LifeMap Financial Planning

LifeMap Financial Planning: financial planning with cash-flow modelling in Chester

LifeMap Financial Planning is an independent financial advice firm based in Chester (UK). Its approach is built around two pillars that the firm itself highlights as foundational: forward-looking cash-flow modelling and a fair, flat-fee structure. The firm states that its focus is on the person, the family and long-term goals, rather than on selling financial products.

The method: visual modelling and informed decisions

The service is based on interactive cash-flow models that turn complex data into clear visual charts. According to the company, this format allows clients to see in real time how today's decisions affect their financial future and to understand the impact of each choice. The firm maintains that true value lies in the planning process itself, not in selling financial products, and that its advice is independent, with no conflicts of interest arising from commissions.

Staged initial advice process

The initial advice process is structured in four stages, with the option to stop at the end of each one before starting the next. Fees are agreed in advance with the client and vary according to complexity, the scope of the work and the type of product to be implemented (for example, investments or insurance).

• First stage: a short, no-cost meeting to discuss the client's goals and explain the planning process.
• Second stage: full gathering of information on existing plans, presented in a one-page summary with product details, features, costs, performance and non-personalised guidance notes.
• Third stage: preparation of the personalised plan using cash-flow modelling, with recommendations not linked to specific products, such as contributions, changes to funds, products or withdrawal rates.
• Fourth stage: recommendation of a specific product or policy and its implementation.

The site indicated that the typical advice fee starts at £3,000, broken down across the stages described.

Ongoing planning and fee structure

The firm considers that maintaining the plan through an annual meeting is the most fundamental part of reaching financial goals. The ongoing planning service has a standard annual fee of £1,500 per person or £2,250 per household. LifeMap notes that it tailors these services to each client's personal circumstances and that it charges for complexity, rather than a percentage of the value of assets. The site mentions the existence of additional services for individual needs, although it does not detail their content in the material analysed.

Adviser team profile

The firm has three founding financial advisers:

• Richard Medlicott, financial adviser and founder, has 20 years' experience in financial services, having moved from the banking world into independent financial planning. He is a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, and also holds the STEP qualification, focused on planning for later life. He is a Welsh speaker.
• Gavin Kane, financial adviser and founder, started working in banking in 2005 and has over 20 years' experience in the industry. He is a Chartered Financial Planner and has spent many years working with business owners to meet both their personal needs and those of their companies.
• Darren Jacobsen, financial adviser and founder, joined a family firm of independent financial advisers in 2008 and since then has held various roles in the industry, from mortgages to managing a team. He is a firm believer in sustainable investing and in the idea of investing for the future while making a positive impact.

Clients and scope of work

The firm serves families and individuals in the UK, with particular attention to those planning for retirement, navigating life changes or wishing to protect their family's future. The site stresses that the information and guidance it provides are subject to the UK regulatory regime and are therefore primarily targeted at consumers based in the UK.

Publications and market updates

LifeMap maintains a blog with regular updates. Among the posts included in the material are monthly market reports prepared by Fundhouse for June, July, August and September 2026, as well as an analysis entitled "The AI Buildout: Following the Money", focused on how artificial intelligence infrastructure is funded.

Regulation and company details

LifeMap Financial Planning Limited is registered in England & Wales with company number 17003513 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with firm reference number 1052435. It also acts as an appointed representative of ValidPath Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA with reference number 197107.

Location and contact

14 Upper Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE · Phone: 01244 450720 · Email: hello@lifemapfp.co.uk