Am I on track with my retirement planning?

This will be dependent on your needs and objectives. We use cashflow modelling to see if clients’ plans are realistic based the variables that could occur. This doesn’t predict the future but gives a clearer picture of what retirement outcomes are achievable.

How should I diversify my investments?

While it is tempting to focus on assets that have done well in recent times, these can have further to fall if market conditions change. It is therefore key to diversify; ideally having assets that will perform differently at different times. This is not easy to balance and maintain so it’s best to work with experienced professionals.

What's the best way to grow my wealth over time?

This will be dependent on your investment horizon (how long are you are investing for), experience, attitude to risk and capacity for loss. We all want as much growth as possible, but we need to balance that with the risk that is being taken to achieve that growth. Diversification is key, alongside effective use of tax efficient solutions such as pensions and ISAs.

How much do I need to retire comfortably?

How much money you will need in retirement depends entirely on the lifestyle you want. The Retirement Living Standards UK (https://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/) suggests three standards of living in retirement: ‘Minimum’ covers essentials with occasional treats; ‘moderate’ adds regular holidays and hobbies; ‘comfortable’ offers more travel, upgrades and financial freedom. As of September 2026, it suggests that a single person needs £13,900 a year for a minimum standard; moderate needs £32,700, and comfortable needs £45,400. For a two-person household : minimum needs £22,500 a year, moderate needs £45,400 and comfortable needs £62,700. To work towards your target, I suggest you maximise workplace pension contributions, consider a personal pension, and seek expert advice to keep your plan on track. I’m happy to help you define ‘comfortable’ and build a plan. NB: A pension isn't normally accessible until 55 (57 from 2028); its value can go down as well as up.

What are the benefits of working with an adviser?

It's entirely possible to manage your own finances, and some do so successfully. But pensions and investments are complex, subject to frequent legislative and tax changes. Keeping on top of this can be time-consuming alongside everything else life brings. Trading investments can be exciting, but risky without specialist knowledge to monitor markets closely. FCA research (2021) found almost half of new self-directed investors didn't realise losing money is a risk of investing, which can lead to under-diversified portfolios and weaker long-term performance. (https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/research/understanding-self-directed-investors.pdf) For most clients, the benefits come down to access to specialist expertise, time saved researching and monitoring markets, and peace of mind. An adviser's real value builds over time; as markets move, tax rules change, and your circumstances shift, a long-term relationship means your plan adapts with you. Work with specialists who have the expertise and time to help you achieve your goals.

How much does financial advice cost?

Most firms, including Flying Colours Advice, charge based on a percentage of the assets we advise on, typically an initial fee plus an ongoing annual fee. We can also work on a flat fee basis if preferred. Your fee depends on the complexity of your needs and is always agreed upfront. You won't be charged until you've signed off on the work, and your adviser will explain the process and answer your questions first. Under FCA Consumer Duty rules, we must show you're getting fair value, and your adviser will demonstrate where fees impact your wealth and where our advice adds value. In our latest client feedback survey, 97% of clients told us they're satisfied they receive value for money. (https://fcadvice.co.uk/client-feedback-survey)

Tom Garsed-Bennet

Item: Tom Garsed-Bennet
Rating: 4.3
Author: Verified Client

Flying Colours Advice Limited

Minimum savings/pensions: Over £250,000

0330 038 8942

Based in Farnham

View location

Verified since: January, 2025

4.8 out of 5

113 reviews

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE TOM

Tom Garsed-Bennet is known for his expertise in pensions and retirement income, helping clients consolidate and optimise their pension plans. Clients appreciate his clear explanations and tailored advice, which have enabled them to make informed decisions about their financial future. His long-standing relationships with clients and referrals from satisfied customers highlight his commitment to providing personalised and effective financial guidance.

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PINNED REVIEWS

"Tom has provided pensions advice over many years, starting with company schemes and since retiring, SIPP and ISA investments. His advice is always provided after listening to the specifics of the situation, and I feel confident that the advice given has provided the best results for my investment approach."

by a verified client in Berkshire - 4 months ago

"Tom maintains a full overview of our investments and finances and we reassess our income/outgoings/spending at least annually or more often, if required. He has projected our financial needs well into the future and reassured us that our current lifestyle and spending is comfortably affordable. He has advised us about making financial gifts. He has given us a much clearer understanding of investment and risk."

by a verified client in Hampshire - 4 months ago

TOM CAN HELP YOU WITH

Checking if I’m on track for retirementChoosing drawdown or annuityCreating income in retirementShow more

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FCA status: Certified by Firm
Tom is fully authorised under the FCA's Senior Managers & Certification Regime. A regulated Senior Manager has confirmed Tom's status
Last checked: 30 September 2026
Tom is fully authorised under the FCA's Senior Managers & Certification Regime. A regulated Senior Manager has confirmed Tom's status
18
Recent Client Reviews
Tom has received 18 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified
Verified reviews: 100%
Tom has received 18 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified
Independent Financial Adviser
An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.
Last checked: 11 May 2026
An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.
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Positive First Impressions
100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with Tom (based on 31 first impressions)
100% of users who are not yet clients had a positive first experience with Tom
100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with Tom (based on 31 first impressions)

About

I have been a financial adviser since 2005 working within Lloyds Banking group for nearly 10 years and working as an independent financial adviser thereafter. I love my role as a financial adviser, building strong relationships with clients guiding them through the confusing and sometimes overwhelming world of financial planning to ensure their dreams become a reality. I advise in all financial planning areas including estate planning, retirement planning and investment planning. I work with a range of clients young and old with different needs and at different stages in life. I enjoy getting to know each of them individually and their family members and offering tailored solutions and a first class service to all of them.

TOM CAN HELP YOU WITH

Checking if I’m on track for retirementChoosing drawdown or annuityCreating income in retirementHandling insurance or pension death benefitsLeaving a meaningful legacyMaking my pension lastManaging an inheritanceManaging irregular incomeManaging pension tax chargesPaying tax efficientlyPlanning my own pensionPlanning retirement in the next 5–10 yearsProtecting my family’s futureReducing inheritance tax

Tom Garsed-Bennet

Flying Colours Advice Limited

Minimum savings/pensions: Over £250,000

0330 038 8942

Based in Farnham

Verified since: January, 2025

4.8 out of 5

WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE TOM

Checks carried out by VouchedFor

FCA status: Certified by Firm

Recent Client Reviews

Independent Financial Adviser

Qualifications Uploaded

Transparent Fees

Positive First Impressions

About

Should you take tax-free cash before a pension transfer?

TOM CAN HELP YOU WITH