Richard Clayton, Independent Financial Adviser

An introduction to Richard Clayton

Your career to date?
In 1969 I went to Stratford Catering Collage and ended up working with very experienced Chef's in the UK. This was an excellent grounding for people skills, along with cooking for some very famous people. I there learned a very important rule that has stayed with me over the years “If you can`t wash the floor don't tell someone else how to do it!!”

I have run my own business for a number of years with my wife. Following this I helped to establish a successful wholesale business in Leamington Spa.

I took a career change in 1989 and joined Manulife. In 1995 I moved into Canada Life, then in 2001, became an IFA.

Now with Honister Partners, one of the largest firms of independent financial advisers in the UK, I work holistically and have access to specialist advisers which enables me to provide the best advice for my clients. We do not believe in typical clients and off-the-peg solutions but believe our clients to be unique and so tailor creative solutions to meet present and future goals.

What do you specialise in?
Mortgages, Equity Release and Home Reversion Plans.

If you could offer one piece of financial advice to an individual, what would it be and why?
Go with your gut feeling it will have served you well over the years!

When requesting financial advice you need to be provided with information enabling you to make an informed decision, if it must sits comfortably with you then it will be right for you. However, if the financial burden is too great it will effect your day to day budget and family requirements. Remember small steps work towards your financial objectives and review regularly.

Which areas of financial planning do you feel an individual should be addressing in the next 2 years?
Create wealth wisely and efficiently.

Protect the money machine if it breaks down income cease`s that leads to financial problems. What’s a money machine? It’s the person who puts food on the table. It cannot be repaired like a TV, car or just disposed of and replaced.

What is the most common mistake you find individuals make in financial planning?
Failing to recognise the importance of underpinning the financial liabilities and the responsibilities they carry and what effect they would have on a business, the family and those they love in the event of, loss if income due to illness or premature death and finally Will planning, the best leaving present you can provide. Just do it!

As an independent financial adviser what, for you, are the main benefits of being a part of Honister Partners Ltd?
Honister is a "my team, my specialists" support network that I can draw specialist advice, help and opinions that enable me to give my clients best advice.