Case study: Core
Financial planning advice on how best to position your investments to generate an income in retirement.
Meet Ravi
Ravi is a 58-year-old architect based in Oxford. After a successful career running his own practice, Ravi is now considering retirement within the next five years. He recently sold a commercial property, releasing £450,000 in capital, and wants to ensure this windfall is used wisely to support his retirement goals.
Ravi has a modest mortgage remaining on his home, a defined benefit pension from a previous employer, and a personal pension valued at £180,000. He has limited investment experience and describes himself as “cautious but curious” when it comes to financial planning.
Understanding Ravi’s goals
Ravi approached Crowe Financial Planning for professional advice on:
- whether to use the proceeds from the property sale to clear his mortgage
- how to invest the remaining funds to support his retirement
- creating a sustainable income strategy for retirement
- minimising tax liabilities and preserving wealth for his two adult children.
He wanted clarity, reassurance, and a plan that would allow him to retire comfortably while maintaining his current lifestyle.
Our approach
Ravi was a perfect fit for our Core Service, which is designed for clients with more complex needs and larger investment portfolios. This service includes comprehensive financial planning, investment strategy, and ongoing advice.
Our process included:
understanding Ravi’s values, goals, and financial situation through a discovery meeting
a detailed review of his existing pensions, mortgage, and assets.
The investment solution
After assessing Ravi’s risk tolerance and retirement timeline, we recommended a strategy using our Centralised Investment Proposition, which included:
- Platform: AJ Bell - selected for its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and ease of access.
- Investment option: Brooks Macdonald Model Portfolio Service (MPS) – offers a diversified portfolio tailored to Ravi’s medium-risk profile.
Ravi chose a Medium Risk Income and Growth portfolio, which balances capital growth with income generation. The Brooks Macdonald MPS is actively managed and rebalanced regularly, ensuring alignment with Ravi’s evolving needs. Equity exposure is likely to range between 55-75%.
Implementation
We provided a comprehensive suitability report outlining:
- the benefits and implications of repaying the mortgage early
- investment options for the remaining capital
- a tax-efficient drawdown strategy to generate £40,000 net annual income in retirement
- estate planning considerations to protect assets for his children.
We also reviewed Ravi’s protection needs and ensured he had adequate cover in place.
Our fees for the Core Service are transparent and tailored to the level of advice and ongoing support provided
- Initial Advice Fee: £6,000 for recommendation and implementation.
- Ongoing Advisor Charge: 0.75% per year, based on assets under management.
These fees cover:
- annual review meetings | investment performance monitoring | tax planning and updates | adjustments to the financial plan as Ravi’s circumstances change.
Timeline and delivery
The planning process took approximately six weeks:
Outcome
Ravi now has a clear, structured financial plan that aligns with his retirement goals. His investments are actively managed, and he receives regular updates and reviews to keep the plan on track.
He feels confident about retiring in the next few years and is reassured that his financial future is secure.
What Ravi said
“Crowe helped me make sense of my finances and gave me the confidence to plan for retirement. I now have a strategy that works for me and my family.”
Benefits by being actively involved
Peace of mind
Ravi knows his income needs can be met sustainably, giving him emotional security as he transitions into retirement.
Clarity
Detailed analysis and clear explanations helped Ravi understand his options and make informed decisions.
Empowerment
Ravi was actively involved in discussions about risk and investment, ensuring the plan reflects his values.
Legacy planning
We helped Ravi structure his estate to benefit his children, with ongoing advice to adapt as needed.
Final thoughts
Through engaging with Crowe Financial Planning, Ravi was able to take control of his financial future. The Core Service provided the expertise, structure, and support he needed to embrace retirement with confidence.
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Important informationThe client name and scenario used in this case study are fictitious, but the advice and process reflect a real example of how Crowe Financial Planning supports clients. Please note:
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until age 55 (57 from April 2028 unless the plan has a protected pension age). The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Your pension income could also be affected by the interest rates at the time you take your benefits. The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation, which are subject to change. You should seek advice to understand your options at retirement. |