In the modern world, there is a wide array of investment options available to you. With thousands of investment fund houses, hundreds of providers and numerous tax wrappers to consider, it is difficult to do it all yourself without expert professional advice and support.

By taking advantage of my advisory service, I can help you establish the right investment portfolio for your own needs, views and objectives. This could be as simple as selecting a multi-asset fund with one provider, or a variety of different investments to make up your own personal portfolio.

An investment portfolio will in most circumstances consist of shares, property, bonds and cash; the exact mix and type of underlying investments depends on your needs, views, timeframe and the prevailing financial market environment.

Selecting the most appropriate investments for your own unique requirements can only be decided upon after going through a comprehensive advisory process; one where your needs are front and centre.

Your investment process will include the following steps:

Step 1 – The Financial Planning Process

• Financial appraisal of your current situation – find out where you are at today.
• Establish your goals and objectives – find out where you would like to be at some point in the future.
• Establish a plan to get from today to your desired future.

Step 2 – Risk Profiling and Investor Discovery

• Establish your risk profile, including financial capacity and tolerance for loss.
• Understand your experience and views, i.e. in what way have you previously invested, and do you have personal views that should be taken into account (such as ethical views).
• How much capital and cash flow can/should be committed to investment and under what timeframe. What to you need to withdraw from the portfolio and when (e.g. monthly income for retirement).
• Select the appropriate overall asset allocation for your needs.

Step 3 – Tax and Ownership Structure

• Establish the most tax efficient way for you to invest while maintaining a balance over all of your financial affairs.
• Consider the ownership structure of your investments (e.g. pensions, trusts, joint investors, spouse, children etc).

Step 4 – Independent Research and Report

• As an independent financial adviser, I will consider our discussions to research the most appropriate providers and investment strategies.
• Fully detailed explanation of my recommendations in written format.

Step 5 – Presentation, Discussion and Administration

• Present my recommendations and discuss any questions you may have – ensure you fully understand all matters before you make any decisions.
• Complete any necessary applications and paperwork.
• Full support and communication through the application process.

Step 6 – Ongoing Review

• Each year, we will review your personal investment portfolio and ensure that you remain on the right path to meet your goals (and to take account of changing financial market conditions).

The investment portfolio service is available for individual investors, families or trustees. You may have cash that you wish to invest, or you may wish to review your existing investments to see where you can make improvements.

Your ability to earn an income is the most valuable financial asset that you have. Your income repays your mortgage, pays your bills and supports your family and lifestyle.

What would happen to your family finances and quality of life if this income were lost?

There are several ways you can help to ensure your family’s finances are secure – no matter what happens:

1. Life Cover. Life cover will pay a lump sum to help clear your mortgage and other debts, or it can also provide a lump sum that can be invested and used to help support your family, replacing the income that has been effectively lost from your early death.
2. Critical Illness Cover. This pays out if you are diagnosed with a diagnosed with a specific serious illness (such as stroke, heart attack, certain types and stages of cancer, and other serious conditions). It is a little more costly than life cover but probably more important as the impact of a serious illness can often be more severe than early death.
3. Life/Critical Illness Cover. Policies often combine life and critical illness. You can have options such as paying out only once, or you can have the policy pay out for critical illness, and then life insurance still continues on the policy.
4. Family Income Benefit. This is a life and/or critical illness policy but instead of paying out a lump sum, an income is paid out for a set period of time. It can be useful when trying to keep insurance costs down, but still have sufficient cover.
5. Income Protection Cover – This is the main one for directly protecting your earnings. If you suffer from a long-term illness that prevents you from using your skills to earn a living, this policy will help replace a good part of your lost income and allow you to continue with your life until you are healthy enough to return to work, or until you retire.

These are the main policies for protecting lost earnings that could arise from a variety of situations. They will help ensure that your family is financially protected from any loss of potential earnings.

There are many types of policies available from separate providers, all with different terms and features. You are also likely to have some protection via your existing employment, or you may already have some policies in place.

I can help provide independent advice on these matters and help create your personal protection plan.

Your personal protection plan is a personal and comprehensive advice process which includes the following benefits:

1. A personal discussion of your needs and priorities.
2. Appraisal of your financial position.
3. Review of your existing employment benefits and protection policies in place.
4. Independent research to select the most appropriate type and amount of cover, with the right provider and for the right price.
5. Presentation of your options in written format.
6. Discussion to help you understand your protection policies in full.
7. Assistance with the application and underwriting process.

Do you want to find the right mortgage, the best rates and help with the whole process?

Whether moving home, buying your first property, investing into buy to let, raising extra finance or simply looking to remortgage, then you need an independent and whole of market mortgage broker.

A good mortgage consultant will help you in the following ways:

1. Find the best rates and terms from the whole market.
2. Double check you can qualify without wasting your time.
3. Help make the application process smooth and efficient.
4. Help you understand how much you will pay, both now and over the term of your mortgage.
5. Impartial advice and assistance along the way.
6. Fully independent advice to ensure you also have the right protection arrangements in place for your needs.