Better Financial Planning Ltd

Chartered independent advice from Bishop's Waltham

Better Financial Planning Ltd is a firm of Chartered Independent Financial Advisers based in Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, with a second office in West Byfleet, Surrey. The firm describes its client base as spanning the breadth of the UK, with particular concentration in London, Surrey and Hampshire. It presents itself as offering whole-of-market, impartial and independent advice across pensions, investments, protection policies, estate planning and broader financial planning.

The practice states that clients work only with experienced Financial Planners and that no fee is charged until the client is satisfied the firm is the right fit. It also offers a free initial appointment and a no-obligation consultation arranged at the firm's expense.

Pensions and retirement planning

Pension planning and transfers form one of the firm's stated core areas, aimed at helping clients pursue retirement goals. Retirement advice is split into two stages:

• Pre-retirement: personalised and holistic guidance on the decisions that need to be taken before leaving work, which the firm notes differ from person to person.
• Post-retirement: planning around the order in which income is drawn and the sources used, which the firm says can materially affect tax efficiency through retirement, the funding of care fees and any legacy left behind.

Pension sharing orders are also handled, with support in understanding options, navigating the legal complexities and optimising financial outcomes after a divorce.

Investments, protection and estate planning

On the investment side, the firm describes building diversified portfolios tailored to a client's financial goals and risk tolerance through analysis and strategic guidance. Protection advice covers insurance products intended to safeguard assets and loved ones against unforeseen circumstances.

Estate work includes wills and estate planning, inheritance tax planning aimed at reducing liabilities on death so beneficiaries receive the maximum possible inheritance, and trust and legacy arrangements to manage and protect assets. Cashflow monitoring is offered through models that forecast income and expenses to support short- and long-term financial stability.

Business owners and property

Financial planning for business owners appears among the firm's service lines, alongside administration of commercial property. The firm notes that commercial property has become a popular investment in recent years but can be time-consuming to look after, and presents its service as easing that burden for owners.

Online calculators and coverage

The website provides a set of calculators covering investments, stocks and shares, inflation and the cost of delay. Dedicated pages address clients in Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, West Byfleet and Woking, reflecting the firm's stated focus on Hampshire, Surrey and London.

Advisers and regulatory status

Two advisers are profiled. Richard Bolton has worked in financial services for nine years, six of them as a fully qualified financial adviser. He studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Manchester, completed a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Institute of Insurance, and took further investment management qualifications in Securities and Advice Dealing and Discretionary Fund Management before reaching Chartered status. George Copplestone, originally from the north-west, held various senior management positions before entering financial services 22 years ago and works on client relationship management.

Better Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FCA number 797673 and is registered in England and Wales under company number 09372803. Its registered address is TML House, 1A The Anchorage, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1LY. The firm notes that the Financial Ombudsman Service is available to resolve individual complaints that clients and financial services businesses cannot settle themselves.