The first appointment
This is where we really get to know you. Before your adviser makes any recommendations, they’ll find out how you feel about risk, e.g. how much money you’re prepared to risk and how much you can comfortably afford to lose. They’ll want to make sure you understand that accepting a higher risk could mean higher potential returns, but potentially higher losses too.
Our advisers will tell you that investing is about time. Not necessarily because the longer you invest the more money you could make, but also because it allows for fluctuations in the market. They might use examples like the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, 9/11 and Black Monday to illustrate how people panicked, cashed-in their shares and lost out when the markets eventually recovered. That’s why they’ll usually recommend you invest for a minimum of five years.
After the appointment
Your adviser will go away and work with our technical team to create your personalised plan. The team will research thousands of funds across the market and build a panel of funds to choose from. Your adviser will make recommendations from the panel that match how you feel about risk and (subject to your circumstances) identify funds that are suitable for your needs.
You’ll receive your plan in the post, along with an invitation to go through it with your financial adviser. You can do this in the branch, by video link or they could come to your home – whichever’s best for you. If you haven’t watched Mrs Cox’s video at the top of the page yet, it will give you a good insight into what to expect when you get your plan.
Decision time, with no pressure from us
At this point, it’s over to you. You’ll need to decide whether or not you want to go ahead with the plan. There will only be a cost if you do. Our ‘No Pressure Promise’ puts you in the driving seat. So if you decide to walk away, that’s fine. We won’t pressure you into doing anything you don’t want or need.
The cost
If you do decide to go ahead with any of our recommendations, the cost will be based on the level and type of service we provide. What we mean by that is how complex or simple your journey is, and how much you want us to get involved in delivering it. Whatever happens, the charges will be explained really clearly, so you’ll never be left in any doubt about what you’re paying for.
We hope that between us and Mrs Cox, we’ve given you a better idea about what financial advice is really like. And, when you are ready to take the first steps, we’ll be ready and waiting.
Get in touch
For more information on our service and to find out whether you could benefit from financial advice, call our team today.