About Hannah Cowell
I am an independent financial advisor, whole of market and unbiased. I’ve been self employed since 2013.
I have built my business from scratch. I believe the right financial advice can make a huge difference in people’s lives, whether it's planning for retirement, managing investments, or navigating financial challenges.
During school careers advice, I considered joining the police or banking. After a week’s work experience at a building society, I started my career as a YTS trainee at 15, later advancing to mortgage advisor and customer service roles. For 24 years, including 14 as a financial advisor, I worked within the bank’s advice model. When faced with redundancy, I chose to stay in the industry and became self-employed.
Unable to bring my previous client base due to data protection laws, I quickly learned my business relied on attracting new clients. To build my profile and generate leads, I set up a stall at the local Christmas market—an effort that earned me recognition for "Best Dressed Stall" from the mayor.
The below gives an idea of what to expect from my service -
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Assess Financial Situation: Review your current financial status, including assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and financial goals.
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Create a Financial Plan: Based on the assessment, develop a tailored financial plan that might include investment strategies, retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning.
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Recommend Products and Services: suggest financial products and services that fit your needs, such as investments, insurance, and savings accounts, from a broad range of options rather than from a limited selection.
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Investment Advice: help you choose investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals, providing ongoing advice and adjustments as needed.
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Monitor and Review: regularly review and update your financial plan to ensure it stays on track with your goals and adjusts for any changes in your personal circumstances or market conditions.
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Education: educate you about financial concepts and strategies to help you make informed decisions.
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Fiduciary: Responsibility: act in your best interest rather than seeking to benefit from commissions or incentives.
Overall, their goal is to provide objective and comprehensive advice to help you achieve your financial objectives and make informed decisions.
Over the years, my business has grown significantly through a focus on intergenerational planning. For example, when I assist a first-time buyer with their mortgage and necessary protections, I may later see them again when their mortgage matures. In the meantime, I often have referrals with their parents or friends, who might be approaching retirement and need a review of their financial plans, or who may inherit money and need guidance on their options.
This approach has allowed me to support Clients across different stages of their financial lives. Similarly, clients who have worked with me on new investments, pensions, or retirement planning often refer me to their children for mortgage advice. By maintaining these relationships, I’m able to provide comprehensive financial planning that spans generations, ensuring continued support for the entire family.
When I first started out on my own, I didn’t have the advantage of managing substantial funds or receiving management fees. Additionally, many advisers did not focus on mortgages. However, I’ve since recognized that assisting clients with mortgages, even if it doesn’t generate significant immediate revenue, can open doors to valuable opportunities.
By building relationships with clients through mortgage services, I position myself to be their financial adviser for the long term. As these clients’ financial situations evolve, I can assist with various needs, creating a broader and deeper relationship. When clients pass away, their inherited funds are likely to be managed by an adviser with whom their family has an established relationship. This means that the relationships I build today with clients and their families can lead to future opportunities as their financial needs continue to grow and change.
My core mission is to provide personalised financial guidance that aligns with each client’s unique goals and values. I believe in fostering a transparent and collaborative relationship, where clients feel confident and informed about their financial decisions. My approach is grounded in integrity and a dedication to long-term success.
As a dedicated financial adviser with over 30 years of experience, I am passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve financial security and independence. My journey began with a fascination for finance and a commitment to helping others navigate their financial futures.
My career has spanned diverse roles in financial planning and investment management, equipping me with a deep understanding of various financial strategies and tools.
I employ a holistic approach to financial planning, taking into account not only your financial situation but also your personal aspirations and lifestyle. By listening carefully and developing tailored strategies, I strive to build a robust plan that supports your financial goals, whether it's planning for retirement, saving for education, or managing investments.
Impact and Goals - I take pride in seeing my clients achieve their financial milestones and gain peace of mind. My long-term vision is to continue expanding my knowledge and services to meet evolving financial challenges and opportunities, ensuring that my clients are always well-positioned for success.
Being part of an online review system with Vouched for – this has allowed me to accumulate years of client feedback, which is available for prospective clients to review. This transparency helps reassure new clients about the quality of my service. Additionally, I have been recognized annually for the past decade in The Times as one of VouchedFor’s top financial advisers, and this recognition has also been featured in The Mail and The Telegraph. This extensive media coverage further enhances my credibility and visibility in the industry.
Hannah Cowell Financial Services Limited offers financial advise across the East and West Midlands, including Ashby de la Zouch, Swadlincote, Coalville, Ibstock and Burton upon Trent.
