Engagement guide
From first call to written recommendations
Financial advice is delivered in stages. This page sets out how Harbor Crest runs an engagement so you know what happens before any fee is due.
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1
Discovery call
Thirty minutes by phone or video. We listen to your pension, inheritance, or business question and confirm whether it sits within our permissions. No fee, no obligation.
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2
Engagement letter
A written letter stating the scope, fixed fee or fee basis, expected timescale, and documents required. Work does not begin until you sign and return it.
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3
Fact-find meeting
A 60–90 minute session in Lehnerwell or online. We capture income, outgoings, existing pensions and investments, protection, and your priorities for the next few years.
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4
Analysis
Behind the scenes we compare scheme charges, model cash-flow sketches, and check risk capacity against any proposed changes. You may receive follow-up questions by email.
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5
Suitability report
Recommendations arrive in writing. We walk through them in a presentation meeting and answer questions before any applications proceed.
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6
Implementation & review
Where you ask us to implement, we handle applications and chase providers. An implementation review follows within three months on flagship planning work. Ongoing annual reviews are optional.
What we ask you to prepare
- Pension annual statements and any transfer packs already requested
- ISA and investment valuations less than three months old
- Payslips or self-employed accounts / company management figures
- A short note of debts, mortgage balance, and monthly essentials
Aoife, our client coordinator, sends a tailored checklist when your engagement letter is issued.
Common questions
Before you book
Are you independent or tied to a particular product provider?
Harbor Crest offers whole-of-market advice. We recommend products and wrappers that suit your goals and risk capacity, not a closed panel of in-house funds.
How do you charge for advice?
Most personal planning work is quoted as a fixed engagement fee after an initial discovery call. Ongoing reviews are available as an annual retainer. We set out fees in writing before any paid work begins.
Do you advise on mortgages or equity release?
We can discuss how borrowing interacts with your wider plan, but we do not arrange mortgages or equity release. Where needed, we introduce you to a suitably authorised specialist.
Can we meet remotely if we live outside Northern Ireland?
Yes. Video consultations are available across the UK. Face-to-face meetings are held at our Lehnerwell office by appointment.
What should I bring to a first planning meeting?
Recent pension statements, ISA and investment valuations, payslips or accounts if self-employed, and a note of debts and monthly outgoings. We send a checklist when you book.