Wealth of Advice

Wealth of Advice: Chartered financial planning in Durham

Wealth of Advice is a financial planning firm based at Swale House in Mandale Business Park, Durham. Founded in 2011 by Chris Breward, the firm describes its approach as straight-talking and no-nonsense, and it works with clients on retirement planning, investment management and estate and tax planning. In 2024 it became a Corporate Chartered Financial Planner, a designation it presents as recognition of its commitment to the industry and the educational level of its team.

The firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 563909. Wealth of Advice Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 07709624 and VAT number GB131946515.

Retirement and pension planning

Retirement planning is a core service. The firm states that what a client needs in retirement depends on their circumstances, and its service is designed to prepare people for retirement while managing pensions and investments throughout. It also addresses decisions such as how to take income in retirement. The firm offers free initial discussions and says it will always let clients know in advance when charges begin.

Investment management and ongoing service

Wealth of Advice reviews a client's entire financial situation to determine the investment risk they can take and where to invest to meet their goals. As part of its ongoing service, it aligns investments with the client's risk level and capacity for loss, and adjusts the portfolio if circumstances or appetite for risk change. Clients meet with their financial planner at least once a year to review the plan and confirm it still suits their circumstances.

The firm provides access to the My WoA app, which lets clients track investment performance, contact the team and upload documents securely. It also publishes monthly Market Update videos and, in 2025, began the Retire Well with Wealth of Advice podcast, offering weekly insights on retirement.

Estate and tax planning

Estate and tax planning is handled with the aim of ensuring that loved ones receive the most out of the assets left behind rather than the taxman. The firm uses products such as Wills & Trusts for this purpose. It also addresses planning for the next generation, including making things as easy as possible for loved ones after a client's death.

Clients, events and recognition

The firm works with clients on an ongoing basis and publishes photographs of clients' activities in retirement, ranging from holidays and travel to golf and fishing. Clients receive invitations to events throughout the year, including an Annual Client Conference with presentations from industry experts and events such as a Golf Day at Castle Eden. The firm also runs retirement workshops.

Wealth of Advice states that its advisers are all Top Rated by VouchedFor, based on client reviews. It has been a finalist two years in a row in the Small Advice Firm of the Year category, which it describes as placing it in the top five small firms across the UK.

Complaints procedure

The firm commits to resolving complaints by the end of the next business day where possible. If it cannot, it writes within five working days to explain what it has done or to acknowledge the complaint and indicate when a full response can be expected. If no response is issued within eight weeks, or if the client is dissatisfied with the response, the client can ask the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent review, after first attempting to resolve the matter with the firm.