The questions we hear most often from clients just like you
It's a fair question, and the honest answer is: not everyone does. But research from ILC and Royal London shows that people who get professional financial advice are, on average, over £47,000 better off after 10 years.
If you're juggling pensions from different jobs, trying to work out when you can retire, or wondering if you're investing in the right way, professional advice can help you make sense of it all. Think of us as your financial GPS – you could navigate on your own, but it's easier with expert guidance.
The best way to find out? Pop the kettle on and give us a call for a no-obligation chat.
Your first meeting is all about getting to know each other. No pressure, no jargon – just a friendly conversation about where you are now and where you'd like to be.
We'll chat about:
This first consultation is completely free, and there's absolutely no obligation to proceed. We can meet by phone, video call, or in person – whatever works best for you.
There's no minimum amount needed to have a conversation with us. Whether you're just starting out or you've been saving for years, we're here to help.
For ongoing investment management, we typically work with clients who have at least £50,000 to invest. But for one-off pension reviews, retirement planning, or general financial advice, there's no minimum.
Remember – it's never too early to start planning. The sooner you get your finances in order, the better positioned you'll be for the future.
Yes, we're fully independent. That means we're not tied to any particular financial products or providers – we can search the whole market to find the best solutions for you.
We're also FCA regulated (Ref: 123456), so you have peace of mind that we meet strict professional standards and your money is protected.
We believe in being completely transparent about costs. Our fees depend on the type of service you need:
We'll always explain exactly what you'll pay before you commit to anything. No hidden charges, no surprises.
Studies show that people who get professional financial advice are significantly better off in the long run. The ILC/Royal London research found that advised individuals had £47,000 more wealth on average after 10 years.
Good advice can help you:
Think of it as an investment in your future, not just a cost.
Yes, in many cases you can. For pension advice, the fee can often be paid directly from your pension pot. For investment management, our ongoing fee is typically deducted from your investment portfolio.
We'll discuss all payment options during our initial conversation and find the approach that works best for you.
This is probably the question we're asked most often, and the answer is: it depends on your circumstances.
We'll help you work out:
Using cash flow modelling software, we can show you different scenarios and help you make an informed decision about your retirement date.
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association suggests you'll need:
But everyone's different. We'll help you work out what "comfortable" means for you, taking into account your mortgage, your lifestyle goals, and any financial commitments you'll have.
Don't forget – you'll also receive the state pension (currently £11,502/year for the full amount), which helps top up your private pension savings.
You're not alone – many people worry they haven't saved enough. The good news is, it's never too late to improve your situation.
We can help by:
Even small changes now can make a big difference to your retirement income. Let's have a chat about your options.
If you've changed jobs a few times, you might have several pension pots scattered about. Consolidating them can make life easier and could save you money on fees.
Benefits of consolidation:
But it's not always the right move. Some older pensions have valuable guarantees that you'd lose by transferring. We'll review each of your pensions carefully and only recommend consolidation if it's genuinely in your best interest.
Pension drawdown lets you keep your pension invested while taking an income from it. It's more flexible than buying an annuity, but it comes with risks – if you take too much too quickly, you could run out of money.
Drawdown might suit you if:
We'll help you understand the pros and cons and create a sustainable withdrawal strategy if drawdown is right for you.
Yes, you can – but there are some important rules to be aware of.
If you've started taking taxable income from your pension, the "Money Purchase Annual Allowance" (MPAA) kicks in, reducing how much you can pay in each year from £60,000 to just £10,000 (including employer contributions).
If you're thinking about accessing your pension but still want to keep working and contributing, give us a call first. We can help you avoid an unexpected tax bill.
ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts):
Pensions:
Most people benefit from using both. Pensions are great for retirement savings, while ISAs give you flexibility for other goals.
We start by understanding you – your goals, your timeline, and how comfortable you are with investment risk. Then we build a portfolio that matches your needs.
We typically invest in a diversified mix of:
We favor low-cost index funds and ETFs where appropriate, and we regularly review your portfolio to make sure it stays on track.
Market downturns are a normal part of investing, and they can feel unsettling. But history shows that markets recover over time.
How we help you through market volatility:
Remember: investing is a long-term game. Short-term ups and downs are just part of the journey.
We're not accountants, but we can help you make tax-efficient financial decisions. That might include:
For more complex tax situations, we work closely with qualified accountants to ensure you get comprehensive advice.
Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on estates worth more than £325,000 (or £500,000 if you're passing on your home to children or grandchildren).
If your estate could be subject to IHT, there are legitimate ways to reduce the bill:
We'll help you understand your options and create a plan that works for you and your family.
No problem. Pop the kettle on and give us a call – we're always happy to chat.
