Optimal Planning
About Optimal Planning
We offer Independent Financial Advice. Creating and implementing plans for are at the core of our work. We also have specialised knowledge in work and .
Whatever your personal financial goals, the Optimal Planning Cycle presents a structured and focussed process
Optimal Planning provides quality financial planning advice which enable clients to:
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Understand their current financial position |
Whatever your personal financial goals, the Optimal Planning Cycle presents a structured and focussed process. It ensures that your personal objectives are targeted effectively and that our progress is monitored:
The Optimal Planning Cycle
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Since we are looking to work with you over the long term, we offer an initial meeting at our cost. The purpose of this meeting is for you to gain an appreciation for the way we work and the specific benefits of Optimal Planning. It is also for us to acquire an overview of what you are seeking to achieve. If both parties agree that we would like to work together, we embark upon the Optimal Planning process.
Please refer to the ‘Downloads’ section of the website for details of the ongoing service we provide to our clients.
What makes Optimal Planning different?
| 1. | We are entirely client-focussed because we work exclusively on a fee basis. If you take advice from an Independent Financial Adviser who is working on a commission basis, he will only get paid if he sells you financial products. He is focussed primarily on the transaction, not on the strategy and not on you. This can lead to a conflict of interest - if you would like advice surrounding your existing pension plans, he can only be compensated by moving them to another contract, although your existing contract may be entirely suited to your objectives. We feel that the only ethical and unbiased manner for a Financial Planner to operate is within the context of a written fee agreement. |
| 2. | Our standard fee agreement incorporates regular reviews. A financial plan is of limited benefit if not reviewed regularly. Taxation rules change, your own situation and even your objectives change. Progress toward your objectives should be monitored and alterations made as appropriate. The ‘Terms of Business’ of most Independent Financial Advisers state that your situation will not be reviewed unless you make a specific request for this to be done. Many of these advisers will be taking ongoing commission from existing financial products they arranged for you at a rate of 0.5% pa of the fund value, yet give you no ongoing service in return. Optimal Planning clients prefer to get value for their money. |
| 3. | The quality of our advice At Optimal Planning, you can be assured of Financial Planning services that meet international standards. Catherine Briers is a Certified Financial PlannerCM professional. We adhere to the UK's Institute of Financial Planning code of ethics and professional practice. There are many Independent Financial Advisers who have been working for years with only the minimum entry-level qualifications for the industry (denoted by either CertFP or CeFA). If you prefer to entrust your financial wellbeing to a Financial Planner who has demonstrated a commitment to develop their knowledge, ask which Advanced Qualifications are held. |