What to expect when you get in touch
How working together usually unfolds, and what it costs at each stage.
If you have never worked with a financial adviser before, or a previous experience put you off, getting in touch can feel like a bigger step than it should be. This page sets out how things usually work, so you know what to expect.
From first conversation to a plan
Every situation is different, but the work usually follows these stages.
An initial conversation
An informal conversation, by phone or video, about your circumstances and what you would like to achieve. There is no charge for it. If I do not think advice would add value for you, I will say so.
Looking at the detail
If you would like to go further, we look at your income, assets, pensions, protection and goals in more depth. Before any chargeable work begins, the fees are set out in writing in a Client Fee Agreement for you to consider.
Research & report
I carry out whole-of-market research based on everything we've discussed, and produce a formal suitability report: what I'm recommending, why, and what the alternatives are. You will have it in writing before making any decision.
Recommendations & implementation
We go through the report together. If you're happy to proceed, I handle the paperwork and liaise with providers. For ongoing clients, I stay in contact throughout the year and we review annually.
Ongoing support - because your finances don't stand still
For clients who want continued support, I offer an ongoing advisory service charged as a percentage of assets under advice. The ongoing fee funds a defined, active service - not just the ability to call me. It reflects my FCA obligation to ensure your advice remains suitable on a continuing basis, and my commitment to be proactive rather than reactive when things change.
Useful paperwork
You do not need to prepare anything for a first conversation. If we go on to look at things in detail, it helps to have some of the following to hand, but do not let the absence of any of these stop you getting in touch:
Pensions
Annual pension statements or recent correspondence from any workplace or personal pensions. Do not worry if you have lost paperwork - I can help trace these.
Investments & savings
Details of any ISAs, investments, bonds or savings accounts - balances and providers if known.
Protection policies
Any existing life insurance, critical illness, income protection or private medical insurance policies - or a rough idea of what you have.
Income & expenditure
A broad sense of your monthly take-home income and regular outgoings. A precise figure is not necessary at this stage.
Your goals
What do you want your money to do? Retire at a certain age? Pay less tax? Leave something to your children? Having a rough idea of what matters to you most is the most useful starting point.
Mortgage details
A recent mortgage statement showing your outstanding balance and current rate, if you have one. Useful context for cashflow planning and protection, even though mortgage advice itself sits outside what I do.
Things people often ask before getting in touch
Do I need a lot of money to see a financial adviser?
No. There is no minimum investment or income requirement to get advice. What matters is whether the advice will add value for your situation - and that is something we can talk through in an initial conversation, at no charge.
How are you paid?
For investment and pension advice, I am paid a fee that is agreed with you in writing in advance, not by product providers. Where I arrange protection such as life cover, the insurer pays a commission, which is disclosed to you before you proceed. As an independent adviser, I consider products from across the market and recommend what I believe is suitable for your circumstances.
Can we meet in person?
Yes. Annual review meetings for ongoing clients are delivered face-to-face. I am based in Ainsdale, Southport, and meet clients across the local area - including Formby, Birkdale, Churchtown, Ainsdale, Ormskirk, Burscough and the wider Merseyside and West Lancashire region. I also work with clients across the UK by video call.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on the complexity of your situation and how quickly information comes back from pension and investment providers. I will give you a realistic timeline once I understand what is involved, and keep you updated along the way.
What if I decide not to proceed after the review?
For investment and pension advice, if I complete the research and present a suitability report and you decide not to go ahead, a £500 report fee is payable to cover the work done. This is set out in your Client Fee Agreement before any chargeable work begins. There is no charge for the initial conversation.
John Anthony Sykes, Dip PFS
Independent Financial Adviser · FCA ref: JXS00972
Whole-of-market and FCA-regulated, working with Fintuity. More about John and how he works →
Start with a conversation
Tell me a little about your situation and what you would like to achieve. There is no charge for an initial conversation.