Question 1

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I provide comprehensive financial advice across four main areas: Mortgages (including first-time buyers, remortgaging, and buy-to-let), Life Insurance & Protection (life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection), Pensions (retirement planning, SIPPs, pension consolidation), and Investments (ISAs, wealth management, stocks & shares).

Question 2

Are you qualified and regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am fully qualified and regulated. I work under Aitana Financial Services (FCA No. 215234), which is an Appointed Representative of The Openwork Partnership (FCA No. 408285). The Openwork Partnership is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Question 3

Where do you provide services?

Accepted Answer

While I'm based in Yeovil, Somerset, I serve clients across Somerset, Dorset, and Devon. I offer face-to-face meetings, video calls, phone consultations, and can travel to meet you at your convenience.

Question 4

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

Most of my core services are fee-free for clients. Standard residential mortgages and buy-to-let mortgages are provided at no cost to you – I receive commission from lenders. Fees may apply for specialist mortgage services including (but not limited to): debt consolidation mortgages, applications with more than two applicants, complex adverse credit cases, mortgages below £75,000, and mortgage viability reports during divorce or separation. Pension and investment advice is offered as a paid service, with fees agreed in advance and presented clearly at our first meeting. These are outlined in our Mortgage & Protection or Wealth brochure, depending on your needs. If you're unsure whether advice is right for you, I also offer a fee-free, no-obligation pension review to help you explore your options before committing. All fees are explained transparently and agreed in writing before any work begins.

Question 5

How much deposit do I need for a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require a minimum of 5-10% deposit for residential mortgages. First-time buyers may access government schemes with lower deposits. Larger deposits (20%+) typically secure better interest rates. Buy-to-let mortgages usually require 25-40% deposits. I'll help you understand what's achievable for your situation and find the best rates available.

Question 6

What credit score do I need to get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

There's no single 'minimum' credit score for mortgages. Different lenders have different criteria. Generally, a score above 700 improves your chances significantly. Even with poor credit history, specialist lenders may still help. I work with a broad range of lenders who consider various circumstances, and can guide you on improving your credit profile if needed.

Question 7

Should I fix my mortgage rate?

Accepted Answer

Fixed rates offer certainty: your payments won't change during the fixed period (typically 2-5 years). This protects you from rate rises but means you won't benefit from rate cuts. Variable rates are initially lower but can change. The right choice depends on your risk tolerance and financial situation. I'll help you weigh the options based on current market conditions.

Question 8

Can I get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Self-employed mortgages are common. Most lenders want 2-3 years of accounts or tax returns. Some specialist lenders are more flexible. The process is slightly different from employed mortgages, but I work with many self-employed clients across Somerset, Dorset, and Devon and know which lenders offer the best terms.

Question 9

How long does mortgage approval take?

Accepted Answer

From application to completion typically takes 8-12 weeks. Agreement in Principle can be obtained in 24-48 hours. Full mortgage approval usually takes 2-3 weeks. Conveyancing and surveys add additional time. I'll manage the process and keep things moving as efficiently as possible.

Question 10

Do I really need life insurance?

Accepted Answer

If anyone depends on your income (partner, children, or dependents), life insurance is essential. It ensures they won't face financial hardship if you die. It's particularly important if you have a mortgage, as it can pay off the debt. For a relatively small monthly cost, you get significant peace of mind.

Question 11

What's the difference between life insurance and critical illness cover?

Accepted Answer

Life insurance pays out when you die. Critical illness cover pays out if you're diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Many people combine both for comprehensive protection. Critical illness cover can help with medical costs, mortgage payments, or lifestyle adaptations during recovery.

Question 12

How much life insurance do I need?

Accepted Answer

A common rule is 10 times your annual salary, but it varies. Consider your mortgage, debts, children's future costs, and how long your family would need financial support. I'll help you calculate the right amount based on your specific circumstances rather than using generic formulas.

Question 13

Will my health issues affect my insurance premium?

Accepted Answer

Pre-existing health conditions can affect premiums, but they don't necessarily prevent you getting cover. Many conditions are insurable, and the impact on cost varies by condition and insurer. Honesty is crucial: non-disclosure can invalidate policies. I work with insurers who specialise in various health circumstances.

Question 14

What is income protection insurance?

Accepted Answer

Income protection replaces a portion of your salary (typically 50-70%) if illness or injury prevents you working. It pays monthly until you can return to work or reach retirement age. It's different from critical illness cover: it covers many more conditions and circumstances. Essential if you're self-employed or don't have strong sick pay provision.

Question 15

How much should I be paying into my pension?

Accepted Answer

A rough guide: take your age when you start saving and halve it, that's the percentage of your salary to aim for. So starting at 30, aim for 15%. This includes employer contributions. The earlier you start, the less you need to contribute thanks to compound growth. I'll help you find the right balance for your situation.

Question 16

Should I consolidate my old pensions?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but not always. Consolidation makes management easier and can reduce fees. However, some older pensions have valuable guarantees worth keeping. I'll review each pension individually, checking for exit penalties, protected benefits, and investment performance before recommending consolidation.

Question 17

When can I access my pension?

Accepted Answer

You can typically access pensions from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028). You can take 25% tax-free, with the rest subject to income tax. However, accessing early might not suit everyone. I'll help you understand the implications and whether it's right for your retirement plans.

Question 18

What happens to my pension when I die?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your pension type and age at death. Most modern pensions allow you to pass your pot to beneficiaries, often tax-free if you die before 75. Ensuring beneficiaries are nominated correctly is crucial. I'll make sure your pension is set up to protect your loved ones.

Question 19

Is it too late to start a pension in my 40s or 50s?

Accepted Answer

It's never too late. While starting earlier is better, significant pension pots can still be built even with later starts. Tax relief and employer contributions boost your savings. I'll show you realistic projections and strategies to maximise your retirement savings whatever your age.

Question 20

How much money do I need to start investing?

Accepted Answer

You can start investing with as little as £25-50 per month with many platforms. There's no 'minimum' amount. Regular small contributions often work better than waiting to save a lump sum: you benefit from pound-cost averaging and compound growth over time.

Question 21

What's the difference between an ISA and a pension?

Accepted Answer

ISAs offer tax-free growth and you can access money anytime. Pensions offer tax relief on contributions but you can't access until 55 (rising to 57). ISAs are flexible, pensions are locked but tax-efficient. Most people benefit from using both as part of a balanced financial plan.

Question 22

Are investments risky?

Accepted Answer

All investments carry some risk: values can fall as well as rise. However, risk can be managed through diversification and time horizon. Generally, the longer you invest, the more risk you can afford to take. I'll help you find the right risk level for your goals and comfort level.

Question 23

How long should I invest for?

Accepted Answer

Think 5+ years minimum for investments. Shorter timeframes increase the risk of losses. Longer periods (10+ years) allow you to ride out market volatility and benefit from compound growth. Your investment timeline depends on what you're saving for: house deposit, retirement, children's education, etc.

Question 24

What fees will I pay on investments?

Accepted Answer

Investment fees typically include platform charges (0.25-0.45%), fund management fees (0.5-1%), and sometimes transaction costs. These can significantly impact returns over time. I'll ensure you understand all costs and find cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality.

Mortgages

Insurance

Pensions

Investments

Tools

Information

Get in Touch

First-Time Buyer Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your First Mortgage

Remortgaging in 2025: Your Complete Guide to Switching Mortgage Deals

Pension Planning in Your 30s and 40s: A Practical Guide

Browse All Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

General