Andrew of Truestep Financial Planning

07/10/2025

Just received my most recent certificate of excellence from VouchedFor. Thank you for all the reviews from my wonderful clients. Have a look at what they have said. https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/bristol/068277-andrew-finn

23/07/2025

25/10/2024

Value of 'lost' pension pots hits £31bn.

The total value of ‘lost’ pension pots is now estimated to be £31.1bn, new data published by the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) reveals. This has risen by £4.5bn, from £26.6bn in 2022. Almost 3.3 million pension pots are now considered lost, containing an average sum of £9,470. This rises t...

17/05/2024

Check out my latest 5* review.
https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/bristol/068277-andrew-finn

23/04/2024

My most recent review. https://bit.ly/49R7ZGF

30/08/2023

There are two Equity Release schemes you can choose from in the UK, either a Lifetime mortgage or a Home reversion plan.

A lifetime mortgage is usually for people aged 55+ and is a tax free loan secured against your home. You can either draw down a single lump sum where you take the whole loan at once or you can receive payments in different amounts, as and when needed.

A home reversion plan is usually for people aged 65+ and allows you to sell between 25-100% of your home for cash. You can get the money as a lump sum or in regular, smaller payments. If you're wondering how this would work, you would effectively become a tenant in a home you used to own. You may have to pay rent to your equity release provider and your loan may affect any benefits you receive. When you die or move in to long-term care, your provider would sell your home and take their share but you will never have to pay back more than the value of your home*.

If you would like to discuss what option works best for you, get in touch with me and I would be more than happy to help point you in the right direction 🤝


Approved by The Openwork partnership on 24/07/2023
*Source: Legal & General
A lifetime mortgage is not suitable for everyone and it is important to seek financial advice before taking any action. All other options available should be explored before choosing equity release.
Interest is charged on both the original loan and the interest that has been added, the amount you owe will increase over time, reducing the equity left in your home potentially to nothing. Please discuss with your family and beneficiaries.
Just Wealth is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Just Mortgages Direct Limited Registered Office: Colwyn House, Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LD. Registered in England No. 2412345.

28/08/2023

If you are employed, all employers must provide a workplace pension scheme, which is known as 'automatic enrolment'.

A workplace pension is a way of saving for your retirement that's arranged by your employer and are often referred to as occupational, works, company or work-based pensions. A percentage of your pay is put in to the pension scheme automatically every payday and in most cases, your employer also adds money in to the pension scheme for you. You may also get tax relief from the government.

Your employer must automatically enrol you in to a pension scheme and make contributions to your pension if all of the following apply:
✅You're classed as a 'worker'
✅You're aged between 22 and State Pension Age
✅You earn at least £10,000 per year
✅You usually (ordinarily) work in the UK -if you are unsure, guidance is available on the government website.
In some instances, your employer may not automatically enrol you if you do not meet the previous criteria, but you can usually still join their pension if you want to. Your employer cannot refuse this*.

Don't leave it too late to prepare for your pension, the sooner you get saving the better! I can help you with any of your pension needs, feel free to reach out for a confidential chat.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 25/07/2023
*Source : Gov.UK
Just Wealth is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Just Mortgages Direct Limited Registered Office: Colwyn House, Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LD. Registered in England No. 2412345.

25/08/2023

It's Friday again, who else has got that Friday feeling?

Are you up to anything over this bank holiday? Let me know in the comments!

23/08/2023

Being named as an executor of a will means you have earnt the trust of the person making the will and comes with important responsibility. If you are announces as an executor of a will, you should know what this entails.
The executor takes legal responsibility for carrying out the instructions left by the deceased with regards to their estate. If there is no will or those named are unwilling or unable to fulfil the executor role, an administrator may be appointed by a court as a substitute.

You can be an executor of a will if you are
✅Over 18- there are no rules against people who would be beneficiaries also being the executor, although the executor can't be one of the official witnesses to the will.
✅A family member, spouse, civil partner or child of the deceased.

It is worth bearing in mind that in England and Wales, executors can be personally and financially responsible for any mistakes made. Some people appoint a solicitor as an executor for this reason. Solicitors may charge a fixed fee, hourly rate or percentage of the estate. However, in any scenario the cost should be covered by the estate. If you don't know anyone that would be willing to take on the role of your executor, a government official known as a Public Trustee could carry out the duty as a last resort*.

If you would like any advice or information with regards to your current will or appointed executer, please feel free to get in touch today!

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 24/07/2023

Will writing is not a part of The Openwork Partnership's services and is offered in our own right.
The Openwork Partnership accepts no responsibility for this aspect of our business. Will writing and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Source: Legal & General
Just Wealth is a trading name of Just Mortgages Direct Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Just Mortgages Direct Limited Registered Office: Colwyn House, Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3LD. Registered in England No. 2412345.