Approaching retirement, many people start to give serious thought to the lifestyle they want to enjoy, along with what they want to provide for their loved ones.
There are many factors that decide whether or not those aspirations become reality. Many of these will not be in your control, but your decisions are always in your power — how you spend, save, and invest your assets is up to you.
You might not think of yourself as an investor, but having a pension means that you are one. Treating your assets as investments and taking a strategic approach gives you the best chance of realising your plans. What’s more, an independent financial adviser (IFA) has the expertise to help you make the best decisions for your circumstances.
Detailed and current knowledge to support Lifetime Financial Planning
Because Independent Financial Advisers are full-time financial planning experts, their knowledge of current and upcoming financial rules and products is second to none. As such, they’ll be able to tell you the possible outcomes of different options, and develop proactive strategies which, as far as possible, can anticipate and react to change.
TIP: Look for advisers who speak plainly. Professionals who speak in jargon make it very difficult to collaborate, and that’s especially frustrating when you are making vital plans that affect your life and the lives of your loved ones.
An Independent Financial Adviser is an expert guide and sounding board when you have questions
Life does not tend to follow a straight line, and sometimes you need to adjust your plans. Naturally, you’ll find yourself with questions or concerns that you need answers to. Having an IFA means having someone there to hear your concerns and queries with an expert ear, who knows you and your priorities. At Flying Colours, we always respond to your questions in a useful and considered way.
TIP: Make sure you choose an IFA with a clear commitment to responsiveness. Expertise is only worthwhile if it’s available, and advice is only useful if it’s accessible.
Why work with an Independent Financial Adviser rather than speaking to your bank?
There is the option to go directly to a bank for retirement planning, and they will be happy to advise. However, they will ultimately only make recommendations that involve their products, which may not be the most appropriate for what you want to achieve. The same applies to restricted financial advisers.
An independent financial adviser is interested first and foremost in helping you get the outcomes that you want, so their focus is on achieving results rather than selling products. They will choose the best arrangements for your specific goals and are not limited to one product list.
TIP: Choose an adviser who takes the time to understand your unique goals and is clear and transparent about the results they can achieve. An independent adviser will focus on personalised solutions rather than pushing generic products, ensuring the advice you receive is tailored to your needs.
Why choose Flying Colours for your lifetime financial planning?
Flying Colours offers clear advice, transparency, accessibility and proactivity. Our team is made up of talented and diligent advisers, and we are dedicated to adding exceptional value to your financial planning.
On top of those commitments, our ‘Invaluable Intangibles’ are 5 ‘C’s that set us apart and deliver more than just financial outcomes.
Competence
Our specialisms in investment management, tax planning, and estate planning help you avoid costly mistakes. And our depth of knowledge puts you in a superb position to achieve your financial goals.
Coaching
We can guide you through complex decisions, which is especially valuable at times of emotional stress. We will also keep you informed on financial developments that affect your assets and your decisions.
Coping with changes
Our plans are based on current and likely future conditions, but both can change. We update your strategy based on changes in tax rates, investment returns, product availability, and of course, your needs.
Convenience
We relieve the pressure of having to make the right decisions on your own. Without the extra stress and burden of planning your wealth, you can focus on enjoying the life that it provides.
Continuity
With effective estate planning, we help you make sure that wealth survives through the generations, enabling you to leave the legacy that you want to pass on.
If you have £250,000 or more in assets (excluding property) and need an adviser you can trust to be there when you need them, get in touch with us.
We can help you plan your cash flows, understand your pensions, evaluate your current plans and enjoy today while planning for tomorrow.
Call our offices:
Lincoln: 01522 437 360
Liverpool: 0151 317 7820
Bracknell: 01344 266030
or email: hello@fcadvice.co.uk
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, cashflow planning or tax planning.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and you may get back less than you originally invested.
