Q: Tell us about yourself:
A: My name is Torrance Kassabian, I have been a Financial Planner for 10+ years working with individuals to manage their finances and meet their goals and objectives. In that time I have worked with countless clients in formulating their budgets and assisting them to adhere to those budgets to assist in meeting their overall goals and objectives.
Q: What is a plan manager?
A: A plan manager is someone who works with those who receive NDIS funding. A plan manager will work with those who receive NDIS funding in paying bills through the funds that they receive from the NDIS. Apart from paying the day to day bills a plan manager will assist in monitoring the budget to make sure that you are not over or under spending. A plan manager will provide monthly updates of your statements which will allow you to monitor the spending. The services of a plan manager are not paid by yourself but are in fact are paid for by NDIS, when you are being set up for NDIS funding you have the option to be self-managed or have someone manage your finances. If you choose to have someone manage your finances then the NDIS will include in your final plan a portion to pay for a plan manager.
Q: What made you get into Plan Managing
A: I have a mother with Multiple sclerosis. My experience with assisting her with her NDIS open my eyes to the need for reliable plan managers to assist with budget planning. With so many areas to look after having someone take on the responsibility in not just managing the bills but also keeping track of the budget so that you are not over or under spending is of great importance.
Q: What do you think are three important characteristics for a Plan manager
A: A plan manager has many hats that they need to wear. They not only need to be organized and numbers focused to make sure that the bills are paid and that spending keeps within the budget but they also need to have empathy when working with clients in assisting them to lead their live3s on their terms.
Q: What are some of the things that a customer should do when they starting the NDIS process in order to be set up in the most beneficial manner:
A: Prior to starting the NDIS journey and working with a plan coordinator it is best to sit down and write up the things that you will need in order to continue with maintaining an independent lifestyle. When you speak with a coordinator that will work with you to create a plan that will enable to you receive funding in order for you to maintain independence. Even though your support coordinator will assist you in filling in the forms and guiding you in the right direction it is ultimately up to know the things you will need that will assist you in living a life on your terms.
Q: What should people requiring NDIS support look for when choosing the partners that they work with:
A: The first thing is to make sure that the NDIS provider that you are working with is capable and competent in their job. However, even if a person is capable at their job it won’t necessarily mean that it is the right fit for yourself. It is important to gain an understanding of their values and making sure that you will be able to work with you.
Q: If you were to use 3 words that best describe yourself what would they be
A: Loyal, committed, tenacious.
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