Why talking to an IFA feels like going to the dentist (and why that’s a good thing)

October 23, 2025

Simon Webster is a financial adviser with over 40 years’ experience. With personal expertise in the corporate environment, he specialises in financial and retirement planning, investments and equity release.

This month, he shares some of his insights.

No one wakes up in the morning thinking, “I’d really like to go to the dentist today.” And for most people, it’s the same with seeing an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA). Both involve facing up to issues you might have been putting off — sometimes because they’re uncomfortable, sometimes because you’re worried you’ll look foolish for not having dealt with them sooner.

But just as a dentist helps you stay healthy, an IFA helps you stay financially fit. And often, the sooner you have the conversation, the better the outcome.

It’s not about the money, it’s about the goal

A common question I hear is: “I’ve got £100,000 — what should I do with it?” But that’s the wrong starting point. The real question is: “I’ve got this money — what do I want it to achieve?”

For one person, the priority might be ensuring they never run out of money in retirement. For another, it might be protecting their family from the unexpected. For a business owner, it could be about safeguarding the company and planning for succession. Priorities differ for everyone — and they change over time.

Life events usually trigger actions

Often, it’s a life event that prompts people to seek out my advice:

• Realising you haven’t written a will or set up a power of attorney
• Recognising that there may be an inheritance tax (IHT) liability on your death
• Receiving a pay rise that pushes you into the £100k tax trap
• Thinking about downsizing or releasing equity from a property
• Facing the costs of long-term care for yourself or a loved one
• Preparing to sell a business or pass it on to the next generation

These are the moments when professional financial advice isn’t just useful — it’s essential.

Avoiding traps and unlocking opportunities

An IFA helps you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of opportunities:

• Tax efficiency: Using pensions to claim 40–60% tax relief, or buying commercial property within a pension to shelter growth from Capital Gains Tax.
• Inheritance planning: With pensions set to be included in estates for IHT from 2027, many long-standing retirement plans need urgent review. The seven-year clock on gifts means it’s never too early to start.
• Cashflow planning: From clients with £million+ homes but minimal cash, to those sitting on large cash balances, advice helps turn assets into sustainable income.

More than numbers

Of course, an IFA’s advice involves extensive technical knowledge. But the real value of an IFA lies in perspective, empathy, and experience. My clients often say that simply talking through their ideas with me is like an insurance policy in itself. It provides reassurance that they’re on the right track — or highlights where a small tweak could make a big difference.

And while no adviser can guarantee the performance of your investments, we can keep your plan under review, adapt it as circumstances change, and help you stay organised. Because wealth isn’t built overnight — it’s built steadily, with the right guidance along the way.

Trust and Relationships

Those who work with an IFA tend to trust them deeply. Those who don’t, often worry about stepping into the unknown. That’s understandable — but it’s also why choosing the right IFA matters. A good IFA brings not just qualifications, but life experience, credibility, and perspective. They understand that it’s not just about the money — it’s about your life.

You don’t need to wait for a crisis to speak to an adviser. In fact, the earlier you start, the more options you’ll have. Whether it’s planning for retirement, protecting your family, or navigating new tax rules, there are very few times when a conversation with an IFA won’t add real value.

Like brushing your teeth, prevention is better than cure. 

Book an appointment with Simon Webster.