Press Release - 21/11/2011

TICKING TIMEBOMB FOR LONG TERM FINANCIAL FUTURE AS ALMOST TWO THIRDS OF NORTH WEST POPULATION ADMIT TO WORRYING ABOUT MONEY

Large numbers of Britons face an uncertain future, particularly when it comes to their retirement. That’s according to the fourth annual Financial Planning Survey, commissioned by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) in association with NS&I (National Savings and Investments).

Financial Planning Week is a national campaign to raise awareness amongst the general public of the importance of being better organised financially. Through its website www.financialplanningweek.org.uk people can find tips, tools and information to help them take simple steps to improve their financial ‘fitness’ and help them achieve the lifestyle they want.

The survey, which was conducted by YouGov for Financial Planning Week and which questioned over 2,000 people across the UK, discovered that retirement plans for many people in the North West of England (ITV Granada region) now hang in the balance as they struggle to pay down debt while worrying about their financial future.

Only 15% - less than one in five people in the region- believe that they are saving enough or more than enough for their future needs
Almost half (49%) of people in the North West of England are not confident that they’ve saved enough to live comfortably when they retire.
14% of people in the region have never made any pension contributions, and a further 31% are not currently contributing to a pension plan of any sort, however they have contributed in the past.
61% of people surveyed in the region say they worry about money either always or most of the time.

Looking ahead to what age the panellists in the North West region think they will be able to afford to retire, 7% think they will “never” be able to, compared to 10% nationally.

Despite concerns over their future standard of living in retirement, many people are not planning to put money into pension plans to try to improve their position, or may not even be aware that they need to. 44% say they would consider making additional contributions into pension plans to avoid delaying their retirement due to the planned increases in the state retirement age.

When asked about their day to day budgeting, it appears that many people are feeling the pinch. 26% of people in the region are not even setting out a clear budget – the bedrock of any financial plan. The majority ( 55%) of respondents report that their household finances have got either a bit or much worse over the last six months. With UK inflation at a three year high, this pain looks unlikely to subside any time soon.

44% of people in the north reported that they had a financial plan which they drew up and reviewed regularly. As was the case in 2010, worrying about money remains commonplace, with 62% reporting that they worry about it most of the time or always.

Steve Martin, Chair of the Manchester branch of the IFP and Managing Director of Altrincham based Smart Financial Planning comments:
"These findings give an interesting insight into how people in the North West and nationally feel about their financial situation. It is clear that many people are worried and feel they face an uncertain future yet they are not taking some simple steps that could help to improve their situation. As Financial Planners, we can help people to manage their finances so they have a clear understanding of the options they have. Financial Planning Week provides a real opportunity for us to provide practical tips, tools and information to help them manage their finances and to educate consumers about how good financial planning can ultimately improve their quality of life."

John Prout, Retail Customer Director at NS&I comments:
"Financial Planning Week highlights the importance for all of us to properly plan our finances, all the more so when money is tight for many people. Reviewing our finances, either for the short or long-term, can take many forms, beginning at home by seeking advice from family role models, by contacting organisations such as the Money Advice Service or through paid professional advice. The key is to encourage everybody to plan their finances and to really demonstrate the benefits of doing so, for example in saving money through switching their utility provider."
Check out further details - www.financialplanningweek.org.uk

Follow Financial Planning Week on twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23fpw2011 or follow @IFP_UK

Follow Financial Planning Week on FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Financial-Planning-Week/255251094492607

Press Release - 05/10/2011

Smart Financial Planning approved by the IFP as an ‘Accredited Financial Planning Firm’™

AFPF_LOGO Altrincham based Smart Financial Planning has been approved by The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) as an Accredited Financial Planning Firm™. This title is only awarded to firms which it has assessed as part of a new scheme introduced to recognise those who provide the highest professional standards of Financial Planning service to its clients. Only 25 firms in the country have achieved the necessary standards, with Smart Financial Planning being one of just 3 who are based, or have offices in the North West.

To successfully meet the criteria for approval, Smart Financial Planning has had to demonstrate that it provides a comprehensive Financial Planning service for clients, as well as having a clear fee structure in place. The firm also had to demonstrate commitment to the IFP’s Code of Ethics and Practice Standards as well as having appropriately trained and qualified staff. All client facing planners must have been tested on their Financial Planning skills at an advanced level, and at least 50% of registered planners must be qualified as a Certified Financial Planner professional, or equivalent.

Managing Director of Smart Financial Planning and Chair of Manchester branch of the IFP, Steve Martin said, "All the team at Smart Financial Planning are delighted to have achieved this accreditation. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding service and high quality advice to our clients as we work with them to help them achieve their goals in life. This accreditation is a powerful recognition of our commitment to the very highest professional standards."

He continued, "As Chair of the Manchester branch of the IFP, I stated when I took the role that we needed to do more to demonstrate professionalism in the industry and educate people that Financial Planners are professionally qualified individuals. This accreditation will hopefully become recognised as a hallmark of quality to reassure consumers that if they work with accredited firms they can be confident of receiving professional, trusted, expert advice. I hope as many Financial Planning firms as possible across the North West will work towards achieving this accreditation."

Press Release - 23/09/2011

Growth at Smart Financial Planning as assets under management rise by 50% and Miller joins the team

Altrincham based Smart Financial Planning has welcomed Martin Miller to its team of Financial Planners. Miller, 47, from Bramhope in Leeds, was previously Senior Partner for Ilkley based JPM Financial and will be bringing his clients from JPM Financial to Smart Financial Planning. With 23 years experience, his role will be to focus on looking after his existing clients and developing new client relationships for Smart.

Due to rapid organic growth the assets under management at Smart Financial Planning have also risen to £60 million, an increase of 50% from the £30 million under management at the end of its second year in business in October 2010. Plans for further growth and expansion are on the cards for the remainder of 2011 / 2012.

Managing Director of Smart Financial Planning, Steve Martin said, "We are delighted to welcome Martin to the team. At Smart Financial Planning we have a particular way of working which sets us apart from other companies and we are always on the look out for like-minded professionals like Martin to join the team. We believe in providing outstanding financial planning and wealth management expertise to our clients to help them achieve their goals and live the life they want. Martin is one of a small number of high quality planners who shares our philosophy and is therefore a natural fit within the team. We worked with Martin in his role at JPM Financial for a number of years as part of the Advanced Financial Planning Alliance, which saw three companies unite to share best practice and investment strategy."

Martin Miller commented, "I am pleased to joining Smart Financial Planning and am excited about the opportunities for my current and future clients to benefit from the range of services that the Smart Group provides. I have known Steve for a number of years and we have always shared similar ideas, processes and philosophies. This is a natural home for me and my clients and I look forward to getting started."

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