Our 6 Stage Planning Process

1. Initial Discussion. A first meeting with First Financial is free and without obligation. It gives you an opportunity to assess us and does not bind you to a future relationship. It also helps us to identify your needs and objectives, how we can add value and the best way for you to proceed forward.

2. First Appointment. Following our initial meeting we will generally arrange a first appointment at which we will discuss in greater depth your needs and objectives and how best to use all available resources to help you achieve your goals. At this stage we will specify any extra information we need and we can often collect this on your behalf saving you time and trouble.

3. Outline Plan. On receipt of your authority to proceed we will research and prepare a strategic and personalised financial plan which may include: an analysis of your existing investments, pensions, tax planning, wills, mortgages and banking arrangements. An estimate of the feasibility and cost of achieving your objectives and specific recommendations to achieve those objectives. This is then left with you to analyse, a further meeting will be set up to discuss the outline proposals, make necessary adjustments and agree what actions need to be taken.

4. Follow Up Appointment. After allowing you time to examine the outline proposals that were given at our last meeting, we arrange a follow up appointment where we discuss with you those proposals, make any necessary adjustments and agree what actions need to be taken to implement your plans.

5. Implement Plans. The process of implementing a plan, which may involve dealing with other professional advisers such as your solicitor or accountant as well as other third parties can be time consuming. First Financial are able to control this process to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to you.

6. Review. At First Financial we place great importance on continually reviewing your plans. It is important to review your plans regularly to react to any changes in your circumstances and in the economic and tax environment. We take a proactive approach to reviews as from experience this is a vital component in achieving your objectives. It gives us an opportunity to track the progress of your plans to ensure that they are on target to achieve your goals that were agreed at our first meeting. As all our customers have different needs and objectives our review plans are tailored to your specific requirements and where appropriate may give you access to our Investment Management Service (IMS) or Portfolio Service online service.

Treating Customers Fairly At First Financial we firmly believe and adhere to the principles of treating our customers fairly. One of the many ways we do this is by having a charging structure that is up front, transparent and simplistic. We charge fees for our services and, if we receive financial planning commissions from third parties, you will have the option to offset these against fees payable with the remainder being added back into your plan.