Our fees
We believe in being upfront about all aspects of our services, including our fees.
When we listen to clients they tell us this transparency is important to them, which is why we disclose information on fees on our website – something not many financial advisers do.
What we charge
We structure our fees in the following way:
First meeting - getting to know you
What we charge: Nothing. We simply ask for a bit of your time. After the meeting, we will send you a Service Proposal that will set out how we think we can help you.
Analysis and research
What we charge: This stage of your Financial Plan is included in the full fee (see below). This is where we analyse what you’ve got already and consider your options going forwards. We will keep you updated on progress and may ask you for another meeting.
Your Financial Plan - what we recommend for you
What we charge: £2,400 – this includes the charges for all the work we have done so far. At the end of this stage you will have a full report with personalised recommendations researched from the whole of the market.
If you wish us to invest your assets
What we charge: A further 1% of any capital we invest on your behalf (subject to a decency cap of £10,000).
If we provide an ongoing financial management service
What we charge: A further 0.75% of the assets we manage on an annual basis subject to a minimum of £1,200 a year and capped at £7,500 a year.
A little note to reassure you…
We will always tell you our fees in advance of any chargeable work beginning. At any stage of the process, you can ask us to stop. There is no VAT to pay on fees.
Standalone Mini Plan – basic guidance
Not quite ready for a full Financial Plan service? Our Standalone Mini Plan can help you figure out where you are today and what might be suitable going forward.
What we charge: £500. If you take a full Financial Plan service within 12 months, we will deduct the cost of the Mini Plan.
Please note that this service does not provide any specific product recommendations.
Measuring value
Our passion for what we do comes from the fact we see the significant positive results of our work every day. We know that the kind of financial planning we practise has the ability to transform the way clients think and feel about their money and enable them to live comfortable, fulfilled and secure lives.
What we see is backed up by recent, widescale studies. Joint research from Royal London and the International Longevity Centre, published in 2019, found that individuals who took financial advice saw an average boost of £47,706 to their wealth over a decade. The benefits of advice were particularly significant for those who took advice more than once.
Source: ILC and Royal London, ‘What it’s worth: Revisiting the value of financial advice’ https://ilcuk.org.uk/financial-advice-provides-47k-wealth-uplift-in-decade/
Furthermore, our work doesn’t just result in financial value to our clients: there are other benefits to be gained from working with us. Our clients tell us that they receive peace of mind, a greater sense of security and an overall boost to their wellbeing and quality of life.
What our clients say
“For a complicated topic the process went very smoothly and we understood what we were signing up to based on Catherine’s detailed explanations. Great service, simplified advice, support throughout process. Would definitely recommend.”
William Jones, Company Director - Surrey
“I was first introduced to Ray at Talking Finances a few years ago when I retired and needed guidance on the best way forward with my pension. He explained all the possibilities available to me and once the decision was made, dealt with everything for me, arranging meetings at my home if needed.
I have always found Ray to be very knowledgeable, approachable and friendly, and, importantly for me, easy to contact and quickly ‘on the case’ when required. I’m happy and confident that my investment is in the best hands.”
Julia, Hitchin
“Chris is a friendly and helpful financial adviser who clearly knows his subject and is very good at explaining the sometimes complicated financial jargon in putting it in plain English. He also takes the time to listen to, and constructively contribute to, the goals and aspirations of our long term planning, while not losing the sight of our immediate needs.”
Steve, Hertfordshire
“We were extremely pleased with Catherine at Talking Finances. She gave our business step by step, jargon free guidance and reassurance that allowed us to plan for the future. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone.”
Adrian Turnham, Company Director - Kingston
“I have used Ray’s services for a number of years and have always valued his advice. His customer service skills are exemplary; always very approachable, speaks in plain English and takes the time to explain his recommendations and the technicalities of his advice.”
Wayne and Beverley, Hitchin
“I came to Talking Finances with very little knowledge and even less interest, but thanks to Carole’s endless patience and incredible ability to make the world of finance accessible, I find myself with a new area of interest which I am thoroughly enjoying!”
Viki, St Albans
My late Husband and I used Talking Finances to sort out his Pension after he took early retirement, Carole Haswell was appointed our Financial Advisor and from day one has been friendly, open and explained the huge world of finance to a level that we can understand it.
Since losing my husband 2 years ago Carole couldn’t have been more helpful in getting my finances sorted out. Any questions have been answered with speed and efficiency. Emails are always answered within a couple of hours. I feel extremely comfortable and confident with the work that Carole does for me and the way she explains how my finances work.
Carole is very easy to talk to, and doesn’t make me feel that any question is too silly.
