A Transparent, Long-Term Approach to Financial Planning
At Ifamax Wealth Management, we do not charge an initial advice fee. There are no setup costs and no upfront implementation charges.
Our focus is on joined-up, long-term financial planning, not short-term transactions or one-off advice.
We believe financial planning works best as an ongoing journey, one that evolves as your life, goals and circumstances change. Our annual fee supports that relationship and is clearly explained from the outset, so you always understand what you are paying and why.
Transparency is central to how we work.
Common Questions About Ongoing Fees
It’s completely reasonable to question annual fees. Some of the most common concerns we hear include:
“Why should I pay an annual fee for an annual meeting?”
“Isn’t financial advice just about picking investments?”
“What if I could manage this myself?”
These are fair questions, and they deserve clear, honest answers.
DIY Investing vs Professional Financial Planning
Technology has made DIY investing more accessible than ever. Platforms are cheaper, information is widely available, and investors can choose products themselves.
However, professional financial planning goes far beyond investment selection.
Ongoing financial planning brings together:
Tax-efficient planning
Retirement income strategy
Cashflow modelling and long-term projections
Risk and protection planning
Estate and inheritance considerations
Behavioural guidance during market volatility
These areas are often overlooked in DIY approaches, yet they tend to have the greatest impact on long-term outcomes.
That’s why the value of financial planning is not measured solely by investment performance, but by clarity, confidence and long-term resilience.
Why Work With a Financial Planner?
Most people don’t seek financial planning because they want more complexity; they want peace of mind.
Clients tell us they value:
Knowing their financial future is being actively looked after
Having a clear plan rather than a collection of products
Support when decisions feel uncertain or emotionally charged
Confidence that someone experienced is helping them stay on track
Financial planning isn’t just about numbers. It’s about having a trusted professional relationship that helps you make better decisions over time.
Value vs Cost: What an Annual Fee Really Covers
An annual fee is often misunderstood as payment for a single yearly review.
Your fee supports an ongoing planning process, much of which happens throughout the year and behind the scenes.
Your annual fee provides:
Continuous access to professional advice
A financial plan that adapts as your life changes
Tax-efficient structuring to help preserve wealth
Risk management to protect against avoidable harm
Behavioural support during periods of market stress
Clear guidance when important decisions arise
This ongoing structure helps reduce mistakes, avoid reactive decisions and improve long-term outcomes.
Do I Have to Pay an Annual Fee?
No, but without it, advice becomes a one-off interaction rather than a long-term partnership.
That means:
No ongoing reviews or plan updates
No proactive adjustments when tax rules or legislation change
No guidance during volatile or uncertain markets
No support when life events create new decisions
We often compare this to servicing a car. You can skip it, but issues may go unnoticed until they become costly. Ongoing financial planning helps identify risks early and keep your plan aligned.
Where Your Annual Fee Goes
Your annual fee supports two essential areas.
1. Joined-Up Financial Planning & Ongoing Support
Your fee covers far more than meetings:
Ongoing financial planning across investments, pensions and tax
Retirement income planning and cashflow modelling
Regular review and refinement of your strategy
Support through major life events and decisions
Monitoring and adjusting your plan as circumstances change
This ensures your financial plan remains relevant, structured and focused on what matters most to you.
2. The Cost of Running a Regulated Financial Planning Firm
As an FCA-regulated firm, we operate within strict standards designed to protect clients.
Your fee also helps fund:
Highly Qualified Financial Planners
FCA regulatory fees and oversight
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Independent compliance and governance audits
Secure technology and client portals
Cybersecurity and data protection systems
These regulated costs are not optional. They exist to ensure advice is delivered safely, ethically and with appropriate client protection at every stage.
More Than an Annual Review
At Ifamax, we don’t see ourselves as one-time advisers.
We act as long-term partners helping clients make informed, confident decisions about money throughout their lives.
Your annual fee gives you:
Ongoing access to advice when you need it
Joined-up planning across your financial life
Support when circumstances or priorities change
A calm, experienced voice during high-stakes decisions
It’s not about paying for a meeting. It’s about investing in clarity, structure and long-term confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is financial planning just about investments?
No. Investments are only one part of a joined-up financial plan that also considers tax, retirement income, risk and long-term goals.
Why does ongoing advice matter?
Because your life, tax rules and markets change. Ongoing advice ensures your plan adapts rather than becoming outdated.
Is an annual fee worth it in good markets?
Yes. Strong markets don’t remove the need for tax planning, disciplined decision-making or long-term strategy.
Are fees explained clearly upfront?
Yes. All costs are outlined before you proceed and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate and transparent.
Start a Conversation
Financial planning isn’t about predicting markets, it’s about helping you feel calmer, more confident and more in control of your financial future.
Useful Links
The Financial Planning Checklist 2026
The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews