Questions, answered plainly

A financial adviser helps you make informed decisions about your money, covering protection, investments, retirement, mortgages and business-owner planning. The job is to understand your situation and goals, explain your options in plain terms, and recommend what is suitable for you, then review it as your life changes.

I am a general-practitioner financial adviser. Rather than specialising in a single product area, I look at your whole financial picture, spanning protection, investments and wealth, retirement and later-life planning, mortgages and property finance, and business-owner and director planning, so your advice stays joined up across the things that matter to you.

The first conversation is free and there is no obligation to proceed. If you decide to go ahead, the cost depends on the work involved, and it is always explained and agreed with you in writing before anything goes ahead, so there are no surprises. Ask at your first meeting and you will get a clear answer for your situation.

You do not need to be wealthy to benefit from advice. People at all stages find it useful, whether they are starting a pension, buying a home, protecting their family, organising existing savings, or planning retirement. If you are unsure whether advice is worthwhile for you, a free initial conversation is the easiest way to find out.

Gerald Bellot is an adviser with Julian Harris Adviser Network Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 304155). You can check this on the FCA Register. Regulated advice also gives you access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and, in eligible cases, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your money is held with the product and platform providers, not by your adviser.

The first meeting is a relaxed, no-obligation conversation. It is a chance to talk through what is on your mind, ask questions, and decide whether we are a good fit. There is no pressure and no cost. If it is helpful to take the next step, we agree what that looks like together.

Yes. I help people understand the pensions they hold, how they are invested and what they cost, and plan for retirement. Whether a transfer or change is right depends entirely on your circumstances; some guarantees and benefits can be valuable and are not worth giving up. I will always explain the trade-offs clearly and recommend what genuinely suits you.

Yes. I am CeMAP-qualified and advise on mortgages for first-time buyers, home movers and remortgages, helping you understand what you can borrow and arranging a mortgage suited to your situation.

I am based in Gravesend and work with clients across Kent, including Northfleet, Dartford, the Medway towns, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and the surrounding area, as well as further afield nationwide. Meetings can be arranged to suit you, in person or remotely.

Get in touch by phone, email or the contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation conversation. From there, I go at your pace, and there is never any pressure to proceed.