Services
Savings & Investments
Saving & Investing are not ends in themselves, they are tools to meeting your financial goals. Perhaps you're saving towards something specific, such as a deposit for a house, funding a daughter's wedding or towards a grandchild's university fees. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve whichever goals matter most to you, providing clear and unbiased advice on a whole range of investment products and platforms.
Starting with an initial meeting, we will work with you to agree a plan, taking into account your objectives, the timescale, your attitude to risk as well as the amount available to save or invest. Not only will we look for the best rate of return, we'll also make sure the recommended solutions are as tax efficient as possible, and balance your need for growth or income.
To arrange a free initial consultation* please contact us.
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The value of investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you originally invested. It is therefore important that you understand the risks and commitments. This website does not provide personal advice based on your circumstances. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment please contact us. Tax Plannng advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Pensions & Retirement Planning
Ideally planning for retirement should start from the moment you start work, but often people delay putting aside any money for their retirement until much later. However it is never too late to start, or to review your existing pension provisions. Putting away even a small sum regularly from the start can make a big difference to the lifestyle you will enjoy when you retire.
Chris Wheatley IFA can help you to successfully plan for your retirement by making tax efficient recommendations that suit your individual requirements. We will analyse your needs with you, and calculate how much money you should save for retirement, based on your desired income and your personal retirement aspirations. If you want to be able to afford holidays and enjoy the free time retirement brings, then you'll need to make adequate provision, and be realistic about how long that income should last. Many people often underestimate how long they are likely to live once they have retired, which could mean that after enjoying a few years of a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you realise you'll need to make drastic reductions in your spending to stretch out your income for longer, or you may even find yourself returning to part-time work or even relying on state benefits to make ends meet.
For those who are nearing retirement, drawing your pension can also be a daunting experience, particularly as the paperwork can be confusing. As qualified & regulated financial advisers, we will be able to provide you with expert information to guide you through the multitude of options available, providing advice around areas such as pension freedom, annuities and flexible drawdown, and taking into consideration inflation, your attitude to risk, your health, as well as tax implications.
To arrange a free initial consultation* please contact us.
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A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. The tax treatment is dependent on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Tax Plannng advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Financial Protection
Have you ever thought about how quickly your life and circumstances can change?
Most of us would agree that it's important to make sure that in the event of the worst happening, the one thing you don't want to worry about is money. We may not like to think about the possibility of accidents, illness or death, however consider how financially secure you or your loved ones would be if your or your partner's income was to suddenly disappear? As the old saying goes: 'prepare for the worst, hope for the best.'
It is a common misconception that the State will look after us from cradle to grave. The truth is, if you or your loved ones become reliant on state benefits, your standard of living and lifestyle might suffer, and you could even end up losing your home if the right financial protection isn't in place.
Chris Wheatley IFA offers independent whole of market advice and will explain your options as to how protection products can be used to enable you to cover yourself, your loved ones and your lifestyle in the event of unexpected sickness, death or serious disability. There are a bewildering array of financial protection policies with different options available on the market in the UK. Expert advice is invaluable in helping to design a protection solution that meets your individual needs as well as your budget.
To arrange a free initial consultation* contact us.
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Life Cover (non-investment) and income protection cover - the plan will have no cash value at any time, and will cease at the end of the term. If premiums are not maintained, then cover will lapse. Critical illness cover - the policy may not cover all definitions of a critical illness. For definitions of illnesses covered please refer to the Key Features and Policy documents.
Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning
Planning for the next generation and the potential impact of inheritance tax (IHT) is an important part of financial planning.
The continued rise in house prices means you don’t have to be hugely wealthy to be affected by IHT. More people than ever before are calculating the value of their estates and finding they have a greater liability to IHT than they’d first thought. IHT can cost your estate thousands of pounds when you die; however, the good news is that expert planning can legitimately mitigate or minimise the effects of this tax, meaning you can pass on assets to those you love as you’d intended.
We will help you understand allowances and how to use them, identify the extent of your IHT liability, and advise on estate planning strategies to improve your position in this area using a number of different solutions. These may include: will planning and power of attorney; lifetime gifting; life cover; and the appropriate use of trusts and lump sum arrangements. The recommendations which are right for you may include some, or none of these, focusing on what you want to happen in these circumstances, with regular reviews to ensure these wishes are documented and up to date.
To arrange a free initial consultation* please contact us.
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The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Taxation Advice, Estate Planning, Trusts or Will Writing Advice.
Mortgages & Equity Release
For most people, buying a home will be the largest single investment they will ever make, so choosing the right mortgage is also just as important as choosing the right property .
Chris Wheatley IFA offer no-obligation, face-to-face initial appointments in either our offices or the comfort and convenience of your own home, at a time that is convenient to you. Your mortgage adviser will explain the different mortgage options available at a pace you feel comfortable with.
As independent advisers we are not tied in to any lender so our advisers are able to recommend a solution tailored to your own individual circumstances, searching through a comprehensive range of mortgages from the whole market, to find the best one for your needs. We also have access to mortgage products at exclusive rates not found on the internet or on the high street.
Equity Release can play a crucial role in funding your retirement if your home is your biggest asset. If you’re a homeowner over the age of 55, then you could unlock the wealth tied up in your property (without having to sell and move to another home) and use it how you wish in order to enjoy your retirement. You can either borrow against the value of your home or sell all or part of it in exchange for a lump sum or a regular monthly income. Some plans give you the option to “draw down” further equity (cash) at a later date, based on your requirements.
However, equity release is not something to be entered into lightly; it has disadvantages as well as advantages, and these should be fully understood. Chris Wheatley IFA refers clients to experienced & qualified advisers (who as members of the Equity Release Council conform to its high standards of conduct & practice) offering specialist equity release advice using non-jargon clear English to explain everything.
For further information or to arrange a free initial consultation* please contact us.
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A mortgage is a loan secured against your home or property. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
Equity Release plans are not right for everyone and it is important that you fully consider your options, weigh up the advantages and disadvantages, and receive independent financial advice before making a decision. Equity Release is a lifetime mortgage, to understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration.
*All initial consultations are without charge or obligation. Chris Wheatley IFA will provide you with a Client Agreement, Terms & Conditions, and About Our Services & Fees documents, these include details of any fees or costs should you decide to proceed with any advice."