About stage financial

overview

Professional and personalised financial planning

“When I founded Stage Financial I had one aim, to help clients achieve their financial goals through later life and retirement planning; specifically in London, Richmond, Twickenham, St Margaret’s, Isleworth, and Teddington.” Howard Morgan (July’23).

All advice we provide at Stage Financial, is based on the individual’s specific requirements and is founded in our rigorous training and qualifications to provide platinum standard guidance. We offer high-quality, professional expertise, and thanks to my breadth of training and knowledge, we can advise on a wide range of disciplines, these include:

Pensions
Retirement Planning
Investments
ISAs
Inheritance tax planning
Long term care
Later life planning

Do you want to know more?

Howard Morgan

Wealth Manager

I have been offering clients practical financial solutions since 2008. My combination of experience and communication skills puts me in a position to provide top-level advice that responds directly to their exact needs.

At Stage Financial, our approach is jargon-free and transparent. We take the time to explain everything in plain English and try to give a choice of financial routes for clients to choose from, rather than just one. This is important to us, so that we form long-lasting relationships with our private clients.

I specialise in providing financial advice for my private clients, around Pensions, Later Life and Retirement planning to effectively manage your wealth portfolio. My specialist areas include:

Verified Client Reviews

I have over 65 verified client reviews recorded on Vouched For since 2020.

Vouched For is the UK’s leading review site for Financial Advisers, and other financial industry professionals.

Certifications & affiliations

Howard Morgan M.A PETR CertLTCP CeRER MLIBF AdvDipFA

Howard is highly-qualified and has extensive experience and a track record of sustaining long-term relationships with valued Private Clients.

As the Wealth Manager at Stage Financial, I provide “platinum standard” financial advice as one of a small number of fully qualified financial advisors who can advise on all three (3) Retirement and Later Life Planning topics. These topics are Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Transfers, Long Term Care, and Equity Release. Clients recognise the importance of having an adviser who can advise across all 3 components and offer advice that considers all options and implications to deliver a plan tailored to your specific needs.

My knowledge and experience is underpinned by professional training and qualifications through The London Institute of Banking and Finance, having completed the following certifications:

Certificate in Long Term Care and Later Life Planning (Cert TCP) – Long Term care and Estate Planning
Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER) – Equity Release
Level 6 Pension Transfer – Advanced Diploma Qualifications for DB pensions
Level 6 Taxation, Trusts and Tax Compliance – Advanced Diploma Qualification

Further qualification from the Chartered Insurance Institute give Stage Financial the ability to offer trusted financial advice.

I am a Chartered Associate in Financial Advice from The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF).

Stage Financial - Service Portfolio

Practical, focused and tailored financial advice

Investments and Savings

We will support you to make your money work best for you, with a full range of investment options which could include equities, funds, bonds, and alternative investments.

Pensions

We will advise you on how to make a plan for a comfortable retirement; whether it’s starting a pension or understanding how much you should be contributing to one.

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown)

We guide you, so you can understand and evaluate annuities vs. drawdowns and discuss the other available retirement income options for you.

Pensions transfers

As specialists, we are in the position to give you advice on transferring pensions, for example where you want to transfer a Defined Benefit or Final Salary scheme (one that promises to pay a certain income), or where there are other safeguarded benefits. Transferring out of a Final Salary scheme is unlikely to be in the best interests of most people.

Inheritance Planning

We provide solutions for planning your inheritance and understanding the tax implications of an inheritance you leave, or accessing an inheritance you have received.

Financial Planning

Helping you towards specific financial goals, seeing how close you are to achieving them and forming a plan to get on track; whether that is planning for an early retirement or planning to buy your first home.

Practical, focused and tailored financial advice

Investments and Savings

I will help you generate a better return on your savings, with a full range of investment options which could include equities, funds, bonds and alternative investments.

Pensions
I will advise you on how to make a plan for a comfortable retirement; whether it’s starting a pension or understanding how much you should be contributing to one.

Retirement income (annuities, drawdown)

I guide you, so you can understand and evaluate annuities vs. drawdown and discuss the other available retirement income options for you.

Pensions transfers

As a specialist I am in the position to give you advice on transferring pensions, for example where you want to transfer a Defined Benefit or Final Salary scheme (one that promises to pay a certain income), or where there are other safeguarded benefits. Transferring out of a Final Salary scheme is unlikely to be in the best interests of most people.

Inheritance Planning

I provide solutions for planning your inheritance and understanding the tax implications of an inheritance you leave, or accessing an inheritance you have received.

Financial Planning

Disclaimer

The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. Therefore, you may get back less than you invested.
Inheritance tax & later life planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate advice on estate planning and some forms of taxation.

Who We advise

Are we right for you?

We can advise you at every stage of your life, but our core focus tends to be providing financial solutions for retirement and later life.

This is because, over the past 15 years in the financial services industry, Stage Financial’s Howard Morgan has developed specialisms in complex investment platforms, pensions as well as retirement planning.

Our client portfolio includes individuals, couples, and businesses, all wanting clear and trustworthy advice.

Whether you are approaching retirement, wanting to get your finances in order or needing guidance on how to move forward financially, Stage Financial is here to guide you with clear, expert advice.

Why Choose Stage Financial?

Because you’ve worked hard!

Qualifications, expertise, and experience, we believe, are not enough to offer clients worthwhile financial advice. Without clear communication and an understanding of specific financial goals, the solutions offered can only be generic and unfocused.

We treat every client as an individual and we strive to help them to the best of our ability. Our clients live and work across London and the Home Counties, allowing us to meet using online platforms or in-person.

Having always been based close to our local neighbourhoods of Richmond, Twickenham, St Margaret’s, Isleworth, Kingston, and Teddington, we have an understanding of our local clients’ requirements that surpasses our competitors.

The Process

A personalised set of steps, that helps us to provide financial advice that answers your specific needs.

What our customers say

The reviews are in. See what my clients have to say:

Jess T, Hampton

Following on from probate with my late Mother I was seeking professional advice on where best to place the inheritance. Howard has seen us through some extensive advice that we now fully trust him with our investments. He is always so friendly, professional & knowledgeable of the financial industry & seeks to fulfil our needs to the optimum. He also assisted us with getting all our pensions together in one place & working best for us & our families future. I would actively recommend Howard; our investments are doing even better than expected in an uncertain world with some real growth. We wouldn’t trust anyone else to this degree with the service we have received over the years now which worth its weight in gold!

Thomas B, Kingston

Thank you very much for arranging my pension in December 2022 which allowed me to pay a lump sum from my business to offset against corporation tax. Howard and the team acted swiftly and professionally to take hold of an existing pension pot I set up many years ago and best placed it in a fund that fitted to my goals of a financially secure future. I look forward to having a long-term relationship with Howard and Keystone. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who is looking to review and plan their finances.

Neil L, Whitstable

I was looking for advice on how to consolidate several Pensions and was recommended several Financial Advisers. I chose Howard as he looked to be the best fit for my situation. We reviewed my various pension pots and decided to leave some ‘as is’ and consolidate other pensions to give the best return. Howard can explain complicated Pension advice in plain and simple terms which is easy to understand. His advice has been invaluable, and his friendly nature and excellent knowledge has made life very easy for me.

Jen B, Twickenham

I had several different pensions that I had accrued that I wanted consolidating to help me plan for retirement. He is warm and friendly and was the first advisor I spoke to that really delved into my personal circumstances and financial needs in a holistic way. He has a way of explaining very complex issues in an interesting and relatable way. Howard went above and beyond to get me the best pension investment for my personal needs. He communicated regularly and effectively throughout the whole process, and I feel confident I have the best product available. Finding a highly qualified financial advisor that is a joy to work with is like gold dust, so I’ll stick with him for any financial planning needed in the future.

Steve W, London

I am really pleased with the help and advice Howard provided me recently regarding a Pension Transfer. We discussed my needs and my future goals and answered my questions. We agreed on the next steps, and he was able to manage the transfer process for me. He is very approachable, honest and gives clear explanations. We stay connected to review my financial plan each year and I am more than happy to recommend him to family & friends.

Where we operate

Our clients are based across London and in the Home Counties, so we can meet virtually or in-person.

Our team live in the area that we frequently operate in, that being a 10-mile radius of Richmond. This includes Twickenham, St Margaret’s, Isleworth, Teddington, Kingston, Weybridge and Wimbledon.

Our passion is to work with local individuals, families, and businesses who are looking for a secure and happy future. We feel working in a set geographical location gives me the ability to connect with the people and companies we advise and so offer them the appropriate financial solutions.

Frequently asked questions

What does Platinum Standard Financial Advice mean?

The level of advice and service I provide is “platinum standard” as I am one of a small number of fully qualified financial advisors who can advise on all 3 Retirement or Later Life Planning topics. This means I can advise my clients on Defined Benefit Pension Transfers, Long Term Care and Equity Release. More often, clients recognise the importance of having an adviser who can advise on all 3 areas, to consider all of the factors, weigh up the pros and cons to make sure you are getting advice that aligns to your specific needs and circumstances. Contact me to find out more.

What fees are involved for your advice?

You will appreciate that everyones financial situation and late life of retirement plans are unique to them. Hence, my fees are dependent upon the area of advice, the products arranged and the complexity of your individual needs. I will discuss with you the production options and fees as part of our conversations to create your personalised financial plan. I am happy to schedule a complementary 15 mnute clarity call. Reach out to me to arrange yours.

Do you take on clients outside of the Richmond/Kingston area?

Yes, I work with clients both in person as well as remotely online. So we have clients in London, in the home-counties and around the M25. So whilst most of my clients are located within a 10-mile radius of Richmond, having clients further afield is not an issue. So if we aren’t able to meet in person, there are a number of online methods including by phone, WhatsApp, Zoom meetings or Google Meet. Contact me and lets discuss your situation and we can agree how we can work together.

Is it a good idea to transfer out of my pension scheme?

It can vary and based on the individual circumstances, requirements and aims of the client. For DB pension schemes for instance, it is our initial stance that this is not right for everyone and the starting point is that is not the right thing to do unless there are extenuating circumstances. We would like at other areas, borrowing, equity release lifetime mortgages or other assets to weigh up the pros and cons of all alternative solutions and give a personalised recommendation.

NOTE: Transferring out of a Defined Benefit Scheme is unlikely to be in the best interests of or be suitable for most people.

Can Equity Release a little risky?

Not really since it has been reformed and now the main area of equity release is regulated by the FCA. in the past decades ago the products didn’t cater for the change in the economic environment. This led to the outstanding debt being higher than the value of the house. This and other areas have been resolved with a minimum equity guarantee which prevents the loan exceeding the value of the property. Although, we would like to plan for other savings vehicles in later life the equity in the home can be a variable solution for someone’s needs to have a better standard of living in retirement.

What is Long Term Care?

Long Term care is a specialised area of financial planning that is often not discussed. Statistically it is likely most of us will live into our 80’s and possibly with ailments making it difficult to look after ourselves or our loved ones. If you have assets over £24,250, you will need to fund your care costs, until your assets reduce below the threshold.
There are some guaranteed income choices that can pay the nursing home directly and there is an array of insurance products available, which only a qualified adviser can advise you on.

It’s fair to say most advisers are not able to advise in this niche area of retirement planning, I have qualified in this specialist are of financial planning so that I can advise my clients holistically on their options. Contact me today to discuss your specific needs and circumstances.