A Guide to Wealth Management

04 August 2025

At Killik & Co, we believe wealth management should be accessible, tailored, and rooted in trust. Whether you're just starting to invest or planning for the next generation, our integrated approach brings together expert Investment Management and Wealth Planning, designed entirely around you.

What is a Wealth Manager?

If you’ve ever searched “what is a wealth manager?”, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure what a wealth manager does or whether they need one.

A wealth manager is a financial professional who helps you manage all aspects of your financial life—from investments to planning for major life events. They go beyond picking stocks or funds. A good wealth manager works with you to create a personalised plan, ensuring your money works in support of your goals, both now and in the future.

At Killik & Co, our wealth managers offer a unique combination of:

Investment Management – Delivered by dedicated Investment Managers who build and manage bespoke portfolios based on your circumstances and attitude to risk.
Wealth Planning – Provided by qualified Wealth Planners offering guidance on everything from tax efficiency and pensions to estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer.

By bringing these together, we provide truly integrated wealth management, with all the expertise you need under one roof.

Capital at risk

Please be aware that the value of your investments may fall as well as rise. The content of this blog post reflects our current understanding of UK legislation and only impacts those within the UK tax system. Tax treatment depends on personal circumstances, and the rules may be subject to future change.

Who needs a Wealth Manager?

One of the most common myths is that wealth management is only for the ultra-wealthy. In reality, a wealth manager can support anyone who wants to:

Grow or preserve their savings
Invest tax-efficiently
Plan for retirement or education costs
Pass on wealth to future generations
Manage sudden wealth (such as inheritance or a business sale)

At Killik & Co, we support clients of all ages, life stages and wealth levels—from those just beginning their investment journey to long-established families with complex financial needs. We even offer regular investing options designed for those contributing smaller amounts each month.

How can a Wealth Manager help?

A wealth manager acts as your long-term financial guide. Here’s how:

Builds a tailored investment strategy

that reflects your goals and risk profile

Plans for life events

Including buying a home, retiring, or funding education

Optimises your finances

For tax-efficiency and future growth

Helps you stay on track

Through market cycles and personal changes

Coordinates advice

Across investments, pensions, tax and estate planning you won’t get a one-size-fits-all product or a faceless algorithm. You’ll get a named individual who understands you and adapts your plan.

What does a Wealth Manager charge?

Another common question is: “How do wealth managers get paid?”

At Killik & Co, we believe in transparent, fair fees:

Investment Management fees are usually charged as a percentage of the assets we manage for you. This covers your bespoke portfolio, advice, regular updates, and access to your dedicated Investment Manager.
Wealth Planning services are also charged as an ongoing percentage of assets, with cash flow models and financial plans that adapt with your life stage and goals, and access to complex advice around pensions, tax, trusts or IHT as appropriate.

And for those starting out, we offer cost-effective regular investing options, so you can begin with professionally managed portfolios accessed through our app rather than an Adviser, to build over time until your needs also grow.

Why choose Killik & Co?

Founded in 1989, Killik & Co has spent over three decades helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions. As an independently owned firm, our recommendations are never driven by commissions or product sales—we focus on what’s right for you.

Our clients stay with us not just because of our approach, but because of the relationships we build. Whether it’s your first ISA, a pension plan, or passing wealth to your children, we’ll be there—offering clarity, stability, and guidance every step of the way.

Capital at risk