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Things you need to know

Wondering if a Financial Planning Review is right for you, or just have a few questions you’d like to ask before you arrange an appointment? Then here are a few things you might like to know.

Q: Who provides this service?

A: This service is provided by Legal & General. Legal & General is one of the UK’s leading financial services companies, and we’ve been working with them for over 21 years now. We chose Legal & General to give advice to our customers because we know that we – and you – can rely on them. They have over 6.9 million customers in the UK alone, and offer a wide range of pensions, life assurance, investments and general insurance. The Legal & General Group as a whole is responsible for investing £331 billion (as at 30th June 2010) for their investors, policyholders and shareholders.

Q: OK, so they’re big, but why are they offering reviews to Northern Rock customers?

A: Legal & General advisers are experts in long-term financial planning – like pensions, protection and investments. They all have industry-recognised qualifications, as well as plenty of experience in working with customers who have all kinds of different financial needs. And because financial products and rules are changing all the time, they have regular training to make sure they are up-to-date with the latest developments. Northern Rock looks after things like savings accounts and mortgages. So we work in different areas – and together we can make sure all your needs are covered.

Q: How do I know if a Financial Planning Review is right for me?

A: Most people benefit from talking through their finances with a fully qualified financial adviser. Your Legal & General adviser might spot some gaps you hadn’t thought about, and could help you improve what you have in place already. Even if you decide not to go ahead with anything, you’ll know exactly where you stand – and that can give you real peace of mind.

Q: I sort my finances out myself – why would I need this?

A: It’s great if you are on top of things, but it always helps to get another point of view. And because Legal & General advisers are up-to-date with all the latest developments, they can make sure you are too. You might just pick up some handy tips that will help you look after your own money even better.

Q: I can’t afford expert advice – how much does it cost?

A: There’s no fee for a Financial Planning Review, so you don’t need to worry about that. Our aim is to make you better off and your adviser can look at ways to help you save money – for example by finding better value deals for you. If you’re interested in taking out any products, they will let you know if there are any fees – there aren’t always – and make sure that everything is within your budget?.

Q: I don’t have any money to invest, so how can a Financial Planning Review help me?

A: Making the most of your money is just one of the things that a Legal & General adviser can help you with. They can also make sure that your family, income and mortgage are protected, and check that you have everything in place for your financial future.

Q: I’m always so busy, how can I find time for a review?

A: We understand how hard it can be to fit something extra into your schedule, but a review could actually save you time by helping you get all your finances straight. If you decide to take up any recommendations, your adviser will even do all the paperwork and make sure everything’s organised for you.

Q: I can’t always get to a branch – how can I meet an adviser?

A: We’ll make a date at a time and at a Northern Rock branch to suit you. Our Legal & General advisers can come to your office at lunchtime, or to your home in the early evening. It’s all about making things as easy as possible for you.

Q: When I think of a review, I think of stocks and shares – won’t they be too risky for me?

A: There’s a whole range of different kinds of investments to suit us all from very low risk to high risk, and even some that guarantee you won’t lose a penny. Riskier investments offer the chance of higher returns, whilst the most secure investments have less growth potential. An important part of a review is helping you to be clear on how you feel about risk, so your adviser can make sure your money is in a range of accounts and investments that are exactly right for you.