TFA - Trusted Financial Advice

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TFA - Trusted Financial Advice TFA Trusted Financial Advice are leading independent financial advisers operating throughout the South and South West of England. Established in 1997.

We rebranded from Tom French & Associates in 2017. TFA, TFA Trusted Financial Advice, TFA Mortgages and TFA Wealth are trading styles of Tom French & Associates Ltd. Tom French & Associates Ltd is registered in England and Wales with registered number 3445703. Its registered office is 7/8 Biddicks Court, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 5EW. Tom French & Associates Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Tom French & Associates Limited is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference 185513. Full details can be found on the FCA website. Our advice to both individuals and families provides financial security, wealth and financial awareness to all our clients and their families throughout their lives, these are our principal aims. We are trusted advisers to many types of businesses. Our experience includes but is not limited to the charity sector; legal and accountancy professions, manufacturing industry, small companies and the sole trader. Our professionally qualified advisers offer independent, un-biased advice ensuring that the advice they provide is absolutely right for you. With offices in Plymouth and St Austell and with advisers throughout the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, the Cotswolds and Hampshire we have clients throughout the South and South West of England.

5 useful tips for avoiding headline-driven decisions ahead of the Budget:1. Limit your exposure to the news and social m...
16/10/2026

5 useful tips for avoiding headline-driven decisions ahead of the Budget:

1. Limit your exposure to the news and social media
2. Remember that speculation isn’t the same as policy
3. Keep in mind that not all potential changes will be relevant to you
4. There’s often a transition period before new policy is introduced
5. Build in a delay before you act on decisions

Waiting for confirmed details could help you make a more informed decision, but whether delaying action is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances. Tax rules and government policy can also change.

Read our blog, linked below, to find out more.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/6-useful-tips-for-avoiding-headline-driven-decisions-ahead-of-the-budget/

The government will set out its tax, spending and economic plans for the year ahead and beyond on 28 October 2026 in the...
14/10/2026

The government will set out its tax, spending and economic plans for the year ahead and beyond on 28 October 2026 in the Autumn Budget.

The weeks leading up to an Autumn Budget always feature rumours about what might change and how it could affect personal finances.

With this Budget being the first for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, speculation is particularly rife.

However, speculation isn’t the same as confirmed policy. Making financial decisions based on headlines before the details are known could mean acting on changes that do not happen or are not relevant to your circumstances. Tax rules and government policy can also change.

To discover how you can avoid headline-driven decisions in the run-up to the Budget, click the link below.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/6-useful-tips-for-avoiding-headline-driven-decisions-ahead-of-the-budget/

We often get asked: if you've got a little spare money at the end of every month, what's the best way to use it?A common...
12/10/2026

We often get asked: if you've got a little spare money at the end of every month, what's the best way to use it?

A common choice is to use the extra cash to overpay your mortgage. However, you could also consider other options, such as saving or investing.

There isn’t a universal answer. The most suitable option will depend on your circumstances, goals and the terms of your mortgage, including whether you could face charges for overpaying. If you choose to invest instead, it’s important to remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise.

Read our blog, linked below, to discover the pros and cons of overpaying your mortgage.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/is-overpaying-your-mortgage-the-right-financial-move/

Could financial protection offer you peace of mind?Taking out financial protection or creating another form of financial...
09/10/2026

Could financial protection offer you peace of mind?

Taking out financial protection or creating another form of financial safety net in case you suddenly couldn’t work are tasks that can be easy to put off.

However, an unexpected illness or accident could have a significant impact on your finances, particularly if you have regular commitments to meet.

Having a plan in place could provide valuable financial support while you recover. However, the most suitable approach will depend on your individual circumstances, and any financial protection policy will be subject to its terms, conditions and exclusions.

Read our blog, linked below, to find out more about financial protection and the different types you might want to consider.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/how-financial-protection-could-protect-your-home-and-lifestyle/

4 psychological reasons why investors make mistakes:1. Emotions could cloud your judgement2. Overconfidence may tempt yo...
07/10/2026

4 psychological reasons why investors make mistakes:

1. Emotions could cloud your judgement
2. Overconfidence may tempt you to try to time the market
3. Confirmation bias could lead you to overlook information
4. Following the crowd may feel safer

Recognising these behaviours could help you make more considered investment decisions. However, it’s important to remember that investing always involves risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and avoiding emotional or biased decisions cannot guarantee positive returns.

Read our blog, linked below, to find out how you can limit the impact of emotions and bias on your investment decisions.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/the-psychology-behind-investment-mistakes/

Retiring early can sound appealing, but what cost are you willing to pay?The FIRE movement (financial independence, reti...
05/10/2026

Retiring early can sound appealing, but what cost are you willing to pay?

The FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) encourages people to save and invest aggressively so they can stop working much earlier than the average person, often in their 40s.

There are useful lessons you can take from the movement, including planning ahead, being intentional with spending, and investing for the long term.

However, a good financial plan should also leave room for the moments that matter now, from family holidays to time spent with friends.

It’s important to remember that investing always involves risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, so investment returns cannot be guaranteed.

Read our blog, linked below, to discover the lessons you can take from the FIRE movement.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/fire-v-financial-planning-the-importance-of-balancing-tomorrow-and-today/

2 upcoming ISA changes you should be aware of:1. The Cash ISA limit will reduce to £12,000 for under-65s2. Interest earn...
02/10/2026

2 upcoming ISA changes you should be aware of:

1. The Cash ISA limit will reduce to £12,000 for under-65s
2. Interest earned on cash held in non-cash ISAs will be subject to 22% tax

Although ISAs remain a popular and tax-efficient way to save and invest, these changes could affect how you use your allowance from April 2027.

How the changes could affect you will depend on your individual circumstances. It’s also important to remember that tax rules can change and, when investing, the value of your investments can fall as well as rise.

Read our blog, linked below, to find out how the changes could affect you.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/2-upcoming-isa-changes-you-should-be-aware-of/

Scammers stole almost £1.3 billion in 2025, according to an article from the BBC.That’s nearly eight cases of fraud repo...
30/09/2026

Scammers stole almost £1.3 billion in 2025, according to an article from the BBC.

That’s nearly eight cases of fraud reported, on average, every minute.

Spotting a scam could be more difficult than you think, especially as fraudsters increasingly use sophisticated techniques to mislead their victims.

Understanding some of the tactics scammers use could help you recognise the warning signs before you hand over personal information or money.

Read our latest blog, linked below, to see whether you’d recognise seven signs of a potential scam.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/why-spotting-a-financial-scam-could-be-harder-than-you-think/

Is overpaying your mortgage the right financial move?Most people taking out a mortgage choose a repayment option. Assumi...
28/09/2026

Is overpaying your mortgage the right financial move?

Most people taking out a mortgage choose a repayment option. Assuming you keep up with your repayments, you’ll own the property outright at the end of the term.

It’s a milestone many families look forward to, so if you have some extra cash, you might consider overpaying your mortgage to get there sooner.

However, there may be other ways to use this additional money, and the most suitable option will depend on your circumstances, goals and the terms of your mortgage. You should also consider whether your lender applies any charges for overpayments.

Read our blog, linked below, to learn more about the pros and cons of overpaying your mortgage.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/is-overpaying-your-mortgage-the-right-financial-move/

If your income stopped, how would you continue to meet your financial commitments, including your mortgage?Many people c...
25/09/2026

If your income stopped, how would you continue to meet your financial commitments, including your mortgage?

Many people could struggle, but suitable financial protection may provide valuable support.

Financial protection includes different types of insurance designed to pay out when certain conditions are met. Depending on the cover you choose, it could help you meet your financial commitments if illness, injury or another covered event affects your income.

However, whether a policy pays out will depend on its terms, conditions and exclusions, and the most suitable type and level of cover will depend on your individual circumstances.

Read our blog, linked below, to learn more about financial protection and whether it could be suitable for you.

https://tfagroup.co.uk/how-financial-protection-could-protect-your-home-and-lifestyle/

Address

Prudence House, Langage Business Park
Plymouth
PL75JX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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