Getting Started

Do I have to pay for the first meeting?

Your first meeting with us is free of charge and without obligation.

The purpose of the meeting is simply to:

• understand your situation
• discuss your goals
• explain how we work

It also gives you the opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable working with us.

If we believe we can help, we will explain the next steps and discuss any fees before any work begins.

What happens in the first meeting?

The first meeting is simply a conversation.

We will discuss your current financial position, your goals for the future and any concerns you may have about retirement, investments or tax planning.

We will also explain how we work and whether we believe we can add value to your situation. There is no obligation to proceed.

What should I bring to the first meeting?

You do not need to prepare anything formal, but it can be helpful to bring:

• Your budget spreadsheet if you have one or details of your usual outgoings
• A summary of your income
• State Pension forecast - you can obtain one here - State Pension forecast
• Recent pension or investment statements
• Mortgage details or loan balances, interest rates and end dates
• Details of any insurance policies (life cover, income protection etc.)
• Details of any trusts
• Identification such as passport / driving license
• Any questions or concerns you would like to discuss

If you do not have everything to hand, that is absolutely fine — we can help gather the information later.

What makes Pilgrim Wealth Management different from other financial advisers?

We focus on helping clients bring their finances together into a clear long-term plan, rather than simply recommending financial products.

As independent advisers we research the wider market to recommend solutions that are most suitable for your circumstances.

Our aim is to provide clear advice, long-term guidance and reassurance so you can feel confident about your financial future.

What does a financial adviser do?

A financial adviser helps you organise your finances and make informed decisions about your future.

This often includes reviewing pensions, investments, savings and tax planning, and bringing them together into a clear long-term plan.

For many people, financial advice is particularly valuable when approaching retirement, when decisions about pensions, income and investments can have long-lasting consequences.

A financial adviser can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes and ensure your finances are aligned with the lifestyle you want now and in the future.

About us

Are you independent?

Yes. We are independent financial advisers, which means we are not tied to any particular provider or company.

We research the wider market to identify solutions that are most suitable for your circumstances. Because we do not manufacture or promote our own financial products, our advice is based solely on what we believe is in your best interests.

What qualifications do your advisers hold?

Our advisers hold advanced professional qualifications from the Chartered Insurance Institute, the leading professional body for financial planning in the UK.

Richard Wilson holds advanced qualifications including:

G10 Taxation and Trusts
G60, AF3 & AF7 Advanced Pensions
AF5 Financial Planning Process

Duncan Pilgrim holds advanced qualifications including:

AF1 Taxation & Trusts
AF4 Investment Planning

These qualifications require advanced study, adherence to strict ethical standards and ongoing professional development.

Do I need a certain level of wealth to work with you?

We work with clients at many different stages of life.

Many people who come to us have built up pensions, investments or savings of around £100,000 or more, or are approaching retirement and want help organising their finances.

However, the most important factor is whether thoughtful financial planning can add value to your situation. Some people simply want clarity about their retirement plans, their pensions or how to make their money last.

If you're unsure whether we can help, we are always happy to have an initial conversation to explore your circumstances and see if working together would be worthwhile.

Will I be pressured to buy financial products?

No. Our focus is on helping you build a clear long-term financial plan rather than recommending products for their own sake.

In many cases the most valuable outcome is simply organising existing pensions, investments and savings into a more structured plan.

Where financial products or investments are recommended, they are only suggested when they support the overall strategy and are suitable for your circumstances.

Our role is to provide clear advice and guidance so you can make informed decisions about your finances.

What if it turns out you can't help me?

In some situations financial advice may not be necessary, or there may be little that needs changing.

If that is the case, we will always be honest and tell you.

Sometimes the most valuable outcome of a meeting is simply confirming that your existing plans are already on the right track.

Our aim is to provide clear guidance and reassurance, whether that involves ongoing advice or simply helping you understand your options.

Retirement Questions

How much money do I need to retire comfortably in the UK?

The amount you need depends on the lifestyle you want in retirement and your expected spending.

Many people begin by estimating their monthly living costs, including housing, travel, hobbies and everyday expenses. From there, income from pensions, the State Pension and other savings can be considered.

We can help identify any gaps between your expected income and spending. For example, we can look at ways to bridge the period between retiring and when your State Pension begins, which can make retirement more achievable than you may think.

Financial planning brings these elements together to help determine whether your current savings are likely to support the lifestyle you want and what adjustments may improve your long-term financial security.

When can I afford to retire and will my money last?

This depends on several factors, including your pensions, savings, expected spending and when your State Pension will begin.

Financial planning can help estimate whether your current resources are likely to support the lifestyle you want and how long your money may need to last.

It can also help identify whether small adjustments - such as retiring slightly later, changing withdrawal levels or restructuring pensions - could make retirement more achievable.

Many people are pleasantly surprised to discover that retirement may be possible sooner than they expected once their finances are properly organised.

For others, a phased retirement, where working hours are gradually reduced while pension income begins, can be a flexible way to transition into retirement.

Should I consolidate my pensions?

Many people build up several pension pots during their working life.

In some cases consolidating pensions can make them easier to manage and may reduce charges or improve flexibility when taking retirement income.

However, older pension plans can sometimes include valuable guarantees or benefits that would be lost if transferred.

For this reason it is important to review existing pensions carefully before making any decisions.

Practical Questions

Where will I meet my adviser?

We aim to make meetings convenient and comfortable for you.

We can meet:

• At your home
• At our office
• By video call (Zoom or Teams)
• By telephone if you prefer

We work with clients in Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge, Esher, Cobham, Richmond and across Surrey and London.

Many clients prefer an initial meeting in person, but we are happy to work in whichever way suits you best.

How long does the financial planning process take?

Financial planning usually takes place over several stages.

We begin with an initial meeting, typically around an hour, to understand your circumstances, goals and priorities. If you decide to proceed, we then gather information about your pensions, investments and other financial arrangements.

In many cases a clear financial plan can be prepared within a few weeks. The exact timing depends largely on how quickly information is received from pension providers or investment companies. Some pension schemes, particularly certain workplace schemes, can take longer to provide the necessary details.

We guide you through the process and help with the paperwork so everything moves forward as smoothly as possible.

Once your plan is in place, we can provide ongoing support and regular reviews to ensure it continues to reflect your circumstances and long-term goals.

What happens after the first meeting if I decide to proceed?

If you decide to move forward, the next step is for us to gather detailed information about your pensions, investments and other financial arrangements.

We then analyse your existing plans and prepare a clear financial strategy based on your goals, priorities and time horizons.

Once this work is complete we will meet again to explain our recommendations in plain language and answer any questions you may have.

You are always free to decide whether you wish to proceed with any recommendations.

How much does financial advice cost?

We believe in being clear and transparent about fees.

For most financial planning engagements we charge a fixed initial planning fee of £2,000. This covers the work involved in understanding your situation, analysing your pensions and investments, and preparing a clear financial plan.

If you choose to work with us on an ongoing basis, our typical ongoing advice and support fee is 0.65% per year of the assets we manage on your behalf.

Some situations can involve additional complexity, such as multiple pensions or detailed tax planning. If additional work is required, we will always discuss and agree any fees with you before proceeding.

The details of any charges are confirmed in our documentation and suitability reports.

I’m not sure if I actually need financial advice. How do I know?

Many people feel this way before speaking with an adviser.

Financial advice can be particularly helpful if you are approaching retirement, have several pensions or investments, or simply want reassurance that your plans are on track.

Often people come to us because they want clarity around questions such as:

• When can I afford to retire?
• Will my money last throughout retirement?
• How should I take income from my pensions?
• Am I paying more tax than necessary?

Even if everything is already structured well, many clients find value in having an experienced professional review their plans and confirm they are on the right track.

An initial conversation can often help clarify whether advice would be beneficial in your situation.

Is financial advice worth it?

Good financial advice can help you make better long-term decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

A well-structured financial plan brings together pensions, investments and tax planning so your finances support the lifestyle you want both now and in the future.

For many people the real value of advice is clarity, confidence and ongoing guidance as life and legislation change.

When should I speak to a financial adviser?

Many people seek financial advice when they are approaching retirement or when their financial circumstances change.

Typical times to speak with a financial adviser include:

• When you are thinking about retiring
• When you receive an inheritance
• When you want to review pensions or investments
• When you want to organise your finances into a clear long-term plan

Speaking with an adviser earlier can often help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Can you help with estate planning?

Yes. Estate planning is an important part of financial planning.

We help clients consider how their assets may be passed on to family or other beneficiaries in a tax-efficient way, including the use of pensions, trusts, gifts and other planning strategies where appropriate.

Where specialist legal advice is required, we can also work alongside solicitors to ensure the right structures are in place.

Do you offer advice about inherited money?

Yes. Many clients come to us after receiving an inheritance or when they expect to inherit assets.

We help you consider how inherited money can be integrated into your wider financial plan, taking into account tax planning, long-term goals and appropriate investment strategies.

What advice services do you offer?

We provide financial advice across several key areas, including:

• Retirement planning
• Pension advice and income planning
• Investment planning
• Long term care funding
• Inheritance tax and estate planning
• Financial planning for major life events

If you require mortgage advice we are happy to introduce you to a trusted mortgage specialist who can assist you.

Our aim is to help you bring your finances together into a clear and practical long-term plan.

If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to have an initial conversation about your circumstances.