Independence is ingrained in our identity. We are wholly owned by our staff, granting us the autonomy to select products and providers freely within our scope. This independence is pivotal as it enables us to be an unbiased guiding voice in navigating the best financial options for you, untouched by external influence.
Why does this set us aside from others?
We’re not here to criticise other firms who don’t hold independence as close to their hearts. We just feel being independent is essential to providing the absolute best service we can to our clients. There are many firms out there who are owned by larger corporations.
This can result in a more rigid, ‘tick-box’ approach to financial advice. Research and administration are often conducted out of large offices, with no real awareness of the most important element of the advice process: the client.
With no larger influence, all our advice is bespoke, and all work is conducted internally by our fantastic, dedicated team. Pop down to our Hessle office and meet some of them, they’re a brilliant bunch.
Secondly, non-independent firms (often called tied or restricted firms), have a very limited range of investments and providers they can select from. This may mean clients are shoehorned into policies that might not necessarily be the best for them – think square peg, round hole.
Ultimately, behind Informed Financial Planning, there’s no big corporation pulling strings based on what’s best for them or what might make them the most money. It’s just us, looking to do the best we can for every single client.
How could our independence help you?
At the outset of helping you find a new investment, pension or insurance plan, or perhaps reviewing your existing contract, our independence will ensure the most appropriate plan is recommended for you.
We’re not limited to a handful of providers or insurers. If there’s a suitable plan out there for you, we can help you access it.
Going forwards, it’s important to keep an eye on how your financial plan is getting on. Sometimes changes can happen. Your circumstances, tax rules or laws are just a few examples of things that could impact your plan.
A tied or restricted firm may find it difficult to help here. With a limited product range, they may struggle to make the relevant changes necessary to reflect your new circumstances.
At IFP, with our ability to access the full market, we can help your plan change with you, without limitation.
If you would like to speak to one of our trusted, independent Chartered Financial Planners to see how they can help you plan for your future, contact us here.
