Making smart financial decisions over the long term isn’t just about picking the right investments, it’s about having the right guidance. That’s where an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) such as Tees Financial Ltd, can make a meaningful difference.
Research from Russell Investments’ annual Value of an Adviser report (Value of a Financial Adviser), breaks down how advisers can add real, measurable value through a combination of technical expertise, behavioural coaching, and long-term planning.
Working with a regulated, independent financial advice firm brings further benefits, particularly when that firm holds Chartered Financial Planner status.
The measurable value of advice
According to Russell Investments, advisers consistently add value in five key areas:
- Asset allocation and discipline – ensuring your portfolio stays in line with your goals and risk tolerance.
- Behavioural coaching – helping you avoid costly mistakes, such as panic selling in market downturns or chasing performance.
- Cashflow and retirement planning – providing long-term, personalised forecasts to help you plan with confidence.
- Holistic, tailored advice – aligning your financial strategy with your long-term objectives, life goals, family circumstances, and legacy plans.
- Tax-smart planning – structuring your finances across pensions, ISAs and other wrappers to maximise tax efficiency.
The research shows that this guidance can more than offset the cost of advice, especially over decades, where the long-term benefits can be significant.
Why choose an Independent Financial Adviser?
IFAs are not tied to specific products or providers. They must consider a wide range of options from across the retail investment market when making recommendations. This independence means the advice is tailored to a client’s individual needs.
In contrast, “restricted” advisers may only offer products from a limited set of providers — which can narrow choices and flexibility.
The importance of Chartered Financial Planner status
Chartered status, awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), represents the gold standard for financial planners in the UK. It signals that a firm or individual:
- Has achieved advanced qualifications and ongoing professional development.
- Follows strict ethical standards.
- Is committed to putting clients’ interests first.
By choosing us, a firm awarded with corporate Chartered Financial Planner status, it gives you additional confidence that you’re working with a firm held to the highest standards in the profession.
What to look for in an IFA
When selecting an adviser, consider the following:
- Independence and regulation: confirm the adviser and the firm are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offer independent financial advice. This ensures recommendations are unbiased and tailored to your needs.
- Corporate Chartered Financial Planner firm status: choosing a firm that holds corporate Chartered Financial Planner status from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), is a mark of excellence. It signifies a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and putting clients’ interests first. Chartered firms must meet rigorous criteria and demonstrate a culture of continuous improvement. (Why choose a Chartered financial planner? | Chartered Insurance Institute (CII))
- Qualifications and experience: look for a firm where its advisers have a wide range of professional qualifications and memberships. These credentials reflect high standards of technical knowledge, ethics, and ongoing professional development
- Transparent fees: a reputable IFA will clearly explain their fee structure and show how their advice delivers long-term value.
- Personalised service: your adviser should take time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance, so that the advice is bespoke to your individual circumstances.
- Client reviews and referrals: positive testimonials and long-standing client relationships are strong indicators of trust and quality service.
Giving you the full picture
Choosing the right IFA is about more than managing money, it’s about building a trusted partnership that supports your financial journey. With a qualified, independent, Chartered Financial Planning firm, such as Tees Financial Ltd, by your side, you gain clarity, confidence, and a strategic plan tailored to your future.
This material is intended to be for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources we consider to be reliable. All information is correct at the time of writing.
Tees is a trading name of Tees Financial Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Registered number 211314, and registered in England and Wales (Company number 4342506).
