Why use an independent adviser?
You’re good at what you do. Let me be good at this.
Your week is already full with work, family and everything else. Keeping on top of pensions, tax and investments as well is a lot to ask.
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone.
Most of us were never taught this: fewer than half of UK children get a meaningful financial education at home or at school1. If pensions, ISAs and tax feel like another language, I’ll explain it all in plain English, so you can decide with confidence. No question is too basic.
1 Money and Pensions Service, Financial Foundations, 2023.
Independent means the whole market
Some advisers can only recommend from a limited range, sometimes just their own company’s products, which limits the choice open to you. As an independent adviser, I look across the whole market, from household names such as Aviva, BlackRock, HSBC and Vanguard to smaller specialist managers, and recommend competitive, cost efficient products that are right for you. I’ll also review what you already have, and if it’s working, I’ll tell you to keep it.
What you can measure
Making the rules work for you
Some of the most useful rules have been around for years, and many people still don’t use them, from pension carry forward to gifting from surplus income. Others change with every Budget. I make sure you’re using what’s already there, and adjust your plan before new changes affect you. That’s what planning is: acting early rather than reacting late.
Every pound working hard
Making every pound work as hard as you do. That means balancing risk and return in the way that’s right for you. It also means keeping tax and charges down and making full use of your allowances, so more of what you’ve earnt stays with you.
A steady hand when the headlines turn
I spent over 30 years watching how people react when markets fall. The costliest mistakes usually come from selling in a panic or buying in a rush. Having someone to call before you act is often worth more than any fund choice.
It all connects
Your pension, investments, tax, mortgage and what you want to leave behind are all part of the same picture. Change one, and it can have a knock-on effect somewhere else. Good planning looks at everything together, so a decision that helps this year doesn’t cause problems in the years to come.
What you’ll feel
Like a personal trainer, for your money
Think of me as a personal trainer for your money. You could do it all yourself, but having someone who knows your goals and holds you accountable will make it far more likely to happen. The difference is that I do most of the heavy lifting for you, and neither of us has to wear Lycra.
Time back, and a clear view
The research, the paperwork and the chasing are done for you. You get a clear picture of what you have and where you’re heading, so you can get on with the things you’d rather be doing.
The confidence to enjoy it
Plenty of people save well for years, then find it hard to spend. Knowing the numbers work gives you permission to use what you’ve saved. It’s time to pay yourself the money you’ve already earnt.
If you don’t need me, I’ll say so
If you enjoy managing your own money, including the admin that comes with it, and have the time to do it well, you may not need an adviser. Talk it through with me and I’ll give you a straight answer either way.
Most of all, you get the reassurance of knowing you have a plan in place. One that’s reviewed regularly, next year and in the years ahead.