Financial Clarity
Financial Planning
It may seem basic but everything we do needs to be geared to managing our finances so that we can achieve long-term security, for ourselves and our family. Polestar can help you map out the best routes for you to take.
Savings & Investments
In the present economic climate, we have to work that bit harder to make the most of our savings and investments to achieve the returns we would like.
The value of the investment and the income they produce can go down as well as up and you may not get back as much as you put in.
Retirement Planning
We are a long time retired, which is why planning for a comfortable retirement should be regarded as a priority.
The value of pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Protecting Your Loved Ones
The people who are most important to you are the ones that you will want to offer financial protection to. You may not always be there to help them. There are all kinds of ways to ensure that the right kind of financial provision is put in place. Polestar will be happy to make suggestions that will give your loved ones protection – and you peace of mind.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance has become a hot topic amongst politicians in recent years. It is one that we ignore at our peril. Without the right inheritance tax provisions the Government could benefit more from your life’s work rather than your family.
Estate planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Mortgage Solutions
Property is likely to be the biggest financial commitment that you ever make. Mortgages can become a minefield unless you seek independent advice so you are not drawn into a deal that means more to the lender than it does to you.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loans secured on it. There may be a charge for mortgage arrangement of up to 2% of the loan amount. We will also receive commission from the lender.
Equity Release
A lot of your wealth can be tied up in your home. Equity release is a way of unlocking this wealth, but is an area that should only be considered with the advice of someone who has no strings attached.
Equity Release is a lifetime mortgage or home reversion scheme. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. We will refer any enquires to a specialist equity release adviser who will advise you of the arrangement fees for this type of business.
Corporate Planning
When running a business on a day-to-day basis, often you haven’t the time to really look too far ahead. We can help business people look at their corporate financial planning. We have the time and expertise to review financial areas that could help protect the company and benefit your business in the long term. Why have an informal chat with one of our advisers?
The value of pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Our Approach
The Wealth Navigation System
Your support and work is fee based which means you are in control of the advice process and no work is done until those fees are agreed. We are able to provide tailored financial solutions by considering all the products relevant to you.
As you would expect any fee is agreed prior to each stage. You, as a current client or prospective client, can exit at any stage ensuring you maintain control of the whole process.
Key Staff
Our advisers have an average of more than 20 years’ experience within the financial services industry and we advise a diverse range of private and corporate clients.
Ian Russell DipPFS
Independent Financial ConsultantIan is the owner and principal of Polestar, a trading style of Positive Solutions. Ian has been an adviser since 1997 and is qualified to an advanced level in taxation and trusts (G10), Pensions (AF3) and Investments (AF4). He works principally with private clients addressing their concerns around inheritance tax, investment (for growth or income) and […]
Nicky Borman
Administration Office ManagerFormerly a Personal Assistant working for the Economist at Nationwide Building Society for 13 years, then financial administration at Abbey Life, and Zurich for 2 years. Nicky holds the CII Financial Planning certificates level 1 and 2. Nicky was also the winner of the Swindon Business Womans Group Award in 2003.
Siân Ovel
Principal ResearcherSiân has worked solely with Independent Financial Advisers in a support and research capacity since 1996. These have included small local firms through to large national firms based in London covering every aspect of personal financial planning. In 2007 Siân made the decision to become self employed in order to balance work and family life […]
Tracey Russell
Finance ManagerTracey is an experienced business administrator having been a PA at Director level for companies including ntl (now Virgin Media) and Whitbread plc. She has also worked as a Financial Director’s assistant for a small publishing company and a MD’s assistant for a company providing mobile solutions for PCs.
Testimonials
What our clients are saying about us.
Very helpful and undertook instructions speedily
We have dealt with the firm over a number of years and are confident that they understand our position completely. We like the personal and friendly way queries or requests are dealt with and have made several referrals.
Go the extra mile to help
Nicky and the team are on the ball and will go the extra mile to help. It is a pleasure to do business with people who understand your needs and respond quickly and in a pleasant manner.
Extremely professional
Polestar are extremely professional through their speed and style of communication and product knowledge.
Free initial consultation
The free initial consultation really helped me understand how Polestar supports their clients. The Independent Financial Advisor was clear & concise. I would have no hesitation recommending to others.
Understood our needs
Our Polestar adviser understood our needs. He really listened and heard what we asked. Polestar always had a reply quickly even if it was to tell me how long it would take for action.
Good communication and response to queries
Ian, over quite a number of years now, has coordinated my pension plans and finalised a reasonable result. Polestar provide good communication and response to queries.
