FAQs
Do you offer independent financial advice?
Yes, we provide independent advice. This means our recommendations are based on a comprehensive and unbiased review of the market, and will be tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Does the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate you?
Oakfield Lee Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of ValidPath Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 197107.
Can I choose between meeting in person or on a video call?
Yes. Meetings can take place either face to face or via video call, depending on what feels most convenient and comfortable for you.
Where are face-to-face meetings held?
Face-to-face meetings are usually held at our office, giving you a private and welcoming space to talk things through.
Do you have parking at your office?
Yes. Parking is available at the office for clients attending in person.
How long has Oakfield Lee been providing financial advice?
Oakfield Lee has been providing financial advice since March 2021 and has built trusted relationships with clients over that time.
Where are you based, and do you work with clients outside your local area?
We’re based in Melksham, Wiltshire and work with clients locally and across the UK through a mix of in-person and remote meetings.
Are your advisers/planners Chartered or Certified?
Becky holds Chartered status, reflecting a high level of professional qualification and commitment to ongoing excellence in financial planning.
Does your firm hold Chartered status as awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)?
No. The firm itself does not currently hold Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Does your firm hold Accredited status as awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)?
No. The firm does not currently hold Accredited status from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
Do you have any client reviews or written/video testimonials, and where can I view them?
Yes. You can view these on our ‘Client stories’ page.
What makes your firm different from other financial advisers and planners?
Oakfield Lee is proudly female led and built on a kindness-first philosophy. There is no minimum investment requirement, and the focus is always on providing clear, supportive and genuinely personal financial guidance.
What is your FCA registration number?
Our FCA registration number is 1033570.
What are the key cities, towns and areas you work with clients in?
We primarily help clients across the Wiltshire area, while also supporting individuals and families throughout the UK via remote meetings.
How can I book an initial meeting?
You can book your initial meeting using the Calendly link on the website. Simply choose a time that suits you.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
No. Your initial meeting is completely free of charge and without obligation.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
Just bring yourself. It can also be helpful to have details of your assets, liabilities, income and expenditure, along with any questions you would like to ask.
What happens in the first meeting?
The first meeting is a relaxed conversation over coffee. You will talk through your current situation, goals and any concerns, and you will be given a clear quote for any recommended work.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
Around an hour is usually plenty of time for an initial discussion.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No. There is no pressure to proceed. You are free to take time to decide what feels right for you.
Do you have a female adviser or planner I can work with?
Yes. The firm is female led, and you will work directly with Becky.
What happens if my financial planner or adviser is away on holiday?
If your adviser is away, the friendly team in the office will still be available to help with queries and keep things moving.
How often will I hear from my financial adviser or planner?
You will receive a monthly newsletter, with additional updates when relevant. A full review is typically carried out each year.
Do you offer cashflow forecasting or planning as part of your service?
Yes. Cashflow forecasting can form an important part of the planning process and is available where appropriate.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Just get in touch. Plans can be reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes in your life or priorities.
Can you work alongside my accountant or solicitor?
Yes, absolutely. Working collaboratively with your other professional advisers is encouraged where helpful.
Can you coordinate with my mortgage adviser if they need information from you?
Yes, of course. Information can be shared with your mortgage adviser, with your permission.
What happens if my adviser leaves the firm?
Becky is currently the sole adviser, so you will have continuity and a consistent point of contact.
Can I see an example of a financial plan?
Examples can be shared and talked through during your initial conversation, so you know exactly what to expect.
Will I be able to see the value of my investments online?
Yes. Where suitable, recommendations can include platforms that allow you to view your investments online.
Do you provide an online portal for clients to view their investments?
Yes. An online portal is available for clients whose plans support this feature. You can access our portal here.
How often will I meet with my adviser or planner?
You will typically meet at least once a year for a full review, with additional meetings arranged whenever needed.
Can you advise on mortgages?
No. We cannot advise on mortgages.
Can you advise on Equity Release?
No. Equity release advice is not provided.
Can you advise on personal pensions?
Yes. We can advise on personal pensions to help you understand your options and plan effectively for retirement.
Can you advise on occupational pensions?
Yes. We can advise on occupational pensions. However, defined benefit transfer advice is not provided.
Can you help me consolidate multiple pensions?
Yes. Support is available to help you review and, where appropriate, consolidate multiple pension arrangements.
Can you help me take my pension tax-efficiently?
Yes. Guidance is provided on ways to take pension benefits in a tax-efficient manner based on your circumstances.
Can you help with ethical or sustainable investing?
Yes. Ethical and sustainable investment preferences can be built into your financial plan where suitable.
Can you help me invest an inheritance I’ve received?
Yes. We can help you make thoughtful, well-structured decisions about investing in an inheritance.
Can you advise on Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)?
Yes. Advice is available on SIPPs and how they may fit within your wider retirement planning.
Can you advise on Final Salary or Defined Benefit transfers?
No. Defined benefit transfer advice is not provided. However, referrals to trusted specialists can be arranged if this is something you would like to explore.
Do you offer advice on long-term care or later-life planning?
Yes. Support is available to help you plan for later life and potential long-term care needs.
Can you help with Inheritance Tax planning or estate planning?
Yes. We can help you structure your affairs with inheritance tax and estate planning in mind.
Can you advise on investments such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts)?
Yes. We can advise on ISAs and other investments to help support your long-term goals.
Can you advise on protection such as life insurance, critical illness cover, and income replacement?
Yes. We can provide advice on a range of protection solutions, including life cover, critical illness cover and income protection.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. We offer a free initial meeting so you can get to know us and decide whether we are the right fit for you.
How do you charge for financial advice?
We charge a fixed onboarding fee of £2,500, plus 0.8% of assets we advise on. An ongoing fee of 0.8% applies where ongoing service is required.
What is your minimum fee?
Our minimum fee to become a client is £2,500.
What do you typically charge for a financial plan?
Our typical fee is £2,500 plus 0.8% of the assets we advise on.
Do you charge fixed fees or a percentage of my investments?
We use a mixture of both. All clients pay an initial fixed fee of £2,500, with percentage-based fees applied where appropriate.
Do you get commission?
We only receive commission on protection products. We fully disclose this at the point of sale.
Do you charge VAT?
No. Most financial advice services are exempt from VAT.
How do I know if your fees are competitive?
We always encourage you to compare advisers so you can feel confident in the value you receive. We focus on delivering clear, personal advice and ongoing support that clients feel is worth the investment.
How do your fees compare to other advisers or planners?
We position ourselves in the middle of the market. We are not the cheapest option, but we are also not the most expensive. Our focus is on delivering thoughtful, high-quality advice and a genuinely personal service.
How can I find your fees?
You can view our fees on the website
Can you help me retire early?
Yes. We help you explore whether early retirement is achievable and build a plan that supports your goals and lifestyle.
Can you help me plan my retirement?
Yes. We work with you to create a clear, practical retirement plan that brings your pensions, investments and income together.
What type of clients do you typically work with?
We typically work with people who are building wealth, planning for retirement or already retired. We also support clients who are thinking about legacy and Inheritance Tax planning.
Do you work with younger clients who are still building wealth?
Yes. We enjoy helping younger clients put strong foundations in place while they grow their wealth.
Do you work with company directors or self-employed clients?
Yes. We work with many company directors and self-employed clients and understand the specific planning needs they often have.
Do you work with clients approaching retirement or already retired?
Yes. We support clients at every stage of retirement planning, from the years leading up to retirement through to later life.
Can you help clients who have inherited money?
Yes. We help you make thoughtful, well-structured decisions after receiving an inheritance.
Can you help clients who have sold, or are in the process of selling, a business?
Yes. We support business owners before, during and after a sale to help them plan what comes next.
Can you help clients manage their finances after a bereavement?
Yes. We provide calm, practical support during difficult times and help you make clear financial decisions at your own pace.
Do you specialise in working with business owners, retirees or professionals?
Yes. We regularly work with business owners, professionals and those approaching or in retirement.
Do you offer financial advice for expats or non-UK residents?
No. Unfortunately, we do not currently advise expats or non-UK residents.
Can you help if I already have existing investments or pensions elsewhere?
Yes. We regularly work with clients who have existing arrangements and can review how these fit into your wider plan.
Is there a minimum amount of investable assets or income I need to become a client?
No. There is no minimum investment requirement to work with us.
Are my investments protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
Usually, yes. Many regulated investments benefit from FSCS protection, although there are some exceptions. We always explain the level of protection that applies to your specific recommendations.
What happens if something goes wrong or I have a complaint?
Please contact us in the first instance and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue promptly and fairly. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate your complaint to ValidPath.
How do you keep my personal data secure?
We keep your information securely stored online and hold very little in hard copy. We only share your details with trusted third parties where necessary to obtain quotes or process applications, and always in line with data protection requirements.
Are you insured to give financial advice?
Yes. We hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance to provide financial advice.
How can I check your FCA registration and authorisation?
You can verify our details at any time by searching our firm on the FCA Register via the FCA website.
Do you have client stories or case studies I can read?
Yes. You can view client stories and case studies on our website.
How do you measure client satisfaction?
We regularly ask clients for feedback through reviews and carry out a client survey twice a year to help us keep improving our service.
Have you won any awards or accreditations?
No. We focus on delivering great outcomes and personal service for our clients.
Are you featured on VouchedFor?
Yes. You can find our client reviews and profile on VouchedFor.
