Stanstead Abbotts is one of our closest neighbours, just over the county line from our office in Roydon. Yet plenty of people living there have never spoken to a financial adviser, often because of a few common assumptions. This page tackles those assumptions head on, and explains what we can do for the village and for St Margarets across the river.
A village on the Lea
Stanstead Abbotts is a village and parish in East Hertfordshire, on the east bank of the River Lea. Stanstead St Margarets sits on the west bank as a separate parish, and the two are often thought of as one place. St Margarets station, on the Hertford East branch, has direct trains to London Liverpool Street. Like Ware upstream, the village has a history of malting, and the Lee Navigation still brings boats and walkers through.
Seven myths about financial advice
“You need to be rich to see an adviser”
Not true. We help people at every stage, from first-time buyers to those planning retirement. Some of the most useful conversations are with people who have modest savings and want to make good decisions with them.
“Advisers just sell products”
Good advice starts with understanding your situation and goals. Sometimes the right recommendation is to change nothing at all. When we do recommend something, it is set out in writing, with the reasons and the risks explained.
“My pension will sort itself out”
Workplace pensions are a great start, but default contribution levels may not give the retirement you have in mind. It is worth checking what you are on course for, and our pensions page and retirement planning guide explain how.
“Inheritance tax is only for the very wealthy”
Rising property values mean more ordinary families are affected than many people expect, and from 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds are due to be counted in the value of an estate. Our inheritance tax planning page explains what can be done. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and may change.
“Life cover is a waste of money”
If nobody depends on your income, you may not need it. But if a partner or children rely on you, or you have a mortgage, it can make an enormous difference. Our guide to critical illness cover explains a related option, and our protection page covers the rest.
“Cash in the bank is the safe option”
Cash is the right home for an emergency fund and short-term plans. Over longer periods, though, inflation can erode its value. Investing brings its own risk, as values can fall as well as rise, so the right balance depends on your goals and how you feel about risk.
“It’s too early, or too late, to bother”
In your twenties, a small pension contribution has decades to grow. In your sixties, the way you draw your pension can shape your income for the rest of your life. There is rarely a bad time to take stock, and a first conversation will show whether there is anything worth doing now, or whether your plans are already in good shape.
Why being close helps
Because we are just over the county line, Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets clients can meet us face to face in Roydon without much of a journey. Others prefer a free Google Meet video call, which you can book online. Either way, you will deal with the same people each time: Laurence Gould for pensions, investments and business protection, and Kealy Ball for mortgages and protection. Call 0333 011 5550 to arrange a meeting at the office.
Buying or moving locally
If you are buying in the village, moving within the Lea Valley or remortgaging, Kealy can look across a wide range of lenders. See our mortgages page.
Close to Stanstead Abbotts
Roydon
Our home village, just over the county line.
Ware
Up the Lea towards Hertford.
Hoddesdon
South, towards the Lee Valley towns.
Hertfordshire
All the Hertfordshire towns we serve.
Ask us anything
A free first conversation is a good way to test any of these myths against your own situation. There is no obligation.
Book a free first conversationImportant — the risks
The performance of your investments is subject to risk. Its performance may fluctuate based on movements in the market and economic conditions. Capital is at risk. Currency movements may also affect the value of investments. You may get back less than you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Tax treatment is based on an individual’s unique circumstances and may be subject to change.
A pension is a long-term investment — the fund value may fluctuate and can go down, and your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.
Think carefully before securing debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Please note that some mortgages, such as commercial buy-to-lets, are not regulated by the FCA.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover St Margarets as well as Stanstead Abbotts?
Yes. We help clients on both sides of the river, as well as in Great Amwell, Hunsdon and the surrounding villages.
Can I meet you in person?
Yes. Our office at Lynfield, Harlow Road, Roydon, Harlow CM19 5HH is close by. Please call first to arrange a time, or book a free video call online.
Do I need a lot of money to get advice?
No. We help people at every stage, and the first conversation will tell you whether and how we can help.
Will you always recommend a product?
No. Sometimes the right advice is to leave things as they are. Any recommendation is set out in writing with the reasons and risks explained.
Is the first conversation free?
Yes. Your first conversation is free and with no obligation.
Laurence leads on pensions, investments and business protection. More about Laurence.
Important: This page is general information about the areas we serve and the services we offer. It is not personal financial advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, please get in touch.