If you’re approaching retirement, have a mix of pensions and investments, or are simply wondering, “Am I making the right financial decisions?” — you’re not alone. Many people come to me at exactly this point: uncertain, a little overwhelmed, but ready to take control of their financial future.
This article sets out — openly and honestly — what it’s like to work with a financial adviser, what the process involves, what it costs, and the benefits you can expect. My hope is that by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have all the information you need to decide whether advice is right for you.
Why Work With a Financial Adviser?
There’s no shortage of information online. But there’s a big difference between information and clarity.
A good adviser doesn’t just recommend products. We help you:
- Bring order to pensions, investments, and tax planning.
- Avoid costly mistakes that can derail your future.
- Build confidence to spend and enjoy life without fear of running out.
- See the bigger picture — not just numbers, but how money supports your lifestyle and legacy.
The decisions you make in your 50s and 60s will shape the next 20–30 years. Having an experienced guide in your corner can make all the difference.
Independent vs. Restricted Advice
Not all advisers are the same. Some are restricted, meaning they can only recommend a limited set of products or providers. Others, like me, are independent — able to consider the whole of the market and recommend what’s genuinely best for you.
Being independent matters. It means my advice is objective, transparent, and solely in your interests.
Why Experience Counts
I’ve been helping clients with pensions, investments, and retirement planning for over 35 years. In that time, markets, tax rules, and products have changed — but the questions people ask have stayed the same:
- “Will I have enough?”
- “When can I retire?”
- “How can I enjoy life without worrying about money?”
That combination of technical knowledge and real-world experience means I can help you answer those questions with clarity and confidence.
The Process: What to Expect
Here’s the journey most clients take with me:
- Discovery Meeting (Free, 30 minutes)
An informal chat about your goals and priorities. By the end, we’ll know whether we’re a good fit, and I’ll give you an indication of any likely fees. - Cash Flow Planning & Financial Report (£750–£1,500 fixed fee)
This is the jewel in the crown of what I do. I’ll assess your pensions, investments, charges, and performance, then create a detailed cashflow plan. This shows you, in black and white, when you can afford to retire, how much you can spend, and whether your goals are achievable. - Implementation of Advice (typically 1%–2%)
If any new investments or changes need to be put in place as a result of your financial report, there would be a fee to action this. This is usually between 1% and 2% of the amount invested, depending on the complexity and size of the investment. - Ongoing Partnership (0.50%–0.65% per year)
Retirement isn’t a one-off decision — it’s an ongoing journey. My ongoing service keeps your plan updated as life, markets, and tax rules change.- For example, on a £300,000 portfolio, the total fees (Investment management charges and ongoing advice ) would typically come to around 1% per year — about £3,000 annually.
- That covers everything: regular reviews, updated cashflow planning, strategy adjustments, and peace of mind that your financial future stays on track.
The Real Benefits of Taking Financial Advice
Working with a financial adviser is about more than just products or investments. The value is twofold: how you feel about your money and the results you achieve with it.
The emotional benefits:
- Clarity — knowing exactly where you stand and what your future looks like.
- Confidence — to spend and enjoy life without guilt or fear of running out.
- Control — having a plan that adapts as life, markets, and tax rules change.
- Peace of mind — knowing someone experienced is watching over the details.
The tangible benefits:
Advice can also have a measurable impact on your wealth. Practical examples include:
- Tax efficiency — structuring pension withdrawals and investments to reduce the tax you pay.
- Better investment outcomes — ensuring your portfolio is properly diversified, low-cost, and aligned with your goals.
- Avoiding costly mistakes — like cashing in pensions too early or taking the wrong type of income.
- Growing your wealth — keeping your money working harder through regular reviews and adjustments.
- Protecting what matters — making sure your family and estate are safeguarded.
In short: the benefit isn’t just feeling better about your finances — it’s actually being better off.
Your Next Step
If you’re considering working with a financial adviser, the best place to start is a simple conversation.
Our Discovery Meeting is free, relaxed, and designed to help you get clear on whether advice could add value for you. There’s no pressure, no obligation — just an honest chat about your goals and what the future could look like with a plan in place.
👉 Book Your Free Discovery Meeting Here
If you’ve already booked in, fantastic — this guide will hopefully reassure you about what to expect and what you’ll gain from our time together.
Final Thought
Financial planning isn’t about products or spreadsheets. It’s about helping you live life on your terms, with confidence that the numbers will support you every step of the way.
And that begins with a simple conversation.
The decisions we make today shape the freedom we enjoy tomorrow — and I look forward to helping you make the most of yours.