Frequently Asked Questions About Our Bristol-Based Financial Planning Service
Choosing a financial planner is a significant decision, and having clear, straightforward information helps you feel confident and in control. At Ifamax Wealth Management, we believe in transparency, in our advice, our process, and our fees.
To make things easy, we’ve brought together answers to the questions clients across Bristol and the South West most often ask us. Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking to invest tax-efficiently, or want clarity on how we work, you'll find the essentials here.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our Bristol-based financial planners are always happy to help.
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A financial planner helps you understand your goals, organise your finances, and build a long-term plan that grows, protects, and eventually passes on your wealth. At Ifamax, we integrate retirement planning, investment strategy, and tax-efficient planning into one clear, ongoing service.
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A financial adviser may focus on products or investments. A financial planner looks at the bigger picture — your life, your family, your goals, and your long-term financial security — and builds a complete plan around these priorities.
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Yes — we are a Bristol-based boutique financial planning firm, working with clients across the South West and the UK.
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We specialise in working with:
• Business owners
• Barristers
• Partners of law firms
• Entertainers and creatives
• Senior professionals
• Retirees and pre-retirees
• Individuals with £400,000+ investable assets -
Yes. We work with clients who have at least £400,000 in investable assets, ensuring we can deliver a truly comprehensive wealth management service.
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You should speak to a planner when you want clarity, are approaching retirement, feel overwhelmed managing money alone, or have a significant financial decision coming up. Most clients contact us when they reach £400k+ of assets and want a structured long-term plan.
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Yes. Accountants focus on past and present tax, while financial planners focus on your future — retirement, investment strategy, long-term tax efficiency, and wealth preservation.
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Yes — many clients come to us for an independent review of pensions, ISAs, investments and retirement plans.
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Our six-stage process includes understanding your goals, analysing your current position, building your plan, implementing strategies, and providing ongoing reviews. It’s structured, transparent, and completely personalised.
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It’s a relaxed conversation — no pressure, no commitment. We explore your goals, your financial position, and what you want life to look like. You’ll leave with clarity on whether we’re the right partner for you.
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No, we specialise in ongoing financial planning.
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Yes — cashflow modelling is included in our service. It helps you understand future income, spending, and the long-term sustainability of your retirement plan.
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We use globally diversified, evidence-based portfolios. Portfolios are regularly rebalanced and managed for long-term outcomes.
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Returns vary depending on risk level and market conditions. We focus on long-term, evidence-based investing rather than short-term speculation. We never guarantee returns, but we do plan for realistic outcomes within your financial plan.
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We make the most of tax-efficient strategies such as using ISAs, pensions, trusts, Business Relief and other tax allowances where appropriate.
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Yes. We assess your existing pensions, compare charges and benefits, and determine whether consolidation is suitable. We are not authorised to provide advice on defined benefit pension transfers.
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Yes — our portfolios incorporate ESG considerations.
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Our main platforms are Wealthtime and Transact, selected for stability, transparency, and long-term security.
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Yes. We guide clients through retirement income planning, sustainable withdrawal strategies, tax planning, investment management and lifestyle planning.
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We use detailed cashflow modelling to show if your retirement savings will last. We test different scenarios including inflation, market volatility, and future spending needs.
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This ensures you don’t run out of money by balancing investment growth, spending needs, market conditions, and tax-efficiency.
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We work closely with your accountant. We can use strategies to provide tax free income, IHT planning and tax efficient investing.
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Yes — we help with estate planning, trust structures, gifting, family planning, and coordination with solicitors and accountants.
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No — this is a high-risk area and falls outside our regulatory permissions.
But we do help clients diversify around existing crypto holdings to protect long-term wealth. -
Yes — if there is a clear, legitimate source-of-wealth trail. We assist with disinvestment planning and diversification.
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No Initial Fee
Many financial advisers charge upfront just to begin working with them. At Ifamax, we don’t. From day one, every penny of your wealth works for you.Percentage-Based Fee
We charge a clear percentage of the assets we manage for you, and we clearly outline this both in percentage terms and pounds before any decisions are made. This ensures our goals are fully aligned with yours: when your portfolio grows, so do we. In challenging markets, our role is to preserve and protect wealth, and we are motivated to achieve the best outcomes possible.
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Our fees are taken either from your investments or can be paid directly. All costs are explained before any implementation.
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Yes. Your investments are held with regulated UK platforms (Wealthtime and Transact), protected under FCA rules and FSCS where applicable.
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Yes. We work closely with accountants, solicitors, and tax specialists to ensure joined-up planning.
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Yes — our Client Case Studies show real examples of how we help clients with retirement, investments and tax planning.
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Yes — our client stories page shares real feedback from the individuals and families we support.
Take the Next Step
If you’re exploring financial planning for the first time — or looking to build a deeper, long-term relationship with a wealth management partner — we’d be delighted to talk. Every financial journey starts with a conversation, and we’re here to give you clarity, confidence, and a plan built around your life.
Ready to take the next step?
Book your confidential consultation with our Bristol-based financial planners and discover how we can help you grow, protect, and pass on your wealth.