Why Use An IFA?

When we first meet a potential client, we are struck by the wide range of reasons that have prompted the contact. Some people may have had experience of professional advice before, whereas for others they may be seeking advice for the first time, and may harbour some apprehensions: for example ‘Is it complicated?’, ‘Where do I start?’, ‘What will it cost?’, ‘Can I trust them?’ For this reason the first comment we make is that we provide regulated advice, and everyone we advise enjoys the protections of the Financial Conduct Authority and Financial Ombudsman Service.

Another remark that we sometimes hear from ideal potential clients is that “I know I wouldn’t be a big or important client for you”. This tendency to under-estimate the value of wealth, or to suspect that we only act for clients with assets over the million pound mark, does not reflect the diversity of our business. We are keen to hear from anyone whose current or future situation could be improved from expert advice.

The following points give a flavour of some of the reasons why we are engaged by clients:

•  Considering a life- changing decision such as early retirement or a career change.
•  Ongoing management of wealth to seek returns higher than savings rates or inflation
•  Specific advice on aspects of pensions such as taking benefits, or transfer or consolidation exercises.
•  Family issues – caring for parents or helping children; minimising inheritance tax on death so the family not the taxman is the beneficiary.
•  Some people possess the knowledge but not the time to manage their financial planning.
•  Desire for a more personal and structured service than provided by a current or previous adviser.