FAQs
Find answers to common questions about financial planning, pensions, retirement, investments and protection, and learn how Simple Solutions Financial Planning can help you plan for the future with confidence.
Do you offer independent financial advice?
Yes. We offer independent financial advice. Our Why choose us page explains more about our approach.
Does the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate you?
Yes. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find us listed on the FCA website under registration number 511977.
Can I choose between meeting in person or on a video call?
Yes. You can choose to meet us in person or by video call, depending on what works best for you.
Where are face-to-face meetings held?
Face-to-face meetings are held at our office at The Base, Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG. This is where you can meet us in person. Our Contact page has all the details you need to get in touch.
Do you have parking at your office?
Yes. Free parking is available close to our office. Our Contact page has all the details you need to get in touch.
How long has Simple Solutions Financial Planning been providing financial advice?
We have been providing financial advice since 2010. Since then, we have supported clients with financial planning. Our About us page explains more about our background.
Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?
We are based in Warrington and work with clients across Cheshire and the surrounding areas, as well as across the north-west of England. If you live outside the north-west, we can meet with you virtually. We’d be happy to hear from you. Our Contact page has all the details you need to get in touch.
Are your financial planners Chartered or Certified?
Yes. You can work with a Chartered or Certified financial planner when you work with us.
Do you have any client reviews or written or video testimonials, and where can I view them?
Yes. More than 100 clients have left 5-star Google reviews about their experience with us. Our Why choose us page explains more about our approach.
What is your FCA registration number?
Our FCA firm reference number is 511977. You can use this number when checking our details on the Financial Services Register.
What are the key cities, towns and areas you work with clients in?
Key areas we work in include Warrington, Stockton Heath, Lymm, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Hale, Altrincham, Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. We work with clients across the north-west of England. We’d be happy to hear from you. Our Contact page has all the details you need to get in touch.
Can you advise on mortgages?
No. We do not provide mortgage advice.
Can you advise on equity release?
No. We do not provide equity release advice.
Can you advise on personal pensions?
Yes. We can advise you on personal pensions. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you advise on occupational pensions?
Yes. We can advise you on occupational pensions. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you help me consolidate multiple pensions?
Yes. We can help you consolidate multiple pensions as part of your financial planning. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you help me take my pension tax-efficiently?
Yes. We can help you plan how to take your pension tax-efficiently. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you help with ethical or sustainable investing?
Yes. We can consider ethical or sustainable investing as part of your investment advice.
Can you help me invest an inheritance I have received?
Yes. We can help you invest money you have received through an inheritance. Our Planning your family’s wealth page explains more about the wider planning support we provide.
Can you advise on self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs)?
Yes. We can advise you on self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs). Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you advise on final salary or defined benefit pension transfers?
No. We do not provide advice on final salary or defined benefit pension transfers.
Do you offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning?
No. We do not provide advice on long-term care or later-life planning.
Can you help with Inheritance Tax planning or estate planning?
Yes. We can help with Inheritance Tax planning and estate planning. Our Planning your family’s wealth page explains more about the wider planning support we provide.
Can you advise on investments such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)?
Yes. We can advise you on investments such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs).
Can you advise on protection such as life insurance, critical illness cover and income replacement?
Yes. We can advise you on protection, including life insurance, critical illness cover and income replacement. Our page for A high-earning professional explains more about how we support clients in this position.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. We cover the cost of your initial consultation. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
How do you charge for financial advice?
We believe in being fully transparent about our fees from the outset, so there are no hidden charges or surprises. Our fees can be deducted from your investment or pension, or paid directly by invoice, and we will agree your charges with you before any work begins. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
What do you typically charge for a financial plan?
The cost of your financial plan will depend on its complexity. We will explain and agree your charges with you before any work begins. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
Do you charge fixed fees or a percentage of my investments?
We charge our ongoing fee as an annual percentage. We will agree the exact charge with you before any work begins.
Do you get commission?
Yes. We receive commission on insurance-related products.
Do you charge VAT?
No. We do not charge VAT.
How do I know if your fees are competitive?
We believe the value and service you receive outweigh the investment you make in your financial planning journey. Our Google reviews include more than 100 5-star reviews from clients. Our Why choose us page explains more about our approach.
How do your fees compare to other financial planners?
We do not compare our fees or service directly with other firms. Instead, we focus on the services, methodology and frameworks that differentiate us. Our Why choose us page explains more about our approach.
How can I find your fees?
Full details of our fees are set out in our Terms of Business, which you will receive at your initial meeting. We will explain the charges clearly so you understand them before making any decisions. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
Are my investments protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
Yes. Your investments are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
What happens if something goes wrong or I have a complaint?
If you are unhappy with our advice or any aspect of our service, please contact our Complaints Manager in writing,and we will do our best to resolve your concerns. A summary of our internal complaints-handling procedure is available on request. Our Contact page has all the details you need to get in touch.
How do you keep my personal data secure?
We take the security of your personal data seriously, and as an FCA-regulated financial planning firm, protecting your information is both a legal obligation and a responsibility we hold to the highest standard. Every member of our team receives annual data protection training, and we carefully vet every tool, platform and programme we use to ensure it meets strict data protection standards and supports compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our Privacy Policy explains more about how we handle your information.
Are you insured to give financial advice?
Yes. We are insured to provide financial advice.
How can I check your FCA registration and authorisation?
Our FCA firm reference number is 511977. Our permitted business includes advising on and arranging pensions, savings and investment products, as well as non-investment insurance contracts. You can check our details on the Financial Services Register or contact the FCA on 0800 111 6768.
How do you measure client satisfaction?
We invite clients to leave a Google review about their experience with us. We are proud to have received more than 100 5-star Google reviews from clients. Our Why choose us page explains more about our approach.
Can you help me retire early?
Yes. We will review your current position, including your assets, income, pensions and outgoings, to assess whether early retirement is achievable and on what timeline. If it is not immediately within reach, we can identify practical changes such as increasing pension contributions, restructuring assets or making better use of tax allowances to help bring your retirement date forward. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you help me plan my retirement?
Yes. We can help you build a financial plan for your retirement. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
What type of clients do you typically work with?
We typically work with business owners, people preparing for retirement and high net worth clients. These are among the main client groups we support. Our About you page explains more about the people we typically support.
Do you work with younger clients who are still building wealth?
Yes. We work with younger clients who are still building their wealth.
Do you work with company directors or self-employed clients?
Yes. We work with company directors and self-employed clients. Our page for A business owner explains more about how we support business owners.
Do you work with clients approaching retirement or already retired?
Yes. We work with clients who are approaching retirement as well as those who are already retired. Our On your retirement journey page explains more about the support we provide as you plan for retirement.
Can you help clients who have inherited money?
Yes. We can help you if you have inherited money. Our Planning your family’s wealth page explains more about the wider planning support we provide.
Can you help clients who have sold, or are in the process of selling, a business?
Yes. We can help if you have sold a business or are in the process of selling one. Our page for A business owner explains more about how we support business owners.
Can you help clients manage their finances after a bereavement?
Yes. We can help you manage your finances after a bereavement.
Do you specialise in working with business owners, retirees or professionals?
Yes. We work with business owners, retirees and professionals. Our About you page explains more about the people we typically support.
Do you offer financial advice for expats or non-UK residents?
No. We do not provide financial advice for expats or non-UK residents.
Can you help if I already have existing investments or pensions elsewhere?
Yes. We can transfer existing investments or pensions as part of your work with us.
How can I book an initial meeting?
Your first step is a short, no-obligation discovery call to understand what you are looking for and whether we can help. You can book your discovery call online at a time that suits you, call us directly on 01925 266 628 or email info@simplesolutionsfp.com.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No. We cover the cost of your initial meeting. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
Once you have completed your discovery call, we will let you know what you need to bring to your initial meeting with your financial planner. We will send you this information before the meeting. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
What happens in the first meeting?
Once you have completed a discovery call, we will book you in for a first meeting with your financial planner, where we will cover your goals and aspirations, a high-level view of your current financial position, how our financial planning process works, fees and next steps. It is also your opportunity to ask questions and decide whether working with us feels like the right fit. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
Initial meetings usually last around 60-90 minutes. This gives you time to talk through your situation and ask any questions you have.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No. The initial meeting gives us both the opportunity to make sure you feel comfortable and that the relationship is a good match before you commit to anything. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
What happens if my financial planner is away on holiday?
If your financial planner is away, another member of our team will be happy to help with your query where possible. If it cannot be resolved, your financial planner will be in touch as soon as they return. Our Meet the team page introduces the people who may support you.
How often will I hear from my financial planner?
As part of our ongoing service, you will have a dedicated annual planning meeting with your financial planner to review your financial plan, progress towards your goals and any changes in your circumstances or the wider financial landscape. You do not need to wait until that meeting to ask for help, as our team is available throughout the year if a question comes up or your circumstances change. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
Do you offer cashflow forecasting or planning as part of your service?
Yes. We offer cashflow forecasting as part of our financial planning service.
What happens if my circumstances change?
We can review your financial plan if your circumstances change, whether that is a new job, a change in income, a relationship change, an inheritance or a shift in your goals. You can contact us at any point rather than waiting for your annual review, and we can make sure your plan and advice continue to reflect your circumstances. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
Can you work alongside my accountant or solicitor?
Yes. We can work alongside your accountant or solicitor as part of your wider planning. Our Planning your family’s wealth page explains more about the wider planning support we provide.
Can you coordinate with my mortgage adviser if they need information from you?
Yes. We can coordinate with your mortgage adviser if they need information from us.
What happens if my financial planner leaves the firm?
If your financial planner leaves our team, your financial plan and ongoing service will continue without disruption. We will introduce you to another experienced member of our team who understands your circumstances, goals and financial plan. You remain our client throughout, and our Meet the team page introduces the people who may support you.
Can I see an example of a financial plan?
Yes. We can provide an example of a financial plan on request. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
Will I be able to see the value of my investments online?
Yes. Our client portal allows you to see your investment values online and access your client documents.
Do you provide an online portal for clients to view their investments?
Yes. Our client portal gives you online access to your investment values and client documents.
How often will I meet with my financial planner?
As part of our ongoing service, you will meet with your financial planner at least once a year for a dedicated annual planning meeting. This is an opportunity to review your financial plan, progress towards your goals and any changes in your circumstances, and our team is also available throughout the year if you need support or an additional meeting. The client journey page explains more about what to expect from the process.
