Gordon Tate, Independent financial adviser

An introduction to Gordon Tate

Your career to date?
I began my career with the Prudential in Portsmouth in 1975 and was promoted to Surrey in 1982. I joined Legal & General as a financial consultant in 1983, where I remained as a senior consultant until 1999 when I left to train to become an Independent Financial Adviser.

I have been in financial services for 35 years but learned some of my most valuable lessons when it came to arranging long-term care funding for my frail elderly parents. This is an area of particular expertise but also something I find personally very rewarding when I can help families fund the care they want for their loved ones, while still retaining the family home and protecting their assets. Empathy, sound advice and plain English are a godsend to clients in times of such emotional stress.

I have undertaken in-depth training with Age Concern Financial Partnerships in conjunction with Norwich Union (now Aviva).

My financial planning expertise is wide ranging. I provide expert advice and guidance in the areas of Equity Release mortgages, which are a last resort measure for those who are asset rich and cash poor. This is often used to help maintain the lifestyle for those who are finding retirement far too restrictive in life's choices and quality.

I also work as a volunteer with local branches of charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Friends with Dementia and Carers Support.

I am a member by accreditation of the Society of Later Life Advisers.

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

If you could offer one piece of financial advice to an individual, what would it be and why?
Only use banks for cashing cheques and paying bills, Never use a bank or Building Society for fiancial advice.

Which areas of financial planning do you feel an individual should be addressing in the next 2 years?
Retirement Planning and trying to amass wealth for their old age

What is the most common mistake you find individuals make in financial planning?
They let their hearts rule their heads

As an independent financial adviser what, for you, are the main benefits of being a part of Honister Partners Ltd?
The back up and support in areas such as investment research, complaince, P.I. and the comfort of knowing that they are financially sound