Financial Advice Process - FAQ
HOW WE WORK
MATTERS
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.
HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.
OUR VALUES, ETHICS, & STANDARDS
Starting the process of obtaining mortgage advice or seeking financial advice is a significant step. We take pride in providing a customer experience based on strong principles, unwavering ethics, and high standards.
Every encounter and decision is guided by our commitment to these ideals, beginning with our initial talks with prospective clients.
Our Values
We value openness, integrity, and putting our clients' needs first. Our approach is to listen carefully in order to grasp your specific situation and goals. We value open communication and make sure you're informed and comfortable throughout the process. Integrity and prioritising our clients' demands are paramount.
Our Ethics
As financial advisers, we adhere to the highest ethical standards. We provide quality advice that is in your best interests. Our advice is based on extensive research and customised steps to help you accomplish your financial objectives.
Our Standards
We strive for service excellence. We aim for meticulous attention to detail, extensive industry knowledge, and ongoing professional development. Our team is dedicated to providing service that not only meet, but exceed, your expectations.
The Client Journey
Initial Contact: Your journey starts with a discussion. We take the time to understand your current situation, your future goals, and any concerns you may have.
Discovery Meeting: We look deeper into your financial situation, including your job status, income, debts, and any assets or investments you own.
Analysis: Our professionals review your information to determine your mortgage eligibility or financial situation. We evaluate different scenarios and how alternative advice strategies might fit with your objectives.
Tailored advice: We provide you with personalised advice, explaining the reasoning behind each option so that you may make informed choices.
Implementation: Once you're ready to move forward, we'll walk you through the application process, making sure all documentation is correct and delivered on time.
Ongoing Support: Our connection does not cease once a mortgage is obtained or a financial plan is established. We provide continuing support and reviews to help you adjust to any changes in your life or financial circumstances.
Throughout this journey, we remain focused on offering a service that exemplifies our basic values of integrity and reliability.
Whether it's acquiring a mortgage that fits your budget or creating a financial plan that grows with you, we're dedicated to guiding you through the complexity of finance with comfort and confidence.
To summarise, our client journey is more than simply a process; it is a partnership based on mutual respect and common goals.
When you choose us as your mortgage and financial advisers, you get more than just competent guidance; you also acquire allies who are invested in your success at every stage. You can also check out our FAQ's here. Be sure to visit our homepage for a snapshot of all areas of financial advice we offer in Somerset and the South West.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mortgage Advice
Q: Do you charge a fee for mortgage advice? A: No. We get paid a commision by the lender which is a percentage of the mortgage amount. Unlike many firms, we choose not to charge you any fees on top. This applies to any standard residential or buy to let mortgage, and any insurance advice. Absolutely no hidden fees.
* There are exceptional cases where we may charge a fee, such as where there is more than two applicants, complex adverse credit, and other complex scenarios. Any fee will be agreed in writing before any work begins.
Q: How can I decide which mortgage is suitable for me? A: We examine your unique circumstances, preferences, and financial goals to recommend the best mortgage solutions for you.
Q: Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed? A: Yes, self-employed individuals can get a mortgage. You'll need to show proof of your income, typically through business accounts and tax records.
Protection Advice
Q: Why do I need life insurance? A: Life insurance gives financial support to your dependents in the event that you die, helping to cover living expenses, debts, or education costs.
Q: What exactly does critical illness coverage include? A: Critical illness coverage pays out a lump payment if you are diagnosed with one of the listed critical illnesses, allowing you to manage your money during treatment and recuperation.
Financial Advice
Q: Do you charge fees for financial advice? A: Yes. Mortgage and protection providers pay us a commision so we can arrange that for no fee. However, pension providers, and savings and investment providers do not pay us anything. In other words there is no commission. This means that financial advice is a client paid service. Our fees are detailed in our wealth brochure which you can find here. Fees are normally deducted from the investment amount or paid directly for ad-hoc advice. We believe in total transparency and ensure prior written agreement for any fee related work. We are happy to discuss this with you should you have any questions.
Q: How can financial advice benefit me? A: Financial advice may help you make informed decisions regarding investments, savings, retirement planning, and other financial matters that are in line with your long-term goals.
Q: What do I need to bring to my first financial advice meeting? A: Bring details like your income, expenses, obligations, assets, and any financial goals or worries you have so that we can provide specialised guidance.
For more thorough responses or specific questions, please contact us directly.
Q: When should I start a pension? A: It's never too early to start a pension. The sooner you start, the longer your pension has to grow, perhaps resulting in a more comfortable retirement.
Q: Can I consolidate my pensions? A: Consolidating your pensions can help you manage them more effectively, but there are important considerations, such as benefits and bonuses, and comparative cost and performance. We can advise you on whether this is the best course of action for you based on your specific circumstances. If you have lost track of your old work or personal pensions, dont worry we can usually track them down for you with minimal fuss.
Savings
Q: How much should I save each month? A: The amount you should save depends on your financial goals and budget. We can help you create a savings plan that’s realistic and effective.
Q: What’s the difference between an ISA and a savings account? A: ISAs offer tax-free interest up to a certain amount each year, while savings accounts may require you to pay tax on the interest earned depending on your income.
Investments
Q: Is investing right for me? A: Investments may be appropriate if you are aiming for long-term growth and are willing to accept some risk.
Q: How do I start investing? A: We can walk you through the process, explaining alternative investing possibilities and what fits your risk tolerance and financial objectives.
Please contact our team for personalised pension, savings, or investment advice.
Get In Touch
Send us a quick message with a little detail of what you would like help with. We'll get back to you quicker than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!