Answer:

I have been an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) for over 20 years previous to which I was employed by the Inland Revenue.

I would regard myself as an adviser who specialises in advising individual rather than corporate clients.

I am pleased to say that I have been advising some of my clients for many years, building a long-term relationship through their various life stages.

Qualifications wise, I have taken, and passed, the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate. In order to obtain this qualification I passed written examinations in:

• Personal Investment Planning.
• Taxation and Trusts
• Pensions

I believe these areas of study have particular relevance to my day to day dealings with clients and the level and complexity of advice I provide.

In 2008 I became involved, as a presenter, with the Money Advice Service intitiative to help financial awareness in the workplace.

Answer:

Yes I believe it does make a difference. I feel it is best for my clients and it also makes my job so much easier. Having a full product and fund range available means that I aim to give my clients what I consider to be the most appropriate solution given their particular circumstances.

I am of the opinion that something as important as client’s financial well-being deserves both sound and relevant advice based on the products available in the whole of the market.

Answer:

I would suggest that a personal recommendation might be the best way. When making contact with an adviser do not be frightened to ask questions about their experience in the areas on which advice is required.

I believe an adviser should be not only knowledgeable but also approachable and it is on this basis that I have been advising clients over my long career.

Answer:

Make an initial appointment with me anyway. I am quite happy to sit down with a prospective client for half an hour or so to discuss their options. As there will be no charge for the meeting and no obligation there really isn’t anything to lose.

Answer:

The Financial Services Authority (FSA), which regulates financial advice in the UK, has drawn up rules which mean the potential client has to be given certain information before agreeing that the advice process can begin.

Once I have taken prospective clients through this process and explained any options open to them I usually get the ball rolling by taking details of their existing financial arrangements and financial goals and plans for the future.

I ask that clients be as open and honest as possible when giving me this initial information as it is on this that I will seek to base my recommendations and ensure my advice is tailored to their particular circumstances.

The second stage of the process is to invite the client back to our office to discuss my findings and explain my recommendations at length.

Sometimes, in the course of these discussions, client’s views change and it becomes clear that any original recommendations will need to be amended.

However, at this meeting we aim to agree a course of action, and take into account any agreed changes to our recommendations. I then usually prepare a written report together with associated documentation to support my recommendations.

This is then normally presented to the client when we have our third meeting.

Usually, by the third meeting I am able to take clients through my final recommendation with a view to starting the process to finalise any recommendations.

At this stage I endeavour to explain what can be expected in terms of ongoing help and service.

I prefer this three-stage approach as, whilst this may be more time consuming, I believe it helps to ensure that all parties are comfortable with the advice.

Of course existing clients may only require one or possibly two meetings as the process of updating financial details and goals usually takes less time than starting from scratch.

Throughout all three stages I try to encourage clients (whether a new or existing) to take an active part in discussions regarding their financial planning arrangements.

Answer:

Whilst I prefer to take a holistic approach, aiming to examine all aspects of a client’s financial planning arrangements, I, of course, realise that sometimes clients require advice on a particular matter only and therefore I am pleased to offer advice on the following:

• Pension Planning
• Options At Retirement
• Investments
• Inheritance tax planning
• Life Insurance
• Income Protection plans
• Critical Illness Policies
• School and University Fees planning

I hope that I can build a long-term relationship with my clients, as I believe this is the bedrock of financial advice.

If prospective clients would like to email or telephone me I would be more than happy to talk them through the services we offer.

If you would like to contact Kevin, you can call him on 01603 486800 or you can email him at kevinhardingham@carltonfinancial.co.uk

The Financial Services Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice or school and university fees planning.