Compare Top Rated Financial Planning Firms

Compare the best UK financial planning firms with our expert comparison, reviews and guides. See how top providers differ on fees, investment approach, services, and performance so you can find the right firm to grow and protect your wealth.

What Exactly Does a Financial Planner Do?

A financial planner helps you make sense of your entire financial picture and turn it into a structured plan. Rather than focusing on a single product, they look at how your income, savings, investments, pensions, property and protection fit together over the short, medium and long term. The aim is to help you achieve specific life goals, such as retiring comfortably, buying a home, funding children’s education or passing on wealth efficiently.

In practice, a financial planner will assess your current position, discuss your objectives and create a long term financial plan. This often includes cashflow modelling to show how your money may grow over time, recommendations on how much to save or invest, guidance on pensions and tax allowances, and advice on managing financial risks such as illness or loss of income. Many financial planners work with clients on an ongoing basis, reviewing and adjusting plans as circumstances change.

What Is the Difference Between a Financial Advisor, Wealth Manager and a Financial Planner?

The terms financial advisor, wealth manager and financial planner are often used interchangeably, but they describe slightly different approaches.

A financial advisor is the broadest term. In the UK, a financial advisor is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and can give advice on investments, pensions, ISAs, insurance and other financial products. Some advisors focus on specific areas, while others provide holistic advice.

A financial planner is usually a type of financial advisor who specialises in long term planning rather than individual transactions. Their focus is on goals, cashflow, retirement planning and making sure different parts of your finances work together. Financial planning tends to be more relationship driven and ongoing.

A wealth manager typically works with higher net worth clients. Alongside financial planning, they often provide discretionary investment management, estate planning and more bespoke services. Wealth management is usually aimed at people with larger portfolios and more complex financial needs.

How Much Money Do You Need to Work With a Financial Planner?

There is no legal minimum amount of money required to work with a financial planner, but practical minimums often apply. Many independent financial planners will work with clients at different stages of life, including those building wealth rather than already having it. Financial planning can be particularly valuable if you are making major decisions such as retirement planning, receiving an inheritance or selling a business.

Wealth management firms often set higher minimums, commonly starting at around £250,000 of investable assets, although this varies by firm. These thresholds exist because more complex planning and portfolio management becomes cost effective at higher asset levels.

What Is the Best Financial Planning Firm?

There is no single best financial planning firm for everyone, as the right choice depends on your goals, assets and the level of service you want. However, some firms stand out for their reputation, service quality and client satisfaction. Saltus is a notable example. Saltus was voted Best Wealth Manager in the 2025 Good Money Guide Awards and also offers comprehensive financial planning as part of its service. The firm combines long term financial planning with investment management, tax planning and retirement advice, making it suitable for clients who want a joined up approach rather than isolated recommendations.

Award recognition, transparency on fees, clear communication and strong regulatory credentials are all important factors when deciding which financial planning firm is right for you.

How Much Does Financial Planning Cost in the UK?

The cost of financial planning in the UK varies depending on the complexity of your finances and the level of service provided. Some firms charge a fixed fee for an initial financial plan, which can range from around £1,000 to £3,000 or more. This usually covers analysis, cashflow modelling and written recommendations.

Ongoing financial planning and advice is often charged as a percentage of assets under advice, typically between 0.5 percent and 1 percent per year, although flat fee arrangements are becoming more common. Wealth management services may have additional investment management costs on top.

A good financial planner should clearly explain their fees upfront and show how their advice adds value, both financially and in terms of peace of mind.

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