Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Many clients choose a blended approach. We’ll show you how different options could work together so you can make decisions with confidence.

We carry out detailed research, looking at both financial factors and how any investment reflects meets the criteria to be considered ‘responsible’ and their approach to a wide range of  environmental, social and governance issues. We will only recommend options that meet your goals, values and risk profile.

Yes. If you have specific values you want reflected in your investment strategy we can research investments that align with this and explain any implications of this.

Responsible investing considers environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial analysis. Ethical investing usually focuses on avoiding certain industries or areas that don’t align with your values. We’ll explain the differences clearly and help you choose an approach that feels right for you.

Timelines vary based on the lender and your situation, but most applications progress within a few weeks. We’ll manage the process for you and keep you updated at every stage.  When timeframes are the highest priority we will work with lenders and product providers who we have confidence in being able to meet your requirements.

Yes. We offer advice based on a ‘whole of market’ approach, meaning we have access to a broad range of lenders and providers to recommend the most suitable solution for you.

Absolutely. Many of our commercial clients benefit from a joined-up approach. With your permission, we’re happy to collaborate with your existing professional partners

If your business relies on key people, has lending in place, or wants to support staff with employment benefits, financial planning can add clarity and resilience. The best first step is a conversation so we can understand your priorities.

Absolutely. Many clients choose a blended approach. We’ll show you how different options could work together so you can make decisions with confidence.

We carry out detailed research, looking at both financial factors and how any investment reflects meets the criteria to be considered ‘responsible’ and their approach to a wide range of  environmental, social and governance issues. We will only recommend options that meet your goals, values and risk profile.

Yes. If you have specific values you want reflected in your investment strategy we can research investments that align with this and explain any implications of this.

Yes. We’re fully transparent. You’ll always receive a clear explanation of fees in our Fee Agreement before any work begins, with no hidden extras.

No. Once you give us permission to act, we take care of the research and administrative work. We’ll explain any costs or implications upfront so you can make an informed decision.

We take extra care during challenging times. Whether you’re experiencing bereavement, divorce, illness, or another form of vulnerability, we’ll adapt the pace, communication style, and level of support to what you need.

Our ongoing service includes annual reviews and the flexibility for additional check-ins if life changes. You’re never limited – if something shifts in your world, we’re here to help.

Every client’s requirements are unique to them and the time taken to work through the entire process can vary depending on complexity and the need to liaise with third-parties and providers. Following the first meeting where we agree your objectives we can provide a timeframe aligned to what you need.

Yes. We offer both online and in-person meetings, and many clients choose a mix of the two. We’ll always work in the way that feels most comfortable and convenient for you.

Yes. We provide fully independent advice. That means we’re free to recommend solutions from across the whole market – always based on what’s right for you.

Life changes and so will your financial plan. All clients receive an annual review plus additional check-in meetings as part of our ongoing service, ensuring your plan remains aligned with your goals and any changes in your circumstances.

Yes. We often support clients who are navigating separation, bereavement, inheritance, redundancy, or other significant events. We help you understand your options, prioritise decisions, and create a plan that helps you feel more secure and in control.

Protection is a key pillar of financial wellbeing. We ensure your financial plan includes the right cover – such as life, critical illness, or income protection – to safeguard you and your family should the unexpected happen.

Yes. We can review and assess your existing plans to make sure they’re still suitable, cost-effective, and aligned with your goals. During the financial planning process, we include a review of up to four existing plans, with additional plans charged separately.

Absolutely. We help you invest in a way that aligns with your goals, timeframes, risk comfort, and personal values. Whether you prefer responsible investing or a more traditional approach, we build a strategy around you.

Yes. Retirement planning is one of our core areas of expertise. We can help you understand what you have, what you’ll need, and the choices available, including pensions, investments, cashflow planning, and long-term income strategies.

No. We work with clients at every stage, whether you’re just starting to build your financial foundations, growing your wealth, or planning for retirement. What matters is that you want clarity, guidance, and a plan that feels right for you.

Our Personal Financial Solutions support all aspects of your financial life, including pensions & retirement planning, investments, savings, inheritance tax planning, and protecting your family. You can come to us with a single priority or a more complex set of goals, and we’ll help you make sense of your options in a clear, structured way.

Ongoing review is a key part of our service. As part of our commitment, all clients receive an annual review, which forms part of our ongoing service and is monitored through our status as an Appointed Representative of ValidPath. In addition, two other meetings are included in your annual fee, giving you opportunities to check in or discuss changes during the year. Of course, we focus on long-term relationships, so we’re always happy to meet at other times if your circumstances change or if you have questions.

We can structure your financial affairs, so you pass on your assets in the most effective and efficient way whilst reflecting your wishes.

Absolutely. From illness or job changes to receiving an inheritance, we help you plan for life’s uncertainties and build resilience into your financial strategy.

A consultation can be valuable at many life stages; approaching retirement, managing income changes, inheritance, or simply wanting clarity. We can help you identify the right questions to ask and where to start.

Yes. Our Knowledge Hub offers resources and you can also sign up to our newsletter Cohesion Connects.

No. We work with clients at every stage of their financial journey – whether you’re just starting out, looking review and strengthen your current situation, or planning for retirement.

Simply get in touch, you’ll find all the details on our Connect page. We’ll schedule an initial conversation to understand your requirements and let you know how we can help.

We know life is busy, so we try to be as flexible as possible. Let us know what works best for you.

You can call us, email us, or use our online form. We’ll get back to you quickly to arrange a time that works for you.

Yes. We have experience structuring solutions for businesses with multiple owners, ensuring protection, clarity, and fair arrangements for everyone involved.

We take a joined-up approach. Business decisions can impact personal finances, and vice versa. We make sure strategies are aligned, whether it’s pensions, shareholder arrangements, or personal protection.

Yes. We help business owners plan for succession, prepare for sale, and ensure financial arrangements align with long-term personal and business goals. We also work closely with specialist corporate finance advisers to bring a joined up approach to the process of selling your business.

We work with businesses at every stage – from startups needing financial structure and risk protection to established companies looking to optimise pensions, shareholder arrangements, or succession planning.

Absolutely. We provide guidance on group risk, pensions, and other employee financial wellness initiatives. Supporting your team’s financial wellbeing can improve retention, morale, and productivity

We offer a range of corporate financial planning services, including:

• • Shareholder/partnership protection: Ensuring your business and its owners are protected if circumstances change.
  • Key person insurance: Safeguarding your business against the financial impact of losing a crucial team member.
  • Company pensions: Advising on workplace pension schemes for employees that meet regulatory requirements and support staff wellbeing.
  • Profit extraction strategies: Helping business owners optimise how they draw income from their business efficiently and tax-effectively.

• Loan protection: Ensuring liabilities are covered if unforeseen events occur.

Yes. We support business owners, directors, and professionals across the UK with tailored financial solutions designed to protect their business, support growth, and plan for the future.

Yes. Life changes – from marriage or having children to business or investment decisions – can affect your plans. We regularly review arrangements, and work with other professional advisers you may have (solicitors, accountants) to make sure they remain aligned with your goals.

Wills, Trusts, and LPAs are part of your overall financial wellbeing. We ensure they integrate with your pensions, investments, protection policies, and family planning to give a cohesive, joined-up strategy.

Yes. Trusts can be a powerful way to protect assets, manage inheritance efficiently, and provide for future generations. We advise on the right structure to meet your goals while taking into account the need for the most appropriate investment structure within the trust, the tax implications and long-term planning.

An LPA is a legal document that lets someone you trust make decisions on your behalf if needed. There are two types:

• Property & Financial Affairs LPA: Lets someone else make decisions about your money, property, and assets if you want them to or if you are unable to.
• Health & Welfare LPA: Lets someone else make decisions about your care and medical treatment only if you are unable to do so.

We can guide you through the process to ensure it’s set up correctly and reflects your wishes.

Financial planners can provide a bigger-picture perspective that goes beyond just drafting a Will. We understand your full financial situation, including pensions, investments, and business interests, so your estate plan aligns with your long-term goals. This ensures your plan is tax-efficient, practical, and tailored to your circumstances.

Yes. Cohesion provides guidance and support on Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) as part of a holistic financial plan. We help ensure your wishes are clearly documented, your family is protected, and your assets are structured efficiently.

Protection isn’t just insurance, it’s part of your overall financial wellbeing. We consider how it interacts with pensions, investments, mortgages, and family planning to give you a joined-up strategy.

We assess options across the UK market and match them to your specific needs, financial situation, and goals. We never prioritise a product over what’s right for you.

Yes. We look at your full situation to ensure you have the right cover for you, your partner, and your dependents. Our advice balances cost with comprehensive protection, so you feel secure without paying for unnecessary cover.

We provide tailored protection advice, including life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection, and mortgage protection. Protection planning helps safeguard you, your family, and your financial goals if the unexpected happens.

Equity release allows homeowners aged over 55 to unlock money from their home without selling their home. We explain the benefits, risks, and costs in plain English and help you decide if it fits your goals and long-term financial plan.

Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for a better interest rate, want to release equity, review a new fixed-rate offer from your existing lender or restructure buy-to-let funding, we will guide you through the process and make it as straightforward as possible.

Yes. We work with a wide range of UK lenders and can help clients with self-employment income, irregular income, or more complex financial situations. Our goal is to find the solution that fits your circumstances, not just the standard options.

Ethics are at the heart of our business. We avoid jargon, explain risks as well as benefits, and make sure you always understand your options. We’re also embedding B Corp principles into how we run our firm and our advice is subject to review by ValidPath, the network principal.

If you’re ever dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, all complaints are handled directly through ValidPath’s process. As our FCA-authorised principal, ValidPath ensures impartial resolution in line with regulatory standards.

Absolutely. All client information is handled in line with GDPR and industry best practices.

Yes. We make the process simple and stress-free. Whether it’s investments, pensions, protection, mortgages, or estate planning, we guide you through the transfer or update so your financial arrangements continue to meet your goals without disruption.

Yes. We offer a relaxed, no-obligation initial meeting at no cost, giving you the chance to explore your goals and get to know us without any pressure.

Fees vary depending on the advice and services you need. We’ll always explain costs clearly upfront so you know what to expect before making any decisions. You can find more detail on our [Our Fees Explained] page.

Our Five-Step Framework

Getting to know you – Listening carefully to understand your life, goals, values, and priorities.

Gathering the detail – Collecting information on your finances, property, investments, and other relevant areas

Analyse & explore options – Research and evaluate the options available to you, balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s goals, always in line with your values and comfort with risk.

Making it happen – Putting your solutions into action, whether that’s investments, pensions, mortgages, protection, or wills and trusts.

Ongoing support & reviews – Life changes, and so may your goals. We provide ongoing advice and updates to keep your financial plan relevant.

Every journey with Cohesion is guided by our values: clarity, fairness, and putting you first. For most services, we follow a clear five-step process. Some specialist solutions, like wills, trusts, or corporate planning, may sit slightly outside this framework, but the same principles of clarity and client focus always apply.

Absolutely. Many clients who come to us are unsure where to start. We’ll talk through your situation and help you identify what’s most important right now.

Yes. Our advice is always tailored to you. If aligning your portfolio with ethical or responsible criteria is important, we’ll incorporate that. If not, we’ll focus on the priorities that matter most to you, ensuring your investments reflect your goals and values.

We do more than manage money, we give you clarity and confidence about your whole financial life. Our Chartered expertise, transparent process, and purpose-led values mean every recommendation is tailored, practical, and designed to support both your goals and the bigger picture you care about.

We offer a full range of financial planning services, including:

• Pensions & retirement planning
• Wealth strategy & intergenerational planning
• Investment planning aligned with your goals and values
• Mortgages, equity release, and protection
• Corporate financial solutions, including group risk, pensions and business protection

Cohesion is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, but we work with clients across the UK. We can meet in person locally, or connect online or by phone, depending on what works best for you.

Cohesion is an Appointed Representative (AR) of ValidPath, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures that all advice meets the highest regulatory standards.

Our advice is led by a Chartered Wealth Manager, one of the highest professional qualifications in the industry. We also collaborate with trusted professional partners where needed, so you benefit from specialist knowledge while keeping everything joined up and personal.

At Cohesion, we put people before products. Our advice is built on listening, understanding your goals, and finding solutions that support both your financial wellbeing and your life ambitions. We’re also working towards B Corp accreditation, holding ourselves accountable to high standards of purpose, ethics, and transparency.

Yes. We’re not tied to any one provider, so we can recommend solutions from across the whole market, always based on what’s best for you.

Cohesion are a purpose-led financial planning firm helping individuals, families, and businesses gain clarity and confidence in their financial decisions. We provide advice that’s right for you, aligned with your goals, values, and long-term vision.