismissing them or trying to
change my opinions. Unlike many other financial consultants I have met, Leonard
is truly genuine and passionate in what he does!

BelleMarketing

Leonard is one of the nicest, most sincere insurance consultant I’ve gotten the pleasure
to meet. He takes plenty of effort and time to understand my needs and gave straight-
to-the-point advice on how to protect myself and my loved ones from any unforeseen
risks.
Most importantly, Leonard is genuine in advising and advocating for his clients' best
interests - and not his own.

Lim Jing RongMarketing