10 questions to ask your Independent Financial Adviser

When selecting a financial adviser, it is important that you are comfortable with the individual and their qualifications, the company they work for, and what services they offer. In my first post on my website, I answer the 10 questions you should ask your financial adviser.

What are your qualifications?

In financial planning, I have a Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and I have a Certificate in Mortgage Planning from the CII. These qualifications mean that I am a fully qualified financial adviser.

I also have a Degree in Geography from Manchester University, a Masters in Fashion Retailing from Manchester University, and a Management Diploma from Newcastle University.

What experience do you have?

I have been in the Financial Services profession since 2005 working for a Financial Adviser Firm in Nottingham, Standard Life, Zurich, and now Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd.

What services do you offer?

At Grosvenor Consultancy Ltd we offer holistic financial advice. This means that we tend not to look at one part of your finances in isolation. We are authorised to provide advice in the following areas:

• Pensions
• Investments
• Mortgages
• Inheritance Tax Planning
• Protection
• Business protection

What is your approach to financial planning?

I work with clients to provide financial plans that encompass my client’s financial goals. Often, it is simpler to prioritise these and work on specific areas separately whilst still focusing on the overarching objectives. I work with all types of clients – they do not have to have a specific net worth or income level. As well as providing advice, I will implement the plan that we develop.

Will you be the only person working with me?

At Grosvenor Consultancy, we have 20 advisers and over 10 support staff. At the Highworth Office, Sarah provides my administration support and is on hand to help if I am busy with clients.

How will I pay for your services?

Our first meeting is complimentary – this is so that we can get to know each other and decide if we want to work together. At this meeting, I would provide you with and go through our Client Agreement which details the options for paying for our services and the cost of this.

How much do you typically charge?

The cost will depend upon your particular needs, however, based upon how you wish to pay for our services, I will be able to provide you with an estimate of the costs based on the work I will be carrying out for you before we commence any work.

How are you regulated?

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – our registration number is 187799. I am an Independent Financial Adviser which means I can access products across the whole of the market. I am not tied to any provider which means we can recommend the best solution for our clients.

How often do you review my situation?

Based upon our Service Level Agreement, I will review your situation at least annually to ensure that your plan keeps up to date with your changing circumstances.

Can I have a written agreement that details the services that will be provided in writing?

This is covered in our Client Agreement that will be provided to you at our first meeting.

If you would like to know more about working with me, please get in touch.

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