FAQs
We’ve answered some frequently asked questions here. If you do have any further queries, please get in touch.
Where are meetings held?
We usually meet with clients at one of our offices. We are located in Manchester, St. Asaph and central London. We are also able to meet either at your workplace or, if necessary, your home address.
Do you have parking?
Yes, free parking is available at both our Manchester and St. Asaph offices. There is an NCP car park less than 100m from our London office, located just off Finsbury Square.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
The first meeting is always at our cost. Both parties need to be able to ascertain if they can add value to the relationship.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
Any paperwork you believe may be relevant, details of your income and expenditure along with some ID.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
90 minutes.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No. We will contact you following the meeting, via post or email, with our notes and a proposal for any work we believe to be required.
How can I book an initial meeting?
By phone, email or our contact form. Head to our contact page for full details.
Are you independent?
Yes, we are fiercely independent and have taken steps at each regulatory juncture to ensure that we remain so. We see our independence as being a key ingredient in being able to act exclusively in our clients’ interests.
Are you regulated?
Yes, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can find our entry on their register here.
What happens if my Financial Planner is away on holiday?
All files are held digitally and can be accessed by a co-director if regulated advice is required in the absence of your Financial Planner. In addition, each client has a designated point of contact in the form of a Client Relationship Manager who is able to assist with most queries in the Financial Planner’s absence.
What do you charge for a financial plan?
It very much depends on your circumstances. You can find out more about our fees here.
Do you take a percentage or are your fees fixed?
We can work to both models.
Do you get commission?
Only on protection products.
Do you charge VAT?
It very much depends on the circumstances and the work being undertaken. We fully comply with the current UK VAT legislation.
What our clients say
The majority of my time has been spent running a business and concentrating on making the correct day-to-day decisions; it was essential for me to gain advice and guidance. Phill and his team at RPG have been able to guide me and provide a balanced portfolio. Without turning to RPG, I would have been unable to arrange my long-term financial future. They have a vast amount of knowledge and have produced the results essential for when I decide to retire.
Director
Because our business was growing every year, we didn't really look at how the money we were making was put to best use. We needed some expert advice to lead us in the right direction. Anthony O'Connor has always been very helpful and approachable whilst dealing with our affairs. We are left to do what we do best: run a business. We would highly recommend anybody who is seeking financial advice to look at the services Anthony and his team can provide.”
Business owners
We decided to use Phill Owen to help us with our financial planning as our savings, mortgage and life policies did not seem coordinated. Phill provided a clear plan for the future. He helped us organise our wills, inheritance matters and our future retirement. With our face-to-face catchups and regular emails or phone calls, Phill has always given us sound advice. This, in turn, has given us the peace of mind that our financial matters, now and in the future, are in good hands and in good order.
Retired Dairy Consultant and Retired NHS Therapist
I started using RPG on the advice of my bank when I started my own limited company. They have guided me through potential pitfalls in such a friendly manner that, even though our relationship has always been professional, I still consider them as friends. This journey has gone through setting up my company, tax, VAT, insurance advice, setting up wills, buying a different house and ensuring my wife and sons are provided for, both now and in the future. It has been such an easy journey. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.
Aircraft Engineer
My wife and I have been clients of Phill's for 25 years; 20 of which were with RPG Chartered Financial Planners. 17 years were prior to retirement and nine years have been post-retirement. Their involvement has been crucial to dissipate our financial and estate management concerns. RPG’s staff have been exemplary; always approachable and quick to respond. We have no reason to believe that this tremendous working relationship will not be as successful in the future as it has been in the past. We have no hesitation in recommending them.
Retired Veterinary Surgeon and Retired College Lecturer
I am a Chartered Structural Engineer and have very little knowledge, experience or understanding of financial affairs and investments. Approximately six years ago I started to think about early retirement. For the past six years RPG have provided excellent financial planning and tax-efficient advice in the form of a combination of pension and cash ISA investments, which have grown significantly to such an extent that early retirement is imminent.
Chartered Engineer
Early in 2000, we decided we needed financial advice. We contacted Phillip Owen, who created a financial planning strategy that addressed all our needs. We were impressed with his advice, and so a partnership began that has lasted. Original goals are still being met and often exceeded, and investments are successful. There is long-term financial planning in place, even for the youngest family members. I highly recommend Phill and his team.
Retired Teacher and Volunteer Sector Adviser
We were in need of an adviser who could provide a wide spectrum of advice for managing our portfolio. We met Anthony on several occasions to understand his breadth of experience, and we were very impressed. Anthony's team took the reins in consolidating and rationalising our portfolio. We are very pleased with Anthony's service and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship with him.
IT Consultant & Accountant
Anthony O’Connor has advised me over several years about pensions and general financial planning. I have found him knowledgeable, supportive and a person who provides good solutions . He has a “can do “ approach and makes things happen. I have recommended him to a number of friends and they are all happy with his support and advice He is always good humoured which is a good quality when planning ones financial affairs.
Solicitor