Adviser (independent whole of market)
Speed of response
Time of call: 1.30pm. Answered after one ring by a receptionist. Shopper spent 20 seconds on hold while she was put through to a financial adviser. 4/5
Telephone manner
Very polite and friendly. 5/5
Relevant qualifications
Adviser said they were a chartered financial planner. 5/5
Payment method
The first appointment would be free after which a fee would be discussed. 5/5
Guidance given
The adviser explained that there were a number issues the shopper’s parents might need to consider, such as whether they could afford to make provision for the cost of future nursing care. The issue of inheritance tax was raised, and the complexities of that would need to be discussed. The adviser said a meeting would be necessary before any more advice was given. 4/5
Knowledge
The adviser seemed aware of the issues surrounding the inheritance of a large amount of money. 4/5
Email/web presence
www.lonsdaleservices.co.uk
s.armstrong@lonsdaleservices.co.uk
5/5
Verdict
The adviser was friendly and very personable, something the shopper felt her elderly parents, who are a bit wary of taking financial advice, might appreciate.
32/35
Adviser (independent)
Trinity Wealth Management Ltd, Cedar Court, 6c Parkway, Porters Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6PA
Speed of response
Time of call
2pm. Answered after nine rings by a financial adviser. 4/5
Telephone manner
Polite but a bit brusque. 3/5
Relevant qualifications
Chartered financial planner. 5/5
Payment method
The first appointment was free, then fees would be discussed if further advice was given. 5/5
Guidance given
The adviser was happy to give some basic advice, mentioning inheritance tax and the need for nursing care provision He said further advice would require an appointment due to the nature of the shopper’s query. 3/5
Knowledge
The adviser seemed very knowledgable. 4/5
Email/web presence
www.financial-advisers.com
adam@trin.uk.com 5/5
Verdict
The adviser was a bit perfunctory, but this is probably understandable due to the complex nature of the shopper’s query and the fact she was asking on someone else’s behalf.
29/35
Adviser (independent) KDW Independent Financial Planning, 142 London Rd, St Albans, Herts AL1 1PQ
Speed of response
Time of call: 3.40pm. The phone was answered by a receptionist after three rings. The shopper was then put through to an adviser. 5/5
Telephone manner
Polite and friendly. 5/5
Relevant qualifications
Adviser said he was a chartered financial planner. 5/5
Payment method:
First visit/consultation free after which a fee would be charged. 5/5
Guidance given
This adviser was happy to chat with the shopper without the promise of an appointment. He explained inheritance tax succinctly and dismissed the idea of her parents buying an annuity, as they were probably too elderly. He also talked through the need for making sure nursing costs were covered but also said there were ways of helping mitigate IHT. He recommended she attend any initial meeting between himself and her parents, as discussing money might help their family. 5/5
