Frequently Asked Questions.

This depends on your circumstances, market conditions, and your attitude towards risk. Investing a lump sum can maximise growth potential early on, while phased investing (known as “pound-cost averaging”) can reduce the impact of market volatility. We help you evaluate both strategies to decide what’s most appropriate for your goals, ensuring your money is working efficiently from the outset.

Yes. having a will is essential, even if you have pensions, savings, or property arrangements. A will ensures your wishes are respected and makes it easier for your loved ones to manage your estate. It provides clarity, minimises disputes, and can help reduce the impact of inheritance tax. At Ascent Financial Planning, we work alongside legal professionals to make sure your financial plan complements your will, so your estate passes efficiently and in line with your wishes. 

There are several strategies to help reduce potential inheritance tax, including gifting, trusts, and making use of allowances. We take time to understand your unique situation and explore every opportunity for tax-efficient estate planning. By integrating your lifetime financial goals with long-term legacy planning, we help you protect more of your wealth for future generations, without compromising your current lifestyle. 

Estate planning goes beyond having a will or power of attorney — it’s a comprehensive approach to managing your assets during your lifetime and ensuring they’re passed on efficiently. It includes planning for potential care costs, tax implications, gifting strategies, and how your estate will be managed and distributed. We tailor your estate plan to reflect your family dynamics, financial complexity, and long-term intentions, giving you clarity and peace of mind.

While savings and investments can help during tough times, they may not be enough to fully replace lost income or cover long-term expenses like mortgage repayments or care costs. Protection planning ensures you and your family are financially secure if the unexpected happens such as illness, injury, or death. At Ascent Financial Planning, we help you assess the right level of cover so your financial plans stay intact, even if life takes a detour.

There are various forms of protection, including life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, and family benefit plans. The right mix depends on your personal circumstances, family commitments, and financial goals. We take the time to understand your needs and guide you through the options, ensuring you have tailored cover that complements your wider financial plan and provides peace of mind.

Not at all. Protection planning is relevant for anyone who relies on their income or wants to safeguard their financial wellbeing. Whether you're single, have a young family, or nearing retirement, protection offers a financial safety net. At Ascent Financial Planning, we integrate protection into your financial strategy, so you're prepared for life’s uncertainties at any age or stage.

It’s never too early, or too late, to start planning for retirement. The earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow, and the more flexibility you’ll have to adapt to life’s changes. However, even if you’re closer to retirement, there are still strategies we can implement to maximise your savings and optimise your income. At Ascent Financial Planning, we help you take control of your retirement planning, no matter where you are on your journey.

Ensuring your money lasts throughout retirement requires careful planning and ongoing management. We use cash flow modelling to map out your income, expenses, and assets over time, helping you visualise how long your funds will last under different scenarios. By diversifying your investments, managing risks, and regularly reviewing your plan, we help you stay on track and adapt to any changes. Our goal is to give you confidence and peace of mind, knowing your financial future is secure.

The best investment strategy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. We start by understanding what you're aiming to achieve—whether that's retirement, funding education, or building wealth. Then we craft a personalised investment plan using diversified portfolios and strategic asset allocation. Our approach is designed to balance growth potential with downside protection, helping you stay on course through market ups and downs.