FAQs
We’ve put together the questions clients ask most, so you can understand how we work and what to expect.
What is your minimum fee?
Upfront fees start at £2,500, with ongoing fees from £750 per year, depending on the service provided.
Can you help me plan my retirement?
Yes, we can work with you to create a structured plan that meets your retirement goals.
Can you help me retire early?
If your circumstances allow, we can provide advice and planning to help you retire earlier than planned.
How can I find your fees?
All fees are fully explained during the initial meeting.
How do your fees compare to those of other advisers/planners?
Our fees are aligned with typical market rates for similar services.
How do I know if your fees are competitive?
We explain our fees alongside a comparison to market averages during the initial meeting.
Do you charge VAT?
No, our fees are not subject to VAT.
Do you get commission?
Only for certain insurance policies, such as life insurance, where applicable.
Do you charge fixed fees or a percentage of my investments?
Our fees are calculated as a percentage of the assets involved, and we’ll explain the costs in full before you decide to proceed.
What do you typically charge for a financial plan?
Our fees reflect the advice and support you receive. Our charges are calculated as a percentage of the assets involved, and we’ll explain the costs in full before you decide to proceed.
What type of clients do you typically work with?
We work with a broad range of clients, primarily those approaching or transitioning into retirement.
How do you charge for financial advice?
We charge upfront fees for initial or one-off advice, with ongoing fees applied to investments being managed.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we provide an initial consultation at no cost to understand your needs and explain how we can help.
Can you advise on protection such as life insurance, critical illness cover and income replacement?
Yes, we provide guidance on suitable protection options to help safeguard you and your family against financial risks.
Can you advise on investments such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts)?
Yes, we can advise on ISA options to help you save and invest tax-efficiently according to your goals.
Can you help with Inheritance Tax planning or estate planning?
Yes, we can help you plan your estate and Inheritance Tax strategy to protect your wealth for loved ones.
Do you offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning?
Yes, we provide guidance to help plan for later life, including long-term care and maintaining financial security.
Can you advise on final salary or defined benefit transfers?
No, we cannot provide transfers ourselves, but we can explain your options and refer you to a suitably authorised adviser.
Can you advise on self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs)?
Yes, we can provide advice on SIPPs, including investment options and how they fit your retirement planning.
Can you help if I already have existing investments or pensions elsewhere?
Yes, we can review and integrate your existing investments and pensions into your overall financial plan.
Are you featured on VouchedFor?
Yes. You can find Andrew’s VouchedFor profile here: https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/cheadle/064844-andrew-winstanley/reviews.
Have you won any awards or accreditations?
Yes – Andrew holds Chartered financial planner status, alongside being a member of the Personal Finance Society and SOLLA.
How do you measure client satisfaction?
We measure client satisfaction through the VouchedFor and Google reviews we receive.
How can I check your FCA registration and authorisation?
You can verify our details on the FCA, CII and PFS websites.
Are you insured to give financial advice?
Yes, we have professional indemnity (PI) insurance to provide financial advice.
How do you keep my personal data secure?
We use systems with password protection, encryption and multi-factor authentication to keep client data safe.
What happens if something goes wrong or I have a complaint?
You can first raise a complaint with Sustainable Financial Planning. If unresolved, you may contact our network partner Sense Network, and ultimately the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Are my investments protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
It depends on the type of product. Where applicable, FSCS protection is available.
Is there a minimum amount of investable assets or income I need to become a client?
Minimum fees apply, so smaller investment amounts may not be cost-effective for either party.
Can you help me invest an inheritance I’ve received?
Yes, we can advise on investing an inheritance in line with your short-term and long-term financial goals.
Do you offer financial advice for expats or non-UK residents?
No, we do not provide financial advice for clients residing outside the UK.
Do you specialise in working with business owners, retirees or professionals?
Yes, our experience is particularly focused on these client groups, although we work with a broad range.
Can you help clients manage their finances after a bereavement?
Yes, we offer guidance to help clients adjust their financial plans and make key decisions.
Can you help clients who have sold, or are in the process of selling, a business?
Yes, we provide advice for business owners before and after a sale to manage proceeds effectively.
Can you help clients who have inherited money?
Yes, we can help you invest, plan or manage an inheritance in line with your goals.
Do you work with clients approaching retirement or already retired?
Yes, we offer advice and planning support for clients at any stage of retirement.
Do you work with company directors or self-employed clients?
Yes, we provide tailored financial advice for directors and self-employed individuals.
Do you work with younger clients who are still building wealth?
Yes, we can support younger clients with financial planning and long-term wealth-building strategies.
Does your firm hold Chartered status as awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)?
No, single-adviser firms cannot hold Chartered status.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
Initial meetings usually take 10-30 minutes and are often conducted by phone or video call. They are designed to establish a basic understanding rather than provide advice.
What happens in the first meeting?
We gather information about your past, present and future circumstances, both financial and personal, and discuss your goals. We then explain if and how we can assist, including our fees.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
Any documents relevant to the advice you are seeking, such as pensions, investments or insurance policies.
How can I book an initial meeting?
You can contact us via our website, email or telephone to arrange a convenient time.
What are the key cities, towns and areas you work with clients in?
Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Derbyshire – including Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Macclesfield, Manchester, Stockport, Hazel Grove, Staffordshire, Gatley, Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Chapel, Heaton Norris, Greatmoor and Woodsmoor.
What is your FCA registration number?
Sustainable Financial Planning Ltd – 946455: https://register.fca.org.uk/s/firm?id=0014G00002cSo07QAC.
Andrew Winstanley – AXW15957: https://register.fca.org.uk/s/individual?id=003b000000inNrdAAE
What makes your firm different from other financial advisers and planners?
We are a small, client-focused firm offering bespoke financial planning. Each client receives a personalised plan tailored to their aims, objectives and needs, with ongoing care.
Do you have any client reviews or written/video testimonials, and where can I view them?
Yes, you can view these on Andrew’s Unbiased account and Andrew’s VouchedFor profile.
Does your firm hold Accredited status as awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)?
No, this is not applicable to our firm.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No, there is no obligation to sign up after your first meeting.
Are your advisers or planners Chartered or Certified?
Yes, Andrew is a Chartered financial planner through the CII.
Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?
We are based in Cheadle, Stockport and provide services to clients across the UK.
How long has Sustainable Financial Planning Ltd been providing financial advice?
We have been providing financial advice for five years.
Do you have parking at your office?
Yes, free parking is available at our Cheadle office for clients attending in person.
Where are face-to-face meetings held?
Most meetings, around 99% of the time, are held at your home for convenience. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit our office if preferred.
Can I choose between meeting in person or on a video call?
Yes, we are happy to meet either in person or via video call, depending on your preference.
Do you offer independent financial advice?
Yes, we provide fully independent financial advice, focused solely on what is most suitable for your circumstances and objectives.
Does the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate you?
Yes, Sustainable Financial Planning Ltd is fully regulated by the FCA. You can find our firm’s details here.
Can I see an example of a financial plan?
Not available for display, as plans are tailored to individual clients.
Can you help with ethical or sustainable investing?
Yes, we can help structure your investments to align with ethical, sustainable or responsible investment preferences.
Can you help me take my pension tax-efficiently?
Yes, we provide guidance on tax-efficient pension withdrawals tailored to your circumstances and retirement goals.
Can you help me consolidate multiple pensions?
Yes, we can review and consolidate pensions where appropriate, helping simplify your finances and improve long-term planning.
Can you advise on personal pensions?
Yes, we help you review, manage and optimise your personal pensions to meet your retirement objectives.
Can you advise on equity release?
Yes, we can explain equity release options and how they might fit into your retirement planning.
Can you advise on mortgages?
Yes, we provide guidance on mortgages, helping you choose the right product to suit your financial situation and future plans.
How often will I meet with my adviser or planner?
The number of times we meet depends on your needs. As a minimum, annual reviews are conducted, with ad hoc meetings arranged as required.
Do you provide an online portal for clients to view their investments?
Yes, we provide secure online access to your investments.
Will I be able to see the value of my investments online?
Yes, clients can view their investment values online.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No, initial meetings are free. They are intended to explore your needs and assess how we can help.
What happens if my adviser leaves the firm?
As a single-adviser firm, this is not applicable.
Can you coordinate with my mortgage adviser if they need information from you?
Yes, we can provide the necessary information and also offer mortgage advice where appropriate.
Can you work alongside my accountant or solicitor?
We cannot formally act alongside them, but can recommend accountants or solicitors if specialist expertise is required.
What happens if my circumstances change?
You can contact us at any time to arrange meetings or reviews if your circumstances change between scheduled reviews.
Do you offer cashflow forecasting/planning as part of your service?
Yes, cashflow modelling is an integral part of both our initial and ongoing advice process.
How often will I hear from my financial adviser or planner?
Frequency depends on your needs. As a minimum, we conduct annual reviews. You can also contact us to arrange ad hoc meetings as required.
What happens if my financial planner is away on holiday?
During planned absences, you will be given clear guidance on who to contact if urgent issues arise.
Do you have a female adviser or planner I can work with?
No, all advice is provided by Andrew Winstanley.
