If you use a Financial Advisor (IFA) you normally have to let them know a lot about your financial circumstances.  They need this information to help give you the best advice. During the fact find about your circumstances an IFA is required to ask if you have a Will and when was it last reviewed. This is important as having a Will is a fundamental part of financial planning.  As the meerkat would say “Simples”!

If you were pointed in the direction of a Will Writer or solicitor did the IFA know who you were actually going to get to see you.

It surprises me that in some cases they do not know who will come to see. what can happen is that your details are sent to a company and someone ‘local’ contacts you to make an appointment about making your Will. Pot luck sometimes.

Have a look at this forum post on Cash Questions to see what can happen How many personal details should we disclose to a will-writing company?

You may have heard the term Estate Planning but you could be forgiven for not really knowing what it means.

The basic premise is that it is to make sure your family is taken care of if something happens to you.

For many people this can mean financial planning, lifetime gifts, drafting a Will and setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney.

For some, perhaps those of more modest means, it may simply mean writing a Will to distibute their estate e.g. leaving everything to their surviving spouse or partner and then on to their children.

For those with more substantial wealth the avoidance of Inheritance Tax (IHT) may become an important issue. This can be achieved in a number of ways e.g. ‘jumping a generation’ by making legacies to grandchildren.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to name a person or persons you trust to make decisions about your health care and/or finances if you get sick and can’t you make these decisions by yourself.

You should do this now – not later.

The home visit Will service is available in Berkshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

As financial planning is an important part of Estate Planning I can put you in touch one of the excellent Financial Advisors I work with. You can get free expert advice and a free financial review as well.

Working together we can provide a comprehensive solution for your needs.

If you would like to talk to me I can offer free advice with no obligation, or if you want to be put in touch with one of my partner Financial Advisors (IFAs) please call me on FREEPHONE 0800 878 6565 or 07942 959599 or use the contact us page.

Many people take advantage of the services of an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA). This is a very good idea for most people because it is probably the single best way to develop a sensible strategy for financial security and to help maximise returns on investments.

Apart from the direct financial benefits there is the added sense of satisfaction and peace of mind that comes with having one’s affairs in good order. It is good practice for IFAs to ask about their client’s will and advise about the desirability of having an up to date will that reflects the client’s wishes. On the level of tax avoidance it surely makes sense to plan the distribution of your estate to avoid or minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT).

You may be pointed towards a Professional Will Writer or Solicitor to advise you how to achieve your wishes by writing a will or updating an existing Will. This is sound advice. If your IFA does not mention Wills to you might want to ask why not!

If you would like to arrange a consultation please call Bill Ryan on 01225 582582 or 07942 959599 or use the contact page and I will call you back within one working day.

The home visit Will service is available in Berkshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Wiltshire.