Watford
Financial Advisers

1. Should I speak to a financial adviser if I am still several years away from retirement?

Yes. Starting retirement planning earlier can give you more time to review your pensions, investments, savings and anticipated income needs. An adviser can help you understand whether your current arrangements are broadly aligned with your future objectives and identify areas that may need attention.

2. Can a financial adviser help me plan my finances after receiving an inheritance?

An inheritance can significantly change your financial position and may raise questions about investing, tax, gifting and longer-term planning. Independent financial advice can help you consider your options before making major decisions and ensure any recommendations reflect your wider financial objectives.

3. What should I consider if I am selling my business or retiring from it?

Business owners in Watford, Rickmansworth and Croxley Green may need to consider how the proceeds from a sale could fit into their wider financial plan, as well as retirement income, investments, tax and estate planning. Taking advice before a major financial event can help you understand the potential implications and plan ahead.

4. Is it worth reviewing my pensions if I have worked for several employers?

It can be. People who have changed employers several times may have accumulated several pension arrangements over their working lives. Reviewing them can help establish what you have, what each pension provides and whether consolidation or another approach may be appropriate. However, existing benefits, charges and valuable features should be carefully considered before transferring any pension.

5. How can I make sure my investments are appropriate as I get older?

Your financial objectives, investment timeframe, attitude to risk and capacity for loss can change as your circumstances develop. Regular financial reviews can help determine whether your investment strategy remains appropriate, particularly when moving closer to or into retirement.

6. Can you help me plan financially for my children or grandchildren?

Financial planning can include longer-term objectives for the next generation, such as helping with education, property purchases or passing on wealth. The most suitable approach will depend on your circumstances, objectives and the tax and legal considerations involved.

7. What happens if my circumstances change after I have received financial advice?

Financial planning should not be treated as something that is completed once and then forgotten. Changes such as retirement, receiving an inheritance, selling a business, changes to family circumstances or a significant change in your financial position may mean your plan needs to be reviewed.

8. Do I need a financial plan if I already have savings and investments?

Having savings and investments does not necessarily mean you have a coordinated financial plan. An adviser can look at your finances as a whole and consider how your assets, pensions, investments, income and future objectives fit together.

9. When should I start thinking about inheritance tax?

There is no single age at which inheritance tax planning should begin. If you have accumulated significant assets or are concerned about the value of the estate you may eventually leave behind, it can be sensible to consider your position sooner rather than later. Planning may involve a number of factors and should be based on your individual circumstances.

10. Can Lonsdale provide ongoing financial advice rather than just a one-off consultation?

Yes. Ongoing advice for customers in Watford, Rickmansworth and Croxley Green can be particularly useful when your financial circumstances, objectives or the wider economic and tax environment change. Regular reviews provide an opportunity to reassess your financial plan and make recommendations where appropriate.