FAQ: costs

Why are there three fee levels?

We will receive no commission or other payment for the advice from any party other than you. We aim to provide a quality service at the lowest cost. We consider it appropriate for our fee to be paid in two stages as indicated in the accompanying documentation. We ask you to describe in our factfind the kind of person you are and what sort of risks you are willing to take. We will then advise you what level of service we think appropriate, but it is always up to you to decide, knowing in advance what it will cost.

• A low risk investment is less time consuming for us, so we charge less (£500 plus VAT);

• A full personal service is very time consuming, so we charge much more for the bespoke service (£1400 plus VAT); and

• The medium risk service falls in between (£850 plus VAT).

(In all cases these fees are inclusive of the non refundable initial assessment fee).

Can my gift lose money?

Yes, where equity investment is involved, the value can fall as well as rise and your beneficiaries may receive less than you have paid in.

Are there hidden commissions and costs?

There are no hidden commissions on the investments which will be recommended. The recommendations will be investment trusts which are collective investment vehicles. In Stage 2 of CWIP we will provide a detailed explanation of costs involved. We believe that investment trusts are cost effective vehicles. As Russell Taylor stated in the February 2006 edition of “Money Management”:

“Very roughly, the average investment trust probably charges about 1 percent (per annum)compared to the unit trust rival at 1.5%. It is tiny differences like these that, over time, have a disproportionate effect on results”.

If you choose the insurance option, there will be some commission payable from the premiums. Full details will be disclosed in the “cooling-off” letter you will receive from the intermediary we have chosen to give you that advice.