Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding to hire a financial advisor depends on your goals, time, and financial knowledge. A professional can provide valuable expertise if you are feeling overwhelmed, lack the time to manage your own planning, or need guidance on complex products like equity release. Ultimately, an advisor serves as a partner to help map out your short- and long-term goals and keep your finances on track.

Using a financial advisor saves you valuable time by leveraging their expertise to make informed, strategic recommendations. They help you build tax-efficient strategies, set plans in place for life's uncertainties, and navigate investment risks to protect your portfolio. Ultimately, an advisor provides peace of mind while actively promoting your long-term financial wellbeing.

An IFA is whole of market, meaning they are not tied to any bank or lender. This allows them to offer unbiased advice which is tailored to your circumstances and that they believe is the most appropriate solution for you. At KDW all of our advisers are independent financial advisers.

Yes. To protect consumers, the financial advice industry is strictly regulated, and all Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) must hold a minimum Level 4 qualification. Common credentials include the DipPFS or DipFA for general planning, and the CeMAP for mortgage advice, though many advisors complete extra training to specialize in areas like pensions or equity release. You can view each of our advisors' specific qualifications on their profiles, and they are always happy to discuss them with you in more detail.

The areas of advice vary by firm, but at KDW, we offer a comprehensive, one-stop-shop solution. Our wide range of services includes expert guidance on pensions, investments, mortgages, assurance, tax planning, commercial finance, and investment properties.

Established in St Albans in 1978, KDW is an FCA-registered independent financial planning firm dedicated to building strong, goal-driven client relationships. Because we are independent and have access to the whole of the market, we are not tied to specific products, allowing our experienced advisors to source the best possible solutions with completely transparent fees. From pensions and investments to mortgages and tax planning—plus an in-house estate agent offering discounted rates—we provide a comprehensive service, backed by bi-annual reviews to ensure your plan always stays on track.

We offer an initial, no-obligation consultation at our own expense to understand your objectives and discuss our service costs. For investments, we charge a transparent advisor fee—either a percentage of your investment or a fixed amount—which is always agreed upon with you before any charges apply. For mortgages, you may be charged an administration fee depending on the complexity of your application, and we also receive a commission (procuration fee) directly from the lender.

Because your personal and financial circumstances change over time, our ongoing service adapts to keep you on track. We provide structured reviews, regular updates, and continuous assessments to adjust your financial plan as needed. Depending on your goals, we offer varying levels of tailored support, which includes handling your ongoing correspondence and administrative tasks.

After your initial consultation, your adviser will guide you through our Client Agreement & Valued Service Proposition and Keyfacts documents. These will need to be agreed and signed before your adviser can undertake any further work.