FAQs
See below some of our most frequently asked questions.
Categories:
Getting started
What does Hartey Wealth Management actually do?
We help people make smarter financial decisions with confidence.
That means helping you organise, grow, protect and eventually pass on your wealth in the most effective way possible.
For some clients, that starts with investments or pensions. For others, it’s inheritance tax planning, retirement planning, business exit strategies, or simply getting clarity around their financial future.
Our role is to bring everything together into one joined-up financial plan, rather than focusing on isolated products or one-off transactions.
Clients come to us for a variety of reasons, including:
- Clarity
- Structure
- Long-term thinking
- Trusted advice they can rely on over many years
How do I get started with Hartey Wealth Management?
It starts with a conversation.
No pressure. No jargon. No obligation.
The first meeting is simply about understanding where you are today, what matters most to you and what you want your money to achieve in the years ahead.
Some people arrive with detailed spreadsheets. Others arrive with lots of paperwork and say “I need help making sense of all this.” Both are absolutely fine.
By the end of the initial meeting, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of your options and whether we’re the right fit to help you moving forward.
Is there a minimum investment or portfolio size?
We don’t apply a rigid minimum in every case, but our services are generally best suited to individuals and families who are looking for long-term financial planning and ongoing advice.
Many clients come to us at different stages of life and with varying levels of wealth. What matters most is whether you value structured advice, a long-term relationship, and a clear financial strategy.
As a company, we focus on delivering tailored advice rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, enabling us allows us to support clients whose circumstances may be more complex or evolving over time.
The result is a more personalised approach, built around your goals and priorities rather than arbitrary thresholds.
You can explore our Services page to learn more about how we can help or get in touch for an initial conversation.
Do you charge for an initial meeting?
No, the initial meeting is provided at our cost.
We understand that speaking to a financial adviser for the first time can feel like a significant step, and most people want to understand whether the relationship feels right before making any commitment.
The purpose of the initial meeting is to understand your circumstances, answer your questions, and explain how we work in a clear and straightforward way.
By the end of the conversation, you should have a better understanding of your options and whether ongoing financial advice would be valuable for you.
If you’d like to arrange an initial conversation, you can get in touch here.
What happens in the initial meeting?
The initial meeting is an opportunity for us to understand your situation, your goals, and any questions or concerns you may have.
Many people come to an initial meeting unsure of what to expect, particularly if they’ve never worked with a financial adviser before. How we handle that first conversation is by talking through your current position, what you would like to achieve, and whether we believe we can genuinely add value. We’ll also explain how we work and what an ongoing relationship would look like.
There’s no pressure and no jargon – the discussion is designed to be straightforward and informative and by the end of the meeting, you should have greater clarity around your options and whether financial advice would be beneficial for you.
You can learn more about our approach here or contact us to arrange a conversation.
Fees & transparency
How do your fees work?
We believe financial advice should be transparent, straightforward and clearly linked to the value you receive.
We charge agreed fees for advice and ongoing management services – not commission for selling products.
Before anything proceeds, we clearly explain:
- What you’ll pay
- The service you’ll receive
- How the charges work
There are no hidden costs or surprise deductions.
Our clients value knowing they have an experienced team helping them make better long-term financial decisions, especially during major life events and changing market conditions.
Are there any hidden charges?
No, all charges are explained clearly and agreed upfront before any work begins.
We understand that transparency is important when choosing a financial adviser, particularly when it comes to fees and ongoing costs. Many clients want reassurance that they fully understand what they are paying for.
As an independent advisory firm, we believe clarity and openness are essential parts of a long-term relationship. We take time to explain both our own fees and any associated investment or platform costs in plain English.
The result is that you can make informed decisions with confidence, knowing exactly how charges apply and what service you will receive in return.
Do you earn commission on products?
No, we operate on a fee-based model and do not earn commission for recommending financial products.
Many people are understandably concerned about potential conflicts of interest when seeking financial advice. Independent, fee-based advice helps ensure recommendations are focused on what is right for you and your circumstances.
As independent advisers, our role is to provide objective guidance based on your goals, rather than promoting specific providers or products.
This allows us to build recommendations based around long-term planning, transparency and suitability.
Can I see an example of your fees?
Yes, we are happy to provide clear examples of how our fees work during an initial meeting.
We completely understand that many people want to know what financial advice may cost before making any decisions. That’s entirely reasonable, and we believe fee transparency should form part of the conversation from the outset.
Our fees depend on the type of advice required and the level of ongoing support involved. We explain this clearly so you understand both the costs and the value of the service being provided.
The outcome is a clearer understanding of what to expect, with no ambiguity around charges or next steps.
Our approach
How is Hartey Wealth Management different from other advisers?
We take a long-term, planning-led approach focused on helping our clients make confident financial decisions over time.
Many people find financial advice can feel overly product-focused or transactional. We believe effective wealth management should begin with understanding your goals, priorities, and broader financial picture.
As independent advisers, we provide tailored advice designed around your circumstances rather than predefined solutions. Our role is to help bring clarity, structure, and ongoing guidance as your life and finances evolve.
The result is a relationship built around long-term planning, informed decision-making, and greater confidence about the future.
Do you offer independent advice and what does that actually mean?
Yes. We are fully independent financial advisers, which means we are not tied to any bank, provider or investment company. That allows us to recommend solutions based on what is genuinely right for you.
We research across the wider market and build recommendations around your personal goals, circumstances and long-term objectives. Being independent allows us to focus entirely on long-term planning and building strategies around your life, rather than trying to fit clients into pre-selected products or restricted panels.
How do you build and manage portfolios?
We build portfolios around your individual goals, time horizon, and attitude towards risk.
Many people are unsure whether their investments are appropriately structured or aligned with what they are trying to achieve long term. Investment decisions should reflect your broader financial plan, not simply short-term market movements.
We use a disciplined and evidence-based approach to portfolio management, combining diversification, ongoing monitoring, and regular reviews to help ensure your investments remain suitable over time.
The outcome is a portfolio designed to support your long-term objectives while helping you remain focused through changing market conditions.
Our Investment Management page explains this in more detail.
How often will my plan be reviewed?
Your financial plan will be reviewed regularly, typically at least once a year, with additional reviews whenever circumstances change.
Financial planning is not static. Over time, your goals, priorities, and financial position may evolve, and it is important that your plan evolves with them.
Ongoing reviews form a core part of our service. We regularly assess progress, revisit assumptions, and make adjustments where appropriate to help keep your planning aligned with your objectives.
The result is a financial strategy that remains relevant, adaptable, and focused on your long-term goals.
How do you manage risk?
Risk is managed through careful planning, diversification, and ensuring your investments are aligned with your goals and comfort level.
Many people associate investment risk purely with market performance, but effective risk management is much broader – it also involves understanding how much uncertainty is appropriate for your circumstances and long-term objectives.
As part of our advice process, we take time to understand your attitude towards risk, capacity for loss, and the role your investments play within your wider financial plan.
The outcome is a portfolio and strategy designed to support your goals while helping you feel more confident and informed about the decisions being made.
Who we work with
Who do you typically work with?
We work with individuals, families, and business owners who are looking for long-term financial clarity and ongoing professional advice.
Many of our clients come to us at key stages in life such as approaching retirement, managing accumulated wealth, planning for the future, or navigating significant financial decisions.
Our role is to provide tailored advice and ongoing guidance that reflects each client’s personal circumstances, priorities, and long-term objectives.
The result is a more structured and coordinated approach to managing wealth over time.
You can explore the areas we support on our Services page.
Do you specialise in certain areas?
Much of our work focuses on retirement planning and investment management, helping our clients make informed financial decisions over the long term.
Many people reach a point where financial decisions become more complex, particularly as wealth accumulates or retirement approaches. Having a clear plan and ongoing guidance can help bring greater structure and confidence to those decisions.
We regularly support clients with areas such as pensions, investment planning, retirement income strategies, and broader wealth management.
The outcome is a financial plan designed to support both your current priorities and your longer-term goals. More information about the areas where we can provide support can be found on our Services page.
Do I need a large portfolio to work with you?
Not necessarily – what matters most is whether you value long-term planning and ongoing professional advice.
Many people assume wealth management is only relevant for very large portfolios, but in practice, clients often seek advice because they want greater clarity, structure, and confidence around important financial decisions.
We focus on building long-term relationships and providing tailored advice based on your circumstances and objectives.
The outcome is a clearer financial strategy and ongoing guidance designed to support your goals over time.
The best way to understand whether we are the right fit is usually through an initial meeting.
Working together
How often will we speak or meet?
Most clients have at least one formal review meeting each year, alongside ongoing contact whenever needed.
We understand that financial planning is an ongoing process rather than a one-off event  and questions and changes naturally arise over time, particularly as circumstances evolve.
As part of our ongoing service, we remain available to provide guidance, review progress, and discuss any important developments that may affect your planning.
The result is continued support and reassurance that your financial strategy remains aligned with your goals.
Will I have a dedicated adviser?
Yes, you will have a dedicated adviser who understands your circumstances and works with you over the long term.
Many people value consistency when discussing important financial matters. Building a trusted relationship over time allows advice to become more informed, personal, and effective.
We believe good financial planning comes from understanding the wider context of your life, goals, and evolving priorities, not simply reviewing numbers in isolation. The result is a more personal and consistent advice experience, supported by ongoing understanding and continuity.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Your financial plan can be adapted as your circumstances evolve.
Life rarely stands still. Changes such as retirement, inheritance, business sales, family developments, or shifts in priorities can all affect your financial planning over time.
As part of our ongoing service, we regularly review your position and make adjustments where appropriate to help ensure your strategy continues to reflect your goals and needs.
The outcome is a financial plan designed to remain relevant and flexible as your life changes.
Can I contact you whenever I need to?
Yes, our team is available to provide guidance and support whenever important questions or changes arise.
Many clients value knowing they have someone they can speak to when circumstances change or financial decisions need to be made. Ongoing advice should feel accessible and supportive, not limited to scheduled meetings alone.
Building long-term relationships and maintaining regular communication forms an important part of how we work with clients. The result is greater reassurance, continuity, and confidence in the decisions being made over time.
Visit this page to see the team behind Hartey Wealth Management, who are available to help and support you.
Practical matters
Where is my money held?
Your investments are held with established, regulated financial institutions and investment platforms – we do not hold your money directly.
Many people understandably want clarity around where their assets are held and how the structure works. Knowing your investments are separated from the advisory firm itself can provide important reassurance.
As part of our role, we carefully select reputable providers that offer strong administration, security, and regulatory oversight. We also explain clearly how these arrangements work and what protections are in place.
The result is a transparent structure designed to provide both security and clarity around your investments.
Is my money safe?
Your assets benefit from regulatory protections and are held separately from advisory firms through regulated providers.
It’s natural to want reassurance when making important financial decisions, particularly when investments and long-term savings are involved. Understanding how your money is protected is an important part of building confidence.
As independent advisers, we work with established providers that operate within UK regulatory frameworks and safeguard client assets accordingly. We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The outcome is greater transparency and confidence around how your investments are structured and protected.
Are you regulated?
Yes, Hartey Wealth Management is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Many clients want reassurance that they are working with a firm operating within a recognised regulatory framework, particularly when seeking long-term financial advice.
FCA regulation means we are required to meet professional standards relating to advice, client care, transparency, and the management of client relationships.
The result is an additional layer of accountability and confidence when making important financial decisions.
We are also accredited to internationally recognised standards including ISO 22222 and BS 8577, reflecting our commitment to professionalism, transparency and client care.
What happens if I’m not happy or want to leave?
You are free to leave at any time if you decide our service is no longer right for you.
We understand that choosing a financial adviser is an important decision, and long-term relationships only work when there is trust, clarity, and ongoing value.
Our focus is on building strong client relationships through transparent advice, clear communication, and ongoing support rather than contractual pressure.
The outcome is a relationship based on confidence and choice, with the flexibility to adapt if circumstances or preferences change over time.
Expectations & outcomes
What kind of investment returns can I expect?
Investment returns will always vary depending on market conditions, timescales and the level of risk taken.
We believe successful investing is less about chasing short-term performance and more about building a disciplined long-term strategy aligned to your goals.
Our focus is on:
- Managing risk appropriately
- Maintaining diversification
- Staying disciplined during volatile periods
We look to help clients make rational long-term decisions rather than emotional short-term reactions.
Over time, consistency, structure and behaviour often matter more than trying to predict markets perfectly.
How do you measure success?
We measure success by whether your financial plan is helping you achieve the outcomes that matter most to you.
Many people assume wealth management is purely about investment performance, but long-term financial success is usually broader than that and often includes clarity, confidence, financial security, and progress towards personal goals.
Our role is to help ensure your financial decisions remain aligned with your wider objectives, whether that involves retirement, family planning, business interests or preserving wealth over time.
The result is a financial strategy designed around your life and priorities, rather than short-term market movements alone.
We also actively seek feedback from our clients and act on this, to make sure we are always offering the highest level of service. Visit our testimonials page to hear from some of our clients.
What happens if markets fall?
Market volatility is part of investing. Periods of uncertainty can feel uncomfortable, but they are also completely normal.
Our role is to help our clients avoid emotional decisions during difficult periods and stay focused on their long-term plan.
Historically, some of the biggest investment mistakes happen when investors panic, move to cash at the wrong time, or abandon long-term strategies based on short-term headlines. This is where disciplined planning and experienced guidance can become particularly valuable.
How we can help
I’m 10 years from retirement - is it too late to plan properly?
Not at all – in some cases, this is one of the most important times to seek financial advice.
Many people approach retirement unsure whether they have saved enough, how their pensions fit together, or what retirement may realistically look like. These concerns are extremely common.
We regularly help clients review their pensions, investments, projected income needs, and retirement options to build a clearer picture of where they stand and what adjustments may be beneficial.
The outcome is greater clarity, a more structured retirement plan, and increased confidence about the years ahead.
Our Retirement Planning page is a useful starting point if this is your situation.
I have multiple pensions - what should I do? Should I consolidate them?
The first step is usually to understand exactly what you have and whether your pensions are still working well together. Many people accumulate pensions over time and aren’t sure what they hold, how they’re performing, or whether they’re paying unnecessary charges. That’s completely normal.
We regularly help clients review existing pensions, assess whether consolidation is appropriate, and ensure their retirement planning remains aligned with their long-term goals. The outcome is often greater clarity, simpler administration, and a clearer understanding of what retirement could realistically look like.
In terms of consolidation, the right approach depends on your existing pensions, benefits, and long-term objectives.
Many people accumulate multiple pensions over the course of their career and are unsure whether keeping them separate still makes sense. Consolidation can sometimes improve visibility and simplify administration, but it is not always the right decision.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your individual situation.
I’ve come into money recently - how should I approach it?
The most important step is usually to avoid making rushed decisions and take time to plan carefully.
Receiving money through inheritance, the sale of a business, or another significant event can create both opportunity and uncertainty. Many people initially feel unsure about how best to structure or prioritise their decisions.
We help our clients assess their wider financial position, understand the tax implications, and build a plan that reflects both immediate priorities and long-term goals.
The outcome is a more considered approach to managing wealth, with greater clarity and confidence around the decisions being made.
I think I’ve left financial planning later than I should have – what should I do?
You’re not alone – one of the most common things we hear is “I wish I’d done this years ago.”
The reality is that many people spend decades building wealth but very little time organising it properly.
The good news is that even relatively small improvements in structure, tax planning, investment strategy or retirement planning can make a significant difference over time.
The important thing is starting the conversation.
I’m reading a lot about Inheritance Tax lately - can you help reduce Inheritance Tax legally?
Yes – inheritance tax planning forms an important part of long-term financial planning for many clients.
Many people are concerned about how much of their estate may ultimately be lost to tax or whether enough planning has been done to protect family wealth over time.
We help our clients explore appropriate strategies such as gifting, trusts, pension planning, and broader estate structuring, always within current legislation and based on individual circumstances.
The outcome is often a more efficient approach to passing on wealth and greater confidence that future generations are being considered as part of the wider plan.
How much money do I need to retire comfortably?
The answer depends on the lifestyle you want in retirement and the level of income needed to support it.
Many people find it difficult to know whether they are “on track” because retirement planning involves multiple moving parts, including pensions, investments, inflation, tax, and future spending needs.
We help our clients build a realistic picture of their retirement goals, assess existing resources, and understand whether adjustments may be needed to improve long-term outcomes.
The result is greater clarity around what retirement may realistically look like and what steps can help support it.
I own a business, in what ways can you help me?
We regularly work with business owners on both personal and business-related financial planning.
Managing personal wealth alongside business interests often creates additional complexity, particularly around retirement planning, tax efficiency, succession planning, and extracting value from the business itself.
We help business owners take a more coordinated view of their financial position, ensuring planning decisions support both personal goals and commercial objectives.
The outcome is a clearer and more integrated financial strategy designed around your wider circumstances.
Find out more on our Business Services page.
I already have a financial adviser - how do I know if they are right for me?
A good financial adviser should provide clarity, transparency, and advice that feels aligned with your long-term goals.
Many people begin questioning an existing relationship when communication becomes unclear, planning feels reactive rather than proactive, or they no longer fully understand the value being provided.
We believe financial advice should feel personal, structured, and focused on helping you make confident decisions over time. Clients should feel informed, supported, and able to ask questions openly. The outcome is a relationship built on trust, understanding, and long-term guidance rather than simply periodic transactions.
If you’d like a second opinion or an initial conversation, you can get in touch here.
