FAQS

Have a question?

Find answers to some of the questions asked most frequently by our clients

The value of pensions & investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise.
You may get back less than you invested.
Inheritance tax Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

  • Why do I need a broker?

    The main advantage of using a broker as opposed to your own bank is the access to a wider choice of lenders, we are whole of market for mortgages and we have access to deals not found on the high street, whereas banks will only offer their own products which may not necessarily be the best suited for you.

     

  • Why should I consider a pension or ISA transfer?

    Transferring or switching a pension or ISA may be suitable if by doing so, your money would end up in a more favourable environment than where it currently sits, all things considered. Issues such as risk, guaranteed benefits, costs and performance would all form part of the decision making process. As these can be complicated, financial advice is recommended. In our case, we also take moral and ethical views on the underlying investment into account when providing advice.

    Transferring out of a Final Salary scheme is unlikely to be in the best interests of or be suitable for most people.

  • Why do I need a financial adviser?

    We are financial services professionals who take a holistic view of your financial situation and your goals in life. Using our experience, we are able to provide the best advice to help you meet these goals in the most effective manner.

  • Do I have to pay for an initial consultation?

    No, the initial meeting is free of charge. It allows you to gain sufficient information about our services to establish whether you would like to work with us. It also helps us to confirm that we can provide the advice you require.

  • What is the mortgage process?

    We have an initial chat, complete a fact find and request some documents, do some research, explain to you what is the most suitable product based on your criteria and then look to do a decision in principle. If you are accepted we submit the full application and send the request documents to the lender. These will be assessed and when they are happy they will instruct a valuation. Once the valuation is back this will be assessed and if satisfactory will be sent for final checks and then your mortgage is offered. It is advisable to look at Protection and Buildings and Contents, which we also offer an advised service on.  The next part of the mortgage process is down to your solicitor.

  • Do I have to use my Estate Agents Mortgage Broker?

    No you don’t! Despite what they may say there is actually a conflict of interest using their broker as they are actually also working for the seller and this can result in you having to pay more for the property. 

  • What is Protection Planning?

    Protection Planning is all about preparing for the unexpected. A thorough protection review can give you peace of mind that following illness, injury or worse, you can still provide for yourself, your family and your business.

  • Which lenders do you use?

    We are representative of the whole of market. So we can use any lender that will deal with mortgage brokers. If a lender has direct only deals we are unable to provide these, but we may have exclusive deal via the Quilter Financial Planning network or can find a more suitable rate elsewhere.

  • What is a Pension?

    Generally speaking, a pension is a tax efficient way of saving money now, so you have an income in retirement. There are different types of pension plans available, depending on your circumstances.

  • What is an Investment?

    An investment is an asset or item acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation. Appreciation refers to an increase in the value of an asset over time.