Ware is a historic riverside town on the Lea, a short drive from our Roydon office via Stanstead Abbotts. If you live in Ware and have been meaning to get your finances in order, this page explains the questions worth asking and how we can help answer them.
Ware at a glance
Ware grew up as a river and malting town, and its eighteenth-century riverside gazebos are still a familiar sight along the Lea. Today it is part of East Hertfordshire, with Hertford a couple of miles upstream, and Ware station on the Hertford East branch gives direct trains to London Liverpool Street. The A10 passes just to the west of the town.
We also help clients in the villages around Ware, including Hunsdon to the east, and in Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets, a little way down the Lea towards our office.
Five questions worth asking yourself
Most people do not need a complicated plan. They need clear answers to a handful of questions. Here are the five we find most useful.
1. Do I know what my pensions are worth and what they might pay?
If you have changed jobs a few times, you may have several pensions and no clear picture. We can trace them, explain what each one offers and help you decide whether combining them makes sense. Our pensions page explains more.
2. If I could not work for six months, how would the bills be paid?
Statutory sick pay does not go far. Income protection, and cover such as critical illness cover, can fill the gap. We look at what you already have through work before suggesting anything new.
3. If I died tomorrow, would my family be all right?
Life cover need not be expensive, and it can be designed to pay a lump sum or a regular income. Our guide to family income benefit explains the income option, and our protection page covers the rest.
4. Is my spare cash doing anything useful?
Keeping an emergency fund in cash is sensible. Beyond that, money you will not need for some years might be better invested, depending on your goals and how much risk you are comfortable with. Start with our investment overview.
5. Is my mortgage still the right one?
If your deal is ending, or your circumstances have changed, it is worth reviewing. Kealy Ball can look across a wide range of lenders for buying, moving or remortgaging. See our mortgages page.
Business owners in Ware
If you own or co-own a business, there is a sixth question: what happens to the business if something happens to you or a fellow owner? Our business protection page explains the main options.
What to have to hand for a first meeting
You do not need to prepare anything for a first conversation, but if you would like to make the most of it, these are useful to have nearby:
- Recent statements for any pensions, including old workplace schemes.
- Your State Pension forecast, which you can get from GOV.UK.
- Details of savings, ISAs and other investments.
- Your mortgage details, including when any fixed rate ends.
- Any life, critical illness or income protection policies, and a note of what you get through work.
- A rough idea of your monthly income and outgoings.
If you cannot find something, do not worry. Tracing old pensions and policies is part of what we do. The most important thing to bring is an idea of what you would like your money to do for you.
What happens after the first conversation
If you decide you would like to go ahead, we gather the details we need, research the options and come back to you with a written recommendation that explains what we suggest, why, and what the risks are. You are under no obligation to follow it. If you do, we handle the paperwork with the providers or lender, and arrange to review your plan as your circumstances change.
Talking to us
You can book a free Google Meet video call online with Laurence or Kealy. If you would rather speak on the phone or meet in person at our office in Roydon, call 0333 011 5550. Or drop us a line through the contact page.
More towns near Ware
Hertford
The county town, just upstream.
Hoddesdon
South along the A10 and the Lee Valley.
Hertfordshire
All the Hertfordshire towns we cover.
Areas we cover
Every town and village we serve.
Answer those questions together
A free first conversation is the easiest way to see where you stand. 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
How far is your office from Ware?
Our office in Roydon is a short drive from Ware via Stanstead Abbotts. We also meet clients by video call and phone.
Can you find my old pensions?
Yes. We can help trace old pensions and explain what each one offers before you decide anything.
What protection do I actually need?
It depends on your income, your family, your mortgage and the cover you already have through work. We look at all of that before recommending anything.
What should I bring to the first meeting?
Nothing is essential. If you have them, recent pension statements, savings details, mortgage details and any insurance policies are helpful.
Is the first meeting 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.