FAQs

Whether you’ve taken financial advice before or are considering it for the first time, you’re bound to have some questions about how everything works. Find answers to all our most common queries here.

Where are meetings held and can we meet remotely?

For us, financial advice is all about the personal touch, so we’d love to see you face to face in the Cheltenham IFA offices or at your home for our first meeting together. Follow-up meetings can be held via Zoom or Teams if you prefer. Your relationship with us will hopefully be a long and fruitful one, though, so we’d love to invite you to visit us at least every other year if it’s convenient.

Do you have parking?

Yes, our offices have free parking. Let us know in advance if you need specific arrangements or have any accessibility concerns.

Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?

No, your first appointment is always at our expense. It’s an opportunity for you to get to know us better, and for us to understand your needs, explain our services, and determine how we can help you. We will only ever agree to work with you if we feel that we will add value. If we can't, we'll tell you straight away.

What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?

Bring any relevant financial documents, such as statements or policies for any pensions or investments you may already have in place. It’s also useful if you can bring some ID and proof of address.

How long should I allow for an initial meeting?

Plan for approximately one hour. This usually allows sufficient time for a thorough discussion of your financial and personal goals, and for us to provide an overview of our services.

Do I have to sign up for your services at an initial meeting?

There’s no obligation to go any further with us at this stage if you don’t want to. In fact, you’re encouraged to take the time to consider the information provided and make an informed decision at your own pace.

How can I book an initial meeting?

You can use our “Book an appointment” link to view the slots our advisers have available or contact us directly if you prefer. Our team will help with scheduling a convenient time for you.

Can I choose to have a male or female adviser?

It’s crucial that you feel comfortable at every stage of the financial advice process, so we completely understand the importance of being able to choose who you work with. Simply specify your preference, and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.

What happens if my financial adviser is away on holiday?

If your adviser is unavailable, a designated team member will be on hand to help with any queries you might have. Rest assured that you’ll always get a seamless service from our close-knit team.

What do you charge for a financial plan?

Our fees vary based on the services your adviser feels are needed for your circumstances. All fees will be discussed and agreed with you before any work is carried out. In the meantime, you can learn more about the benefits of financial advice and the deep and lasting value it provides.

Do you charge VAT?

Most of the services we provide are exempt from VAT. If there are any exceptions to this in your case, we’ll let you know.

What sort of clients do you typically work for?

Our clients are successful and prosperous individuals, couples, and families who come to us with a range of different objectives in mind. See how we can help with your objectives and learn more about the services we offer.

Are you independent?

Yes, we’re fully independent financial advisers. Our independent status means our advice is solely focused on your best interests, without any restrictions or ties to third parties.

Are you regulated?

Absolutely, and you can view our entry on the Financial Conduct Authority register here. As a regulated business, we have to deliver our services in a way that meets the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

How do you protect my data?

Safeguarding your highly sensitive personal and financial information is our top priority. As signatories of the government’s Cyber Essentials scheme, you can be confident that we follow the strictest security measures and comply with all relevant legislation at all times.

Can you advise on final salary / defined benefit transfers?

No, this isn’t something our advisers offer. If you need support with your final salary or defined benefit pension, we can refer you to a trusted specialist in our professional network.

Working with Cheltenham IFA gives me reassurance knowing someone’s got my back

Stafford Evans

Ben is open, honest, and makes my investments easy to understand.

Kim Burbridge

I feel confident in my financial future with Cheltenham IFA

Graham Satterley

I know it can get a little bit confusing when there's a lot of financial information, but I never felt that with Maddi. I totally understood what she was explaining to us and we knew what was going on. They were so clear and helpful that, in the end, it was an easy process.

Mick & Alison Hart

I feel very reassured. I have great peace of mind when thinking of my financial future because I feel I'm in very good hands. They've taken into account what stage I'm at in my life, what I want from the future, particularly with regards to legacy to my children and other members of my family, and my own comfort and financial security going forward.

Katherine Judge Client since 2014

What our clients say

In our most recent client survey...

98.550%

of clients are satisfied with our understanding of their needs, goals, and objectives

96.020%

of clients believe working with us has helped or will help them to achieve their financial goals

90.780%

of clients said they would recommend us to family, friends, or work associates

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