FAQs
If you’re thinking about speaking to a financial professional, you are likely to have some questions. Whether they’re surrounding meetings, the advice we provide, or our fees, we have answered some of the things you may be thinking about below.
Got more questions? We’d be happy to answer them. Feel free to get in touch.
Where are meetings held?
We hold meetings at Derwentside Business Centre in Consett, County Durham. Our offices are beautifully furnished, and we provide refreshments. The setting is perfect for the focused yet relaxed nature of our meetings. If you are a business owner, we can travel to your office for meetings if convenient.
Do you have parking?
Yes, there is parking available at our Derwentside Business Centre offices.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No, our initial meetings are simply a chance for us to get to know you and for you to learn more about the service we offer.
How can I book an initial meeting?
You can give us a call on 01207 297100 or email info@lifeplanfm.co.uk. Visit our contact page for further information.
Are you independent?
We are. Being independent is incredibly important to us. It means we can select products and providers from the whole market, instead of being restricted to a limited selection of choices. That way, we can make recommendations that are truly in your best interests.
Are you regulated?
We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find our entry on the FCA register here.
What happens if Gary/Kate is away on holiday?
Gary and Kate are never away at the same time; you will always have access to an expert Financial Planner. Additionally, Abigail, our Administrator, is fully trained to answer most questions, and we will come back to you as soon as possible should you have any questions that a Financial Planner needs to answer.
What do you charge for a financial plan?
Our fees depend entirely on your needs and situation. However, we will discuss fees at our initial meeting and we will never complete any work without making you fully aware of any costs that will incur.
Do you get commission?
Only if you instruct us to arrange insurance or a mortgage.
Do you charge VAT?
No, we do not charge VAT.
What our clients say
Having dealt with various financial advisers in the past, both Gary and Kate give a far more personal service and explain things clearly. They take the time to understand what we want from financial planning and they have the knowledge to advise us in a variety of different aspects. Although we have only been clients from just before retirement, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone of any age and we have absolutely no regrets in switching to Lifeplan.
A client since 2016
On my first visit to Lifeplan several years ago, Gary took lots of time to get to know my background, my financial objectives and me. There was never any sales push or persuasion to get my business. We’ve always discussed issues; Lifeplan give me options and I decide what to do. I don’t feel any pressure to do anything that I’m not comfortable with. I feel as though we have a personal relationship, rather than just being another business transaction. That's why I’m happy with Lifeplan’s guidance with my life savings.
A client since 2014
We have been with Lifeplan for a few years now. Kate has been brilliant in helping us understand our level of risk and planning for retirement. Before we spoke to Kate, it was always something we would just say we’d get around to at some point! It’s really important to have a plan and I feel more secure about our finances now.
A client since 2015
I initially approached Lifeplan as my parents had used them in the past. I received excellent financial planning advice, and as I am still quite young and newly-qualified, this was invaluable. I also approached Lifeplan to help me find a suitable mortgage and again they were fantastic. They took a lot of pressure off me by dealing with lenders as well as solicitors. First class!
A client since 2017
I would recommend Lifeplan to anyone, as they provide an excellent and honest service.
A client since 2016
Initially we were unsure about contacting Lifeplan, as we were wary that any advice given may not be impartial or even to our benefit. We needn't have worried as we now have every confidence in the planning, investments as well as the will and trust Lifeplan helped us with. It is a great relief knowing we can trust the people dealing with our finances. We are always kept fully up to date and have annual meetings where everything is explained in clear and concise ways.
A client since 2016
I have more in my pot now than when I retired 11 years ago, even though I joined at the beginning of the banking crisis.”
A client since 2011
I have had nothing but the best advice from Kate Boon over the last 12 years, in relation to mortgages, investments and financial planning for later life. She’s always down to earth in her approach, but very knowledgeable and a real professional.
A client since 2012
In the five years that Lifeplan has looked after our investments, we have received an excellent, friendly, professional service, which has given us very satisfactory returns on our savings.
A client since 2011
Our family has worked with Gary and Kate for many years and have built up a good trusting working relationship with this professional, efficient and caring company. We feel that they always consider our specific financial needs and provide advice accordingly. We definitely feel we are in safe hands with Lifeplan.
A client since 2010
As retirement approached, I was uncertain how to proceed. Advice from Lifeplan set us on the right track and we are now enjoying a very comfortable lifestyle. Good advice was provided regarding our wills and Powers of Attorney. We appreciate the guidance given and feel happy and secure in our retirement.
A client since 2015
Lifeplan is an approachable and plain-speaking business. They are always there to help and assist, as well as provide annual reviews of my current finances and what can be changed to benefit me in readiness for retirement.
A client since 2011
Kate is my financial consultant and has put a lot of work into my investments recently, making it very clear how it has been invested and where. This appears to be honest, up-to-date advice from someone who clearly knows the markets. I receive a pleasant, friendly service, in a nice modern office also.
A client since 2015
Lifeplan provides a friendly, professional service at reasonable cost. They are very responsive to any request I make and keep my portfolio of investments in line with my ongoing requirements. In 12 years of using Lifeplan, I have never had cause for concern.
A client since 2006
Gary and Kate have been excellent in understanding our needs and requirements and have given first class advice. They have helped with our financial planning and setting up a trust to ensure our wishes for the future will be met. Nothing is too much bother for them and they provide an excellent service. My wife and I would happily recommend them.
A client since 2014
When I retired, I wanted my capital to work for me. I was looking for a reasonable but realistic return on investment, but without a high risk. Lifeplan have provided me with just that. I have an annual review, where we have a frank discussion about current arrangements and any changes that Lifeplan may recommend. There is no jargon and things are explained in an understandable way. Plus, they are thoroughly nice people.
A client since 2015
I found Gary and Kate very easy to speak to. They listen to your concerns and wishes, then give you the best options on how to invest moving forward. Their choices are always explained to you in understandable terms.
A client since 2014
We have always been given helpful advice in a most professional manner. Every detail was explained fully in a way that was easily understood. We would have no problem in recommending Lifeplan to anyone wishing to invest.
A client since 2011
I'd tried several advisers prior to being introduced to Gary and was not happy with their service. Gary was instrumental in organising our pension information, so that we could understand what we were paying in to and why. Sounds easy, but we have had three previous advisers from some of the largest banks that could not do this. Since meeting Gary, we have successfully transferred our pension fund and original property in to a new scheme. In addition to this, Gary has successfully helped our company purchase a new property through our pension.
A client since 2013
Gary sorted out my pension by tailoring it to my own specific requirements. Until then, it was with large organisations and I really felt out of control with it. He explained technical financial terms well and I felt that he was not happy until he knew I fully understood all aspects of the business. There was no pressure from him and I always felt very confident that he was doing the best he could do on my behalf. He is fully qualified, takes pride in his job and in my opinion is impeccably trustworthy. His team is also very efficient, keeping me advised on all aspects of our business.
A client since 2009
I was looking for financial planning and not just financial advice. Gary explained options in an easily understandable way and offered an alternative way of looking at the impact on different financial models. Initial advice was exactly what I wanted, and I am satisfied that the options I have now chosen are based on sound advice. I have decided to become a long-term client. What myself and my wife wanted was someone whom we felt we could trust with giving impartial advice on our future financial situation, and this we feel we have achieved with Gary
A client since 2016
I was recently widowed and wanted to simplify my financial affairs for my children should anything happen to me. Gary was very understanding of my needs and dealt with me patiently and in a simple way. I believe the products he recommended will benefit me.
A client since 2016
I contacted Kate to review my pension arrangements, with a view to changing my then pension provider. She helped and advised me on what I currently had, and helped find something better for my current and future needs. Obviously, it’s too early to say, but Kate clearly explained and showed me on the software what my pension could be like when it comes to retirement under various scenarios.
A client since 2008
Redundancy required a re-think of my finances and future planning. Gary set up an investment portfolio following a detailed discussion, including provision of advice that met our needs. I am very pleased with the overall return over the last six years, balanced against the level of risk we were prepared to take.
A client since 2012
Gary has developed a structured plan to ensure our funds will last in retirement. We are now deciding when to retire or reduce to part-time employment.
A client since 2010
We made an appointment to discuss the remortgage of properties. Kate understood our requirements and personally sorted the process in a very professional way from the start to a successful conclusion. She dealt with all matters, no matter how small.
A client since 2016
