I wrote recently about the difference between guidance (as proposed by the government) and advice.
I make no apologies for presenting in full the contents of an email I received this morning from an Informed Choice client – reproduced with his kind permission.
He has made our day because, as he explains in the email below, his life has changed positively as a result of him engaging with us for financial planning advice
As you may recall, we had some interesting and imaginative conversations about what I might do with my money and as I presented you with my thoughts you helpfully made me aware of the implications of my sometimes ‘off the wall’ ideas.
This was reflected in the report which I used to extrapolate how I might make my retirement more fruitful and comfortable.
This to me epitomises the difference between advice and guidance, the core issue of your post.
So now I have pleasure in informing you that using the advice you and your excellent team gave to me, I have signed a contract on a beautiful apartment in the centre of historic Pisa in Tuscany, and have rented out my home in Banstead, which will mean I can live quite comfortably in a lovely (sunny!) part of the world, whilst retaining my savings at around their current levels until my pensions mature in a few years time.
Whilst the specific advice you give may not include such things as ‘you can live in a tree lined Villa in Tuscany with a small medieval castle at the end of your road’ (the enclosed pictures are a few meters from my front door) this was how I interpreted it!
Guidance as to whether I should simply take income draw down or an annuity simply would not cut it for a person like me.
We can’t promise Tuscan sunshine to all of our clients but we can promise imaginative thinking where possible.
Do get in touch to arrange an initial meeting which is at our expense and without any obligation.
You can call me on 01483 274566, email nick@icl-ifa.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you.
