Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about how we work, what advice costs, pensions, inheritance tax and the areas we cover.
About Seventy
Who are Seventy Financial Planning?
We’re independent, chartered financial planners with offices in Harrogate (at Haggs Farm, Follifoot) and Birkdale, Southport. We help people with financial planning, pensions and retirement, investments and inheritance tax.
Why are you called Seventy?
When our founder Chris Riley went independent, he knew he could never be 100% certain. He saw it as 30% uncertainty and natural fear of change, and 70% conviction to act. The name reminds us that our clients have their own hopes and fears about the future. Read our story.
Are you regulated?
Yes. Seventy Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 756248. The FCA does not regulate tax planning, estate planning, trusts or will writing.
Are you independent?
Yes. We can recommend products and providers from across the market, and we never push people towards products.
Advice and fees
How much does financial advice cost?
Your first conversation is free and without obligation. Our fees depend on the advice level you choose (full, hybrid or self-managed), and we always confirm them in writing before any work starts.
What are your advice levels?
Full advice gives you a dedicated planner and ongoing reviews. Hybrid advice lets you manage things with technology and pay for advice when you need it. Self-managed lets you invest through an app without the typical financial planning costs. Compare them or take the quiz.
Do you meet in person?
Yes, by appointment at our Harrogate and Birkdale offices. Many clients also meet us by video or phone.
What happens at the first meeting?
We get to know you: your plans, your worries and what you already have. If we can help, we’ll explain how, and what it would cost. There’s no obligation.
Pensions
When can I take my pension?
From 55 for most personal and workplace pensions, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028. State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
How much is the State Pension?
The full new State Pension is £241.30 a week for 2026/27. Your amount depends on your National Insurance record.
Will my pension be subject to inheritance tax?
For deaths from 6 April 2027, most unused pensions will be included in the estate, unless they go to a spouse, civil partner or charity. Read our guide.
Inheritance tax
What is the inheritance tax threshold?
£325,000 per person, plus up to £175,000 if your home goes to your children or grandchildren. Both are fixed until 5 April 2031. A couple can usually pass on up to £1 million.
Can you help reduce inheritance tax?
Yes. Lifetime gifts, the order in which you spend your money, trusts, business relief, charitable gifts and life cover in trust can all help. We’ll model what works for you.
Do you help farmers and business owners?
Yes. Since April 2026 100% agricultural and business relief is limited to £2.5 million per person. We help families plan around it with their accountant and solicitor.
Where we work
Which areas do you cover?
From Harrogate: Knaresborough, Ripon, Wetherby, Otley, Ilkley, Boroughbridge, Tadcaster, Nidderdale and north Leeds. From Birkdale: Southport, Ainsdale, Formby, Crosby, Maghull, Ormskirk, Burscough, Skelmersdale, Tarleton, Leyland and Lytham St Annes. See every area.
Do you work with clients outside Yorkshire and Merseyside?
Yes. We work with clients all over the UK by video, with the same planners and process.
Let’s chat
You’ve learned a little about us, and now we’d like to know a little about you.
Let’s arrange a free, no-obligation call with one of our advisers.
Fill in the form and we’ll be in touch, or simply call us on 01423 611004.