FAQs
Do you offer independent financial advice?
Yes, we offer independent financial advice. That means our recommendations are based on what is right for you and your circumstances.
Does the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate you?
Yes, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA registration number is 518338.
Can I choose between meeting in person or on a video call?
Yes, you can choose whichever suits you best. We are happy to meet face to face or by video call.
Where are face-to-face meetings held?
We can meet at our offices, at your home or at your workplace. We will arrange meetings in the way that is most convenient for you.
Do you have parking at your office?
Yes, there is plenty of parking at Edgbaston Golf Club. That makes visiting our office straightforward and convenient. To make it easy to locate us, the full address is Edgbaston Golf Club, 25 Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TB.
How long has Chatfield Private Client been providing financial advice?
We have been providing financial advice since 2010.
Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?
We are based in Birmingham and support clients in Edgbaston, Harborne, Moseley, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. We also work with clients throughout the UK.
Are your advisers/planners Chartered or Certified?
Yes, both Adrian Pickersgill and Philip Challinor hold Chartered and Certified financial planning qualifications. This reflects our commitment to high professional standards.
Do you have any client reviews or written/video testimonials, and where can I view them?
Yes, we have written testimonials on our adviser biography pages. You can view them on the Adrian Pickersgill and Philip Challinor pages of our website.
What makes your firm different from other financial advisers and planners?
Our approach is built around transparency, simplicity and evidence-based investment principles. We also use cashflow forecasting and our Financial Fire Drill to help you plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected.
What is your FCA registration number?
Our FCA registration number is 518338. You can use this number to check our details on the FCA Register.
What are the key cities, towns and areas you work with clients in?
We work with clients in Edgbaston, Harborne, Moseley, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. We also work with clients more widely across Birmingham and throughout the UK.
How can I book an initial meeting?
You can call us for an initial conversation or complete your details on our Contact us page, and we will call you back. We can then arrange a time to meet, or email you a link to our calendar so you can book a convenient time.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No, your initial meeting is at our cost. There is no obligation to proceed any further.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
It helps if you come with an idea of what you want to achieve and over what timescale. An overview of your current financial circumstances is also useful.
What happens in the first meeting?
The first meeting is about getting to know you and understanding what you want to achieve. We will also explain how we may be able to help.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
You should allow around 90 minutes for an initial meeting. This gives us time to understand your situation and answer your questions properly.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No, there is no obligation to sign up at the initial meeting. It is an opportunity for both sides to see whether we are the right fit.
Do you have a female adviser or planner I can work with?
No, we do not currently have a female adviser or planner. However, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and work with many female clients throughout the UK.
What happens if my financial planner is away on holiday?
You have access to both advisers. We also make sure we are not on holiday at the same time.
How often will I hear from my financial adviser or planner?
We always carry out an annual review. We also send monthly newsletters and are available whenever you have questions or would like to meet.
Do you offer cashflow forecasting/planning as part of your service?
Yes, cashflow forecasting is a key part of what we do. Stress testing your finances in this way is the cornerstone of our service.
What happens if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, we will adapt your financial plan accordingly. The aim is to keep your plans aligned with your life as it evolves.
Can you work alongside my accountant or solicitor?
Definitely. We are very happy to work alongside your accountant or solicitor, where that is helpful.
Can you coordinate with my mortgage adviser if they need information from you?
Yes, we can. We are happy to provide information and work with your mortgage adviser where needed.
Can I see an example of a financial plan?
Yes, you can watch the example case study videos on our website. We can also send you the resulting reports.
Will I be able to see the value of my investments online?
Yes, you will be able to view your investments online. You can do this through our portal and on the provider's own website.
Do you provide an online portal for clients to view their investments?
Yes, we provide an online portal for clients. It gives you an easy way to view your investments whenever you need to.
How often will I meet with my adviser or planner?
We meet annually. We are also very happy to meet at any time if there is something you would like to discuss.
Can you advise on mortgages?
No, we do not advise on mortgages. Our focus is on financial planning and related areas of advice.
Can you advise on equity release?
No, we do not advise on equity release. This is not part of our service.
Can you advise on personal pensions?
Yes, we can advise on personal pensions. This includes helping you understand how they fit into your wider financial plan.
Can you advise on occupational pensions?
Yes, we can advise on occupational pensions. We can help you understand how they work alongside your other assets and retirement plans.
Can you help me consolidate multiple pensions?
Yes, we can help you review and consolidate multiple pensions where appropriate. We will always look at whether doing so is in your best interests.
Can you help me take my pension tax-efficiently?
Yes, we can help you take pension benefits in a tax-efficient way. This forms part of building a sensible long-term financial plan.
Can you help with ethical or sustainable investing?
Yes, we can help with ethical or sustainable investing. We will discuss your preferences and take them into account when advising you.
Can you help me invest an inheritance I’ve received?
Yes, we can help you invest an inheritance. We will look at how it can best support your wider financial goals.
Can you advise on self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs)?
Yes, we can advise on SIPPs. We can help you decide whether they are appropriate for your circumstances.
Can you advise on final salary or defined benefit transfers?
No, we do not advise on final salary or defined benefit transfers. This is not an area we cover.
Do you offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning?
No, we do not offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning. Our service is focused on other areas of financial planning.
Can you help with Inheritance Tax planning or estate planning?
Yes, we can help with Inheritance Tax planning and estate planning. This can form an important part of protecting your wealth and passing it on efficiently.
Can you advise on investments such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts)?
Yes, we can advise on investments such as ISAs. We will consider how they fit into your overall plan and tax position.
Can you advise on protection such as life insurance, critical illness cover, and income replacement?
Yes, we can advise on protection, including life insurance, critical illness cover and income replacement. We will recommend suitable protection where it supports your wider plan.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, your initial exploratory meeting is at our cost. There is no obligation to go any further.
How do you charge for financial advice?
We charge an initial fee of 1% of the assets brought under our management, starting at £5,000 and capped at £8,500. Our ongoing fee is 0.77% a year on the first £750,000 of assets under management and 0.20% a year thereafter.
What is your minimum fee?
Our minimum initial fee is £5,000. Our minimum ongoing fee is £3,850 a year.
What do you typically charge for a financial plan?
We do not charge separately for a financial plan. It is included within our initial fee.
Do you charge fixed fees or a percentage of my investments?
We charge a percentage of the investments we manage for you. The ongoing fee is 0.77% a year on the first £750,000 and 0.20% a year thereafter.
Do you get commission?
We only receive commission on the protection policies we arrange for you. We do not receive commission for our investment advice.
Do you charge VAT?
No, under current legislation, our services are not subject to VAT. That means the fees you are quoted are not increased by VAT.
How do I know if your fees are competitive?
The total cost of your portfolio, including our advice, custodianship, administration and asset management, will typically be 1.33% a year for a £500,000 portfolio and 1.14% a year for a £1 million portfolio. Recent surveys suggest the total cost through other advisers can be at least 1.75% a year, which can make a significant difference over time.
How do your fees compare to other advisers/planners?
For a £500,000 portfolio, the total cost is typically 1.33% a year, and for a £1 million portfolio, it is typically 1.14% a year. Recent surveys suggest the total cost through other advisers can be at least 1.75% a year.
How can I find your fees?
You can find full details of our fees on the Our costs page of our website. We believe transparency is key to building trust.
What do I get for my money?
You get an ongoing, evolving financial plan designed to give you peace of mind and help you sleep well at night. We are independent, Chartered and highly qualified, and we use cashflow forecasting, stress testing and long-term planning to help you spot blind spots, avoid mistakes and make better decisions over time.
Can you help me retire early?
Yes, we can help you explore early retirement. We will build a financial plan and keep it updated at least annually to show you what is feasible.
Can you help me plan my retirement?
Yes, retirement planning is a main focus of our service. We help you understand what is possible and what you need to do to achieve it.
What type of clients do you typically work with?
We typically work with current or former small business owners, senior executives and entrepreneurs. Our services are generally best suited to clients with at least £500,000 of investable assets and pensions.
Do you work with younger clients who are still building wealth?
Yes, we can do. If you do not yet meet our minimum asset level but are actively funding pensions and investments, and we can add value, we may still be able to help.
Do you work with company directors or self-employed clients?
Yes, we do. In fact, more than half of our clients are or were small business owners or directors.
Do you work with clients approaching retirement or already retired?
Yes, we do. Helping people plan for retirement and live through retirement is a core part of our work.
Can you help clients who have inherited money?
Yes, we can. We can help you decide how that money should fit into your wider financial plan.
Can you help clients who have sold, or are in the process of selling, a business?
Yes, we can. We work with clients who have sold, or are preparing to sell, a business and need help planning what comes next.
Can you help clients manage their finances after a bereavement?
Yes, we can. We will help you take stock of your position and adapt your financial plan to your changed circumstances.
Do you specialise in working with business owners, retirees, or professionals?
Yes, we do. We regularly work with business owners, retirees and professionals, as well as people approaching retirement.
Do you offer financial advice for expats or non-UK residents?
No, we do not. Our advice is intended for people within the UK regulatory regime.
Can you help if I already have existing investments or pensions elsewhere?
Yes, we can. We are happy to provide a second opinion on your existing investments or pensions.
Is there a minimum amount of investable assets or income I need to become a client?
Yes, our typical minimum is £500,000 of investable assets and pensions. That said, if you are actively funding pensions and investments, and we can add value, we may still be able to help.
Are my investments protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
Yes. We will only recommend regulated investments and products.
What happens if something goes wrong or I have a complaint?
Complaints can be submitted to us in writing. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
How do you keep my personal data secure?
We collect and hold your personal data so we can provide financial planning services and comply with GDPR. All providers we deal with are subject to the same regulations.
Are you insured to give financial advice?
Yes, we are. We are insured to provide financial advice.
How can I check your FCA registration and authorisation?
You can check our details on the FCA Register. We are listed there under registration number 518338.
Do you have client stories or case studies I can read?
Yes, we are working on this. In the meantime, we can include links to videos where we talk through different client case studies and Voyant forecasts.
How do you measure client satisfaction?
We routinely ask clients for feedback. We also send client satisfaction surveys from time to time.
Where do investment returns come from?
You can watch our short video on where investment returns come from here: https://youtu.be/W3Sv1_5D-nw. It explains the topic in a clear and accessible way.
What is investment risk?
You can watch our short video on investment risk here: https://youtu.be/4RUJI98sXRA. It explains what risk means and why it matters.
What is risk in retirement?
You can watch our short video on risk in retirement here: https://youtu.be/KIy8aVVQ41Q. It looks at the specific risks people need to think about once they stop working.
Where is the stock market?
You can watch our short video on this here: https://youtu.be/R4VyM8Y3dIs. It explains the idea in a simple and engaging way.
What is the Chatfield Force Field?
You can watch our short video on the Chatfield Force Field here: https://youtu.be/EXaLotHCL5Y. It explains the concept and how it fits into our way of thinking.
What can we learn from the world’s largest Sovereign Wealth Fund?
You can watch our short video on this here: https://youtu.be/BrvS8XYjFsM. It shares our thoughts on a fascinating real-world example.