Why use an IFA?

There are a number of different sources from which you can obtain financial advice. Firstly of course there are the life insurance companies who, if they do offer any advice, can only offer advice on their own products. This doesn't give you much of a comparison with what is available in the whole of the market. The same is true of most of the banks and building societies who in the main only offer narrow advice. It's not always clear whether the advice that you are being offered is truly independent. Ours is!

For example, if you were going out to buy a new fridge, then you would probably shop around by going to a number of electrical retailers. Wouldn't it be great if you could find someone independent to do this for you, just at the time that you wanted to make that particular purchase?

You should think of us as the service that goes out for you to find you the most appropriate products. Because not only do we find you the product, we've also done a great deal of groundwork to ensure that the product is right for you.

As there are very important decisions to be taken, it therefore makes sense to use an independent adviser to ensure that your requirements are met.

The advice we give is impartial and is not swayed by anything other than its’ suitability for you. There are however some misconceptions about how the advice that we offer is given and the people for whom independent financial advice is suitable. Let's therefore look at some frequently asked questions.

• Is it expensive?

There is normally no direct cost to a client for implementing any of the advice that we give. We are paid by the product providers and cannot favour one provider over another on remuneration grounds. We must provide impartial advice for you at all times. You have the option to pay a fee instead of commission, or there are occasions where both fees and commission may be charged.

• Will I pay more than going direct to a product provider?

Your plan charges will be exactly the same whether you deal direct or via us. Your problem is knowing which provider to go to in the first place, in order to find the best product for you at the best price.

• Is it only for the wealthy?

We deal with people from all walks of life who earn all levels of income. The advice that we offer is as carefully thought out and selected whether you are on £8,000 or £800,000 per year.

• Do I have any protection?

We are an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the FSA (Financial Services Authority). We buy services from them such as regular checks on us to ensure that the advice that we give is well founded and relevant to our clients. If it was found in the event of a complaint, that we had been remiss in some way, then you are protected by the provisions of the Financial Services Act. We also hold professional indemnity insurance to protect you. We are registered under the Consumer Credit Act and Data Protection Act and hold the appropriate licences.

In order to research a market to find the best products and product providers, you have to know that market in the first place. As a professional practice, we know where and how to look for the most appropriate and relevant answers for individuals and companies.

Our advice isn't limited to new policies and plans. It's a rounded and ongoing monitoring and review of your changing circumstances. We may suggest that you put into place a product that we can't offer, but because it would complement your overall planning we don't hesitate to suggest it. We have connections with Solicitors and other professionals to whom we will refer you.

We hope that we have gone some way to answering any questions that you may have had, but if we haven't covered the particular area of concern that you may have, then please ask and we will be delighted to give the answers.