Matthew Smith
Financial Advisor
Profile Summary
I provide a high-quality, fee-based financial planning service that helps clients achieve their financial goals while giving them clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. I focus on making money a tool to support your lifestyle goals and personal objectives. I take the time to fully understand you, your family, and your aspirations before constructing a financial plan. My approach ensures that every recommendation is tailored to your unique circumstances and future ambitions.
Investment & Financial Services Offered
Investments and Savings
I assist clients in potentially generating better returns on their savings through a wide range of investment options, including equities, funds, and bonds. Every plan is tailored to suit individual needs, goals, and risk tolerance.
Pensions
I help clients make informed decisions about planning for a comfortable retirement, whether they are starting a new pension or reviewing contributions to an existing one. The goal is to ensure financial security in later years.
Retirement Income (Annuities, Drawdown)
I guide clients in understanding and evaluating retirement income options, including annuities and drawdown strategies, to create the most suitable income plan for their retirement goals.
Pension Transfers – Non Specialist
I provide advice on transferring pensions where specialist knowledge is not required, such as standard personal pensions or employer pensions made up only of regular contributions. This ensures transfers are handled efficiently and safely.
Inheritance Planning
I help clients plan for inheritance and understand the tax implications of wealth transfer. The aim is to protect assets, reduce liabilities, and ensure that wealth passes to intended beneficiaries.
Insurance and Protection
I advise clients on the most appropriate levels of life cover, critical illness cover, and income protection, helping safeguard their financial future and the wellbeing of their family.
Who Matthew Smith Works With
We work with a wide range of clients, but our expertise is best suited for senior employees in the public or private sector, business owners, and retirees. Many of our clients value a personalised approach and want their financial plan to support both their lifestyle and legacy goals. Our focus is on those who appreciate tailored advice and high-quality financial planning services.
Investment Philosophy & Approach
I believe in building efficient, goal-driven investment portfolios that align with your personal objectives. Every investment strategy is designed to help you achieve your long-term goals, whether that’s wealth accumulation, retirement planning, or preserving capital. I focus on clarity and risk management, ensuring that your investments are structured to meet your needs while adapting to changing market conditions and life events.
Fees & Charging Structure
Matthew’s fees vary depending on each client’s individual circumstances and the services required. For clients with investable assets of around £250,000, a typical fee structure would be: - Initial Financial Planning Fee: £950, covering the creation of a tailored financial plan. - Initial Investment Fee: 2.00% of the total investment amount, applied when your investments are set up. - Ongoing Investment Fee: 1.00% of the total investment annually, for continued advice and portfolio management. Please note, these fees do not include any charges from the investment platform or underlying fund costs. For clients with different levels of investable assets, or who require bespoke services such as retirement planning, estate planning, or additional wealth management, fees may be adjusted accordingly. All charges are agreed upfront and applied only with your explicit consent. Matthew also provides flexible options, and in some cases, may work on hourly fees or fixed fees depending on the client’s requirements.
Areas Served
United Kingdom nationwide, Willing to travel to meet clients up to 80 miles from WC2N 5AP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with financial planning?
Getting started is simple. First, we’ll have an initial consultation to understand your current financial situation, goals, and priorities. From there, we can create a personalised plan tailored to your needs and objectives.
What types of investments are suitable for my goals and risk tolerance?
We assess your risk profile, time horizon, and financial objectives before recommending investments. Options may include equities, funds, bonds, or alternative investments, depending on what aligns best with your goals.
How often should I review or update my financial plan?
Financial plans should be reviewed at least annually, or whenever there’s a significant life change such as a new job, property purchase, or retirement. Regular reviews ensure your plan stays on track and adapts to changing circumstances.
Can you help me plan for both retirement and inheritance tax efficiently?
Yes, we can help you balance retirement planning with tax-efficient strategies to protect and pass on your wealth. This includes pensions, drawdown strategies, and inheritance tax planning to ensure your legacy is preserved.
What fees will I need to pay for your services?
Fees depend on your individual needs and the type of advice you require. They can be based on a percentage of investments, fixed fees, or hourly rates. All fees are agreed upfront, so you know exactly what to expect.
How do you ensure my financial plan remains aligned with changes in my life or the market?
We provide ongoing monitoring and updates to your plan. Any market changes, new opportunities, or personal life events are considered, ensuring your financial plan continues to meet your goals over time.