How we do things
The 4 stages of financial planning
Discovery
This meeting is held at our cost. Depending on how much we talk it is likely to last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. This is a two-way process, where we both find out about the other. By the end we should have the answers to some important questions:
- Why do you think you need a financial planner?
- Do you actually need one?
- What are you looking to achieve?
- What’s going to stop you?
- And most importantly, do we get on?
X-ray
We gather hard facts on your whole financial situation, income, expenditure and assets and combine this with softer stuff, like financial goals, retirement plans and how you want to help your kids.
During a second meeting we look at the results, and you’ll get a one-page plan covering the 4 major areas:
- What happens if you die? (protection/estate planning)
- Are you on track to meet your short-term goals (school/university fees/debt repayment)?
- Are you on track to meet your long-term goals (retirement)?
- Are you missing anything (tax allowances)?
Diagnosis
It may be the case that you get a completely clean bill of health from the X-ray. But, if there are areas which need action, we will make recommendations for improvement.
This could be pensions, investments (such as ISAs), insurance to ensure your loved ones are looked after, or changes to your current investment strategy so it is better aligned to your circumstances.
Maintenance
The minute you walk out of our meeting your plan is out of date. Circumstances change: yours, the financial markets, the economy and tax legislation. That’s why it’s important to review your plan regularly.
Pricing
Pricing
X-ray is £995 for individuals or £1,295 for a couple.
Low Complexity
This service is offered to clients with no existing plans or investments to review or those who need existing investments reviewed with no change of provider.
This could involve setting up ISAs for a couple or a single pension plan with a suitable investment portfolio or reviewing existing investments.
Medium Complexity
This service is offered to clients who fit in neither Low or High Complexity.
You will likely need multiple plans reviewed or recommendations for income drawdown or consolidation.
High Complexity
This service is offered to clients with highly complex needs in addition to the Medium Complexity. requirements.
This could involve setting up trusts, reviewing multiple occupational pensions which contain guarantees or safeguarded benefits, or complex tax issues.
Low Complexity
This service is suitable for clients who:
- Save rather than withdraw funds
- Earn an individual income under £100,000
- Need financial support and long-term planning
- Are employed and contribute to a workplace pension
- Hold a maximum of two plans.
This service includes:
- Annual review meeting via Zoom or Teams
- Ongoing monitoring of plans and actioning any changes
- Regular assessment (minimum of every 5 years) of your attitude to risk
- Access to an adviser for general queries and advice
- Annual update of your financial plan.
Medium Complexity
This service is suitable for clients who:
- Save rather than withdraw funds or have a single drawdown plan
- Are self-employed, a business owner or earn over £100,000
- Hold multiple plans and investments
- Regularly change circumstances.
This service includes:
- Everything included in Low Complexity
- Assessing opportunities for improved tax-efficiency
- Proactive advice on relevant objectives
- Advice regarding pension or ISA contributions
- Ongoing monitoring of existing plans and investments
- Advice regarding income drawdown (single plan).
High Complexity
This service is suitable for clients who:
- Save or withdraw funds
- Hold multiple plans and investments
- Are self-employed, a business owner or earn over £100,000
- Retired and receive income from various sources
- Hold accounts subject to Capital Gains Tax
- Require complex estate planning.
This service includes:
- Everything included in Medium Complexity
- Six monthly review meetings by phone or video call
- Advice regarding sustainable and tax-efficient income withdrawals across multiple plans
- Capital Gains Tax calculations
- Ongoing advice on estate planning, Inheritance Tax and trusts.
Don't just take our word for it
Ian and I have worked together for the last 3 years, His advice has always been honest even if it hasn’t always been what I’ve wanted to hear, He is reliable and responds to my queries quickly. I trust him, and that is why I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others
John – Business Owner
Ian and I have worked together since 2012, When we first met I was toying with the idea of retiring but had doubts about whether I could afford it. Ian produced a cash flow forecast which analysed my expenditure and income needs. It gave me the peace of mind needed to stop work and I haven't looked back.
Clive – Musician
My husband and I needed guidance and advice for handling our finances and making sure we had enough to retire on. Ian has been brilliant at doing this. From the moment we met Ian we felt at ease. He’s been a delight to work with, helped us focus on what is important to us and our future, been prompt with his replies and completely honest to our multitude of questions. I am so glad we chose to employ Ian to help us rather than struggle with sorting our finances ourselves. It has been money very well spent. We now have peace of mind and can rest easy that our future will be secure. I can’t recommend him enough.
Karen & James
I contacted Ian about a year ago, seeking advice about financial investment, with an aim of retiring early. I left the first interview feeling confident that he was the right person for the job and this belief has been 100% reinforced through all my dealings with him. Ian has the expert knowledge that I was seeking, but I have also found him to be friendly, professional and totally honest. I would thoroughly recommend him. I'm delighted that I discovered 4 Financial Planning. I feel that it focuses on what is really important to me as a client and that makes it the perfect company for me.
Beth
Book a meeting with us
Book a meeting
The best way to get to know us is a face to face meeting. That sounds very formal but trust us when we say that it isn't!
It's a relaxed conversation about you, your life and your goals. There’s no pressure, in fact we never let you make a decision there and then. We’ll always send you away to sleep on it.
Please note, when booking a meeting we will ask for your name and email address. We will only use this information to confirm the meeting and location. We guarantee it will never be passed to a third party.