Historically, the majority of the Financial Services industry has worked on a purely transactional basis, whereby a client makes a single or regular contribution and the adviser receives a commission, normally based on the size of the investment. There was no ongoing advice or review service.
This created a situation where adviser remuneration came solely from selling a commission-paying product, which can lead to inappropriate advice and no encouragement to offer a continuing review service.
We work with clients to understand their real issues and provide fee-based guidance on how to achieve their goals. We specialise in helping clients who are approaching or in retirement, from those who simply require advice on the best savings rates, to those with more complicated issues such as Inheritance tax, Equity Release, Will Planning and Taxation.
After a thorough analysis of your current situation we construct a financial plan using our award-winning Lifetime Cash flow forecast software. This will show you where you are today and what is required to achieve your goals. We will implement your plan and utilise our professional contacts when required. And then agree an ongoing review process to ensure you stay on track.
Remember, the financial plan belongs to you! Our role as a financial planner is to assist you in achieving your goals, whether this is funding for future care, making provision for holidays, or mitigating inheritance tax.
There are no common rules or prescribed formulae for planning an individual’s future, we all have our own unique journeys to take, but it's a good idea not to attempt the journey alone.
| “Michael, through your cash-flow planning and expert management of our pensions and savings, we can now enjoy our retirement without worry or stress. Thank you.” - Mr & Mrs Mc, Coventry |
| “From our first meeting it was clear that you were different to other advisers. Not interested in trying to sell us ‘products’, you explained your fee-based approach and how our no risk portfolio of Bank & Building Society savings could still achieve our goal and allow us to sleep at night. You have gone on to sort Wills, Inheritance Tax and Pension issues for us, and continue to be a guiding influence on all matters financial. Many thanks and look forward to seeing you at the next review meeting.” - Mr & Mrs M, Coventry |
| “Following the death of my husband, I initially engaged the financial services of a High Street Bank. However, it wasn’t until I was introduced to Mike some twelve months later that I realised their advice was less than thorough. Mike suggested that I had unfortunately missed the deadline to claim lump sum Widows Bereavement payment, but could be entitled to Widowed Parents Allowance. He investigated this on my behalf and dealt with the paperwork, which resulted in me being awarded a Bereavement benefit of £62.94 per week. It’s comforting to have someone looking after your best interests and through the cash-flow forecasting I feel so much more confident in both mine and my children’s future.” - Mrs H, Stroud |
| “We simply required a financial adviser to look after our best interests, without the pressure of being sold a ‘product’. Michael’s transparent approach has increased interest on our cash savings, utilised our ISA allowances and reduced our tax liability.” - Mr & Mrs W, Carterton |