Charles Stanley announces the launch of OneStep a new solution for UK adults who want expert financial guidance that is easy, accessible, and affordable.
Key life stages and milestones – such as the birth of a first child or grandchild, retirement, the death or illness of a loved one, and external economic factors – are just some of the triggers for seeking advice to help build a financial plan.
Often people have questions and concerns about their finances, but have no idea where to start, who to turn to, or risk receiving misinformation from unregulated sources.
OneStep aims to guide and inform clients by offering four focused modules linked to different stages of life. These include:
- OneStep financial health check
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- Helps people understand their current finances and the steps to take to secure their financial future
- OneStep pension savings plan
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- Helps people understand if their savings are on track to provide them with the retirement they want
- OneStep retirement plan
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- Helps people at retirement decide what they can do with their pot of money to ensure they have the retirement they want
- OneStep inheritance tax (IHT) plan
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- Helps people calculate their potential IHT liability and provides options that allows them to pass on more of their wealth to loved ones
Each module is drafted by trained financial planners and aims to provide tailored guidance to those who have specific questions about their finances to help them achieve clarity about their next steps.
For a fixed, one-off fee, clients get access to a structured process including online tools, guides, and time with a financial planner to review their personal circumstances. Clients sit down in a series of online meetings with a qualified financial adviser to discuss their goals and challenges, and to discuss their possible options.
At the end of the process, clients leave with a personalised plan, and their dedicated Charles Stanley planner will follow up and answer any additional questions, offering further support.
The new ‘hybrid advice’ model aims to deliver value to those individuals who want to take their first step on the advice and planning journey but are seeking light touch guidance with the reassurance of speaking to a qualified professional before reaching a fully-fledged financial planning service.
The OneStep modules are currently open to Charles Stanley clients and will be available to the wider market from May 2022.
Where appropriate, Charles Stanley’s OneStep modules offer a gateway for clients who have more complex financial needs to access other services, such as investment management services or financial planning.
Lisa Caplan, Director of Foundation Financial Planning at Charles Stanley, said: “At what is a difficult and uncertain time for adults all over the country, there is a risk that the advice gap will continue to grow. People are either disenfranchised, don’t know where to start, at an advice event crossroad, or feel priced out.
“This is exacerbated by an increasing raft of misinformation and confusing financial jargon online and on social media. We are particularly focused on the growing market that is post google but pre planning.
“People often feel stressed, don’t know where to turn and don’t see themselves as wealthy enough for a service they feel is designed for the super-rich.
“This service is a first step for people who need hands on guidance with the reassurance of a professional to talk to. It offers a digital and convenient service, without losing the human touch of talking through individual circumstances. The aim is to help more people to get the advice they need and support them to reach their future goals.”
