When you have a specific financial question like a pension decision, an inheritance, or a big investment, you don’t always need a long-term adviser.
That’s where one-time financial advice comes in.
This approach delivers tailored guidance when you need it most, without committing to ongoing fees.
What Is One-Off (Pay-As-You-Go) Financial Advice
One-off financial advice is designed for a single, focused consultation on a defined issue, for example, pension planning, investment decisions, inheritance, or a major life event.
You get advice, guidance or recommendations, but you’re not tied to a long-term adviser-client relationship. That means no ongoing fees, no regular reviews, just clear, actionable advice.
This is also sometimes referred to as financial advice without ongoing fees, fixed fee financial adviser advice, or one-off independent financial advice.
One-off financial advice is designed for a single, focused consultation on a defined issue, for example, pension planning, investment decisions, inheritance, or a major life event
When One-Off Advice Makes Sense
One-off advice can be especially helpful when you:
- Are making a big financial decision (pension consolidation, investment, inheritance, property, retirement.
- Want guidance but don’t need a long-term commitment, perhaps because your finances are straightforward or you’re comfortable managing things afterwards.
- Prefer to avoid ongoing fees and just want help navigating a specific situation.
- Want to explore your options (for example, one-off pension advice, or one-off investment advice before deciding whether ongoing support is worthwhile.
How Much Does One-Off Financial Advice Cost?
Cost depends on what you need for example, adviser type, complexity, asset size, and time involved.
As a guide:
| Fee Structure | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee | Often used for specific tasks like pension-drawdown setup; agreed in advance. |
| Percentage of assets | Advisers sometimes charge a percentage of the asset under advice (e.g., a pension pot). |
| One-off advice session | Common range: £1,700 to £2,500 depending on scope and complexity. |
| Hourly rate | For small or quick tasks; UK average £150/hr. |
The above rates are a guide and should be discussed before work commences.
Advisers should always be transparent and upfront about fees and make sure to get a clear breakdown, so you know exactly what’s included.
Don’t be afraid to ask!
Important information
The investment strategy and financial planning explanations of this piece are for informational purposes only, may represent only one view, and are not intended in any way as financial or investment advice. Any comment on specific securities should not be interpreted as investment research or advice, solicitation or recommendations to buy or sell a particular security.
We always advise consultation with a professional before making any investment and financial planning decisions.
Always remember that investing involves risk and the value of investments may fall as well as rise. Past performance should not be seen as a guarantee of future returns.
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