Do you offer independent financial advice?
Yes, we offer independent financial advice, so we are not limited to a panel of providers or products. That means we can recommend solutions based on your circumstances and objectives, rather than on a restricted range.
Does the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate you?
Yes. The Stonegate Wealth Group Ltd, trading as Stonegate Wealth Management, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we must meet regulatory standards for advice, conduct, and client protection.
Can I choose between meeting in person or on a video call?
Yes, you can choose the meeting format that suits you best. We offer both face-to-face meetings and video calls, so we can work in the way that is most convenient for you.
Where are face-to-face meetings held?
Face-to-face meetings can take place at our office or at another agreed location. We aim to make meetings practical and comfortable, based on what works best for you.
Do you have parking at your office?
Yes, there is parking available near our office. We can provide the details before your visit, so you know where to go.
How long has Stonegate been providing financial advice?
We have many years of combined experience in financial advice and wealth management. Our team brings technical knowledge and practical planning expertise, with more than 20 years of experience reflected across the firm.
Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?
We are based in Staffordshire and work with clients both locally and across the UK. Many people choose to work with us remotely by video or phone, so location does not need to be a barrier.
Are your advisers/planners Chartered or Certified?
Our advisers hold relevant professional qualifications and continue their professional development through ongoing training. We focus on maintaining the knowledge and standards needed to support clients well.
Do you have client reviews or testimonials?
Yes, we have client reviews available online, including on third-party review platforms. We can also share anonymised examples and testimonial content that reflect the experiences of clients we have supported over time.
What makes your firm different?
We focus on long-term relationships, clear communication, and practical financial planning. Our LifeArch service is designed to be flexible and responsive, so you can access support when you need it rather than relying on a rigid, report-led process.
What is your FCA registration number?
Our FCA firm reference number is 945057. You can use that number to check our regulatory details on the FCA Register.
What areas do you work with clients in?
Although we are based in Staffordshire and enjoy working with local clients, we support people across the UK. We can work with you in person or remotely, depending on what suits you best.
How can I book an initial meeting?
You can book an initial meeting through our website or by contacting our team directly. We aim to keep the process simple and flexible, so arranging a first conversation is straightforward.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No, we cover the cost of the initial meeting. It gives us a chance to understand your situation and lets you decide whether our approach is right for you.
What do I need to bring?
It helps to bring any useful information about your finances, such as pensions, investments, income, or existing plans. We will guide you beforehand, so you have a clear idea of what is worth bringing.
What happens in the first meeting?
In the first meeting, we talk through your current position, your goals, and any concerns or questions you have. It is also a chance for you to understand how we work and what ongoing support might look like.
How long should I allow?
You should usually allow around 60 to 90 minutes for the first meeting. That normally gives enough time to understand your situation properly without the discussion feeling rushed.
Do I have to sign up at the first meeting?
No, there is no obligation to proceed after the first meeting. You can take time to consider whether our service is the right fit for you.
Do you have a female adviser?
Yes, we do have a female adviser available. If that is important to you, we can take it into account when arranging your meeting.
What if my planner is on holiday?
You will still be supported by the wider team if your usual planner is away. We work to ensure continuity, so you are not left without help when you need it.
How often will I hear from you?
We provide regular reviews, but we also take a there-when-you-need-us approach. That means you can contact us between reviews if something changes or you need guidance.
Do you offer cashflow planning?
Yes, cashflow forecasting is a key part of our service. It helps you understand how your finances may look over time, although projections are based on assumptions and actual outcomes can differ.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, we can adapt your plan and recommendations to reflect that. Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-off event.
Can you work with my accountant or solicitor?
Yes, we regularly work alongside accountants, solicitors, and other professional advisers. That joined-up approach can help make sure your planning is consistent across different areas of your finances.
Can you coordinate with my mortgage adviser?
Yes, we can work alongside your mortgage adviser where needed. While we do not specialise directly in mortgage advice, we can share relevant information, so your planning stays joined up.
What if my adviser leaves?
If your adviser leaves, another experienced member of our team would take over your support. Your records and plan remain accessible, so there is continuity in the service you receive.
Can I see an example of a financial plan?
Yes, we can share example financial plans during the early stages of the process. These are intended to help you understand the format and level of detail, rather than to provide personalised recommendations.
Can I view my investments online?
Yes, you will generally be able to view your investments through an online portal. This gives you secure access to your portfolio information, although investment values can fall as well as rise.
Do you provide an online portal?
Yes, we provide secure online access for clients to view their portfolios. It is there to help you keep track of your arrangements in a convenient way.
How often will I meet my adviser?
In most cases, we plan a full review each year, with additional meetings if they are needed. The exact level of contact depends on your circumstances and the service you agree with us.
What advice areas do you cover?
We advise on a wide range of areas, including pensions, ISAs, investment planning, Inheritance Tax and estate planning, protection, retirement strategies, SIPPs, and ethical or sustainable investing. Where tax is relevant, we keep the guidance general because tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances, and investments can go down as well as up.
Can you help with pension consolidation and retirement income planning?
Yes, we can help with pension consolidation, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, and retirement income strategy. Our role is to structure these arrangements around your goals and sustainability over time, while recognising that investment and pension outcomes are not guaranteed.
Do you advise on mortgages, equity release, or defined benefit (DB) pensions?
We do not specialise directly in mortgages or equity release, but we can work alongside trusted professionals where needed. We do not advise on defined benefit pension transfers, although we can often point you towards a specialist adviser if that is appropriate.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we offer an initial meeting at no cost so we can understand your needs. It is a chance to explore whether our service is suitable for you, without an obligation to proceed.
How do you charge?
We charge for initial advice and for ongoing service. Fees are generally structured as a percentage of assets, although the exact basis depends on the work involved and is explained clearly upfront.
What is your minimum fee?
Our minimum fee is £3,000 for initial advice and £1,500 a year for our ongoing LifeArch service. In many cases, fees can be paid from your products or by invoice, depending on the type of work and your preference.
What do you charge for a financial plan?
The cost of a financial plan depends on the complexity of your circumstances and the work required. We explain the fee clearly in advance, so you understand the cost before any chargeable work begins.
Do you charge fixed or percentage fees?
We use a combination of fixed and percentage-based fees, depending on the service. We explain which approach applies and why, so you know exactly how charges are being calculated.
Do you receive commission?
In most cases, we work on a fee-based model rather than relying on commission. If commission is payable in a particular case, we disclose it clearly, so you understand how we are being paid.
Do you charge VAT?
Ongoing financial planning is generally exempt from VAT. If VAT does apply to a particular service, we make that clear to you upfront.
How do I know your fees are competitive?
We are transparent about our fees and the service you receive for them. Our focus is on delivering ongoing value through clear planning and support, rather than competing on price alone.
How do your fees compare?
Our fees are broadly in line with what you would expect for a full financial planning service. The right comparison is not just cost, but also the scope of advice, ongoing support, and level of service provided.
Where can I find your fees?
We provide full fee details during the early stages of the relationship and in our client agreement. That means you can review the charges clearly before deciding whether to proceed.
Who do you typically work with?
We typically work with individuals and families who are building, managing, or drawing on their wealth, particularly those approaching retirement or already retired. We also support business owners, professionals, people who have received an inheritance or sold a business, and those who want structured ongoing advice on existing pensions or investments.
Are my investments protected by FSCS?
Eligible investments may be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, subject to the scheme's rules, limits, and conditions. The exact position depends on the product, provider, and circumstances, so we would explain the relevant protection where it applies.
What if I have a complaint?
We have a formal complaints procedure and aim to resolve concerns promptly and fairly. If a complaint cannot be resolved internally, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How do you keep data secure?
We use secure systems and processes to protect your personal information. We also handle client data in line with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Are you insured?
Yes, we hold professional indemnity insurance. This is one of the protections firms like ours maintain as part of operating a regulated advice business.
How can I check your FCA registration?
You can check our details on the FCA Register using firm reference number 945057. The register confirms our regulatory status and trading name.
Do you have case studies?
Yes, we can share anonymised case studies that show how we have helped clients in different situations. These examples are for illustration only and are not intended as a guide to what is right for you.
How do you measure satisfaction?
We look at client feedback and the strength of our ongoing relationships. Reviews and survey responses help us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve.
Have you won any awards?
Our advisers have been recognised by VouchedFor as Top Rated Advisers over a number of years, and the firm has also been recognised as a Top Rated Firm. These awards are based on client reviews, but they should not be taken as a guarantee of future experience or outcomes.
Are you on VouchedFor?
Yes, you can find reviews for us on platforms such as VouchedFor. Those reviews can help you understand how existing clients describe their experience of working with us.
Stonegate Wealth Management is a trading style of The Stonegate Wealth Group Ltd. The Stonegate Wealth Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under reference 945057.
Registered office – Bellwether House, 20 Stafford Street, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8QW
The information contained in this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore restricted to consumers based in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate trust and taxation advice as well as some forms of estate planning. You should be aware that investments carry varying degrees of risk and as their underlying value can fall as well as rise you may not get back the full amount invested.
If you wish to register a complaint, please write to Stonegate Wealth Management, Bellwether House, 20 Stafford Street, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8QW or telephone 01785 876222.
A summary of our internal complaints handling procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints is available on request and if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 023 4 567
Production