What to expect when you get in touch
No jargon, no pressure, no obligation. Here is exactly how the process works from your first call to a plan you can act on.
If you have never worked with a financial adviser before - or if a previous experience put you off - I understand why getting in touch can feel like a bigger step than it should be. This page explains exactly what happens, from the moment you book a call to the point where we agree a plan together. There are no tricks, no upsell, and nothing you need to prepare in advance.
From first call to a plan that works
A clear, four-stage process designed around you - with no surprises, no pressure, and nothing to prepare in advance.
Free discovery call
A free 20-minute conversation with no commitment. I'll ask about your situation, your goals, and what's keeping you up at night financially. At the end, we'll both know whether working together makes sense.
Full review meeting
If we decide to proceed, we arrange a fuller meeting - usually an hour. We go through your income, assets, pensions, protection and goals in detail. A Client Fee Agreement is signed before any work begins.
Research & report
I carry out whole-of-market research based on everything we've discussed, and produce a formal suitability report: what I'm recommending, why, and what the alternatives are. You'll never be asked to decide without it.
Recommendations & implementation
We go through the report together. If you're happy to proceed, I handle the paperwork and liaise with providers. For ongoing clients, I stay in contact throughout the year and we review annually.
Ongoing support - because your finances don't stand still
For clients who want continued support, I offer an ongoing advisory service charged as a percentage of assets under advice. The ongoing fee funds a defined, active service - not just the ability to call me. It reflects my FCA obligation to ensure your advice remains suitable on a continuing basis, and my commitment to be proactive rather than reactive when things change.
What to bring to your first meeting
For the initial discovery call, you do not need to prepare anything at all. Come as you are. For a full review meeting, it helps to have some of the following to hand - but do not let the absence of any of these stop you getting in touch:
Pensions
Annual pension statements or recent correspondence from any workplace or personal pensions. Do not worry if you have lost paperwork - I can help trace these.
Investments & savings
Details of any ISAs, investments, bonds or savings accounts - balances and providers if known.
Protection policies
Any existing life insurance, critical illness, income protection or private medical insurance policies - or a rough idea of what you have.
Income & expenditure
A broad sense of your monthly take-home income and regular outgoings. A precise figure is not necessary at this stage.
Your goals
What do you want your money to do? Retire at a certain age? Pay less tax? Leave something to your children? Having a rough idea of what matters to you most is the most useful starting point.
Mortgage details
If mortgage advice is relevant, any recent mortgage statement showing your outstanding balance and current rate.
Things people often ask before getting in touch
Do I need a lot of money to see a financial adviser?
No. There is no minimum investment or income requirement to get advice. What matters is whether the advice will add value for your situation - and that is something we can work out together on the initial call, free of charge.
Will you try to sell me something?
No. I am not paid to sell products. Being independent means I have no incentive to recommend one provider over another - I am paid a fee for advice, not a commission for placing business. Every recommendation I make is based solely on what I believe is right for your circumstances.
Can we meet in person?
Yes. Annual review meetings for ongoing clients are delivered face-to-face. I am based in Ainsdale, Southport, and meet clients across the local area - including Formby, Birkdale, Churchtown, Ainsdale, Ormskirk, Burscough and the wider Merseyside and West Lancashire region. I also work with clients across the UK by video call.
How long does the whole process take?
From initial call to receiving a full suitability report is typically four to eight weeks, depending on the complexity of your situation and how quickly information is gathered. I will keep you informed throughout and there will be no unnecessary delays on my end.
What if I decide not to proceed after the review?
If we have completed the full research and produced a suitability report and you decide not to proceed, a £500 report fee is payable - this covers the work done on your behalf. This is disclosed in your Client Fee Agreement before work begins, so there are no surprises. The initial discovery call is always free, with no fee triggered at that stage.
John Anthony Sykes, Dip PFS
Independent Financial Adviser · FCA ref: JXS00972
FCA-regulated and working with Fintuity - a directly authorised independent firm. Qualified to CII Diploma level (Dip PFS) and whole-of-market. Based in Ainsdale, Southport - meeting clients across Merseyside and West Lancashire, and nationwide by video.
Ready to get started?
Book a free 20-minute call. No preparation needed, no commitment required - just a conversation to see whether independent financial advice is right for you.