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 give any advice, can only offer advice on their own products. Increasingly however, they will not assist you with any advice. Most of the banks and building societies will offer advice from one company only, so you don't get any comparison with what is available in the whole of the market. You need to ensure that it is clear whether the advice that you are being offered is independent or not. Ours is!

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 you are taking very important decisions, it therefore makes sense to use an independent adviser to ensure that your requirements are met. Advice is paramount.

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.

• How are you paid?

We can either be paid by the product providers (and cannot favour one provider over another on remuneration grounds) or you can pay us a fee or rarely, there may be occasions where both fees and commission may be charged depending on what you are asking us to do.

• 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 how to know which provider to go to in the first place and which product to select in order to find the best solution for you at the best price. In some circumstances no product may be necessary.

• 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 and Data Protection Acts 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 believe that 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 and we have connections with Solicitors and other professionals to whom we will refer you where appropriate.

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.