Should you seek professional financial advice?

* Arguments for:
* Complexity: You've identified genuine complexities, especially around taxation of investments in GIAs (General Investment Accounts), and the interplay of different taxes. A financial advisor can provide tailored guidance to optimize your tax strategy.
* Partner's situation: Your partner's disinterest and less-than-optimal allocation could benefit significantly from professional advice. A financial advisor could help create a suitable investment strategy for her, aligned with her risk tolerance and goals.
* Large sum: Receiving £300,000 is a life-changing event. Professional advice can help you make informed decisions to secure your financial future.
* Peace of mind: Even if you're financially literate, a professional can offer a second opinion and potentially identify opportunities or risks you might have missed.
* Arguments against:
* Costs: Fees can eat into your returns, especially if you're primarily considering index tracking. It's essential to understand the fee structure upfront and ensure the value justifies the cost.
* Potential conflicts of interest: Some advisors might recommend products that benefit them through commissions. You need to find an advisor who acts in your best interest (fiduciary duty).
* Your existing knowledge: You're already engaged and knowledgeable, suggesting you're capable of managing your finances. If you're willing to invest the time to research and learn, you might not need an advisor for everything.

Addressing your specific concerns:

* "Small fry" concern: Some advisors have minimum investment thresholds, but many cater to a wide range of clients. Look for advisors who are comfortable working with your asset level.
* "Will they sell me products?" concern: Opt for a fee-based advisor who is legally obligated to act in your best interest. Ask them directly how they are compensated and if they receive commissions on any products they recommend.
* "Are they 'for' someone like me?" concern: Financial advisors can benefit people with varying levels of financial knowledge. They can provide value by offering expertise in specific areas like tax planning, estate planning, or retirement planning.

Next Steps:

1. Define your goals: What do you want to achieve with your investments? Retirement, early retirement, financial independence, specific purchases?
2. Shop around: Interview several financial advisors. Ask about their qualifications, experience, fee structure, and investment philosophy.
3. Consider a one-off consultation: If you're hesitant about ongoing management, a one-time consultation can provide valuable insights and a financial plan without a long-term commitment.
4. Do your own research: Continue learning about investment strategies, tax implications, and different financial products. The more informed you are, the better you'll be able to evaluate the advice you receive.

To provide more specific guidance, it would be helpful to know:

* Your age and your partner's age.
* Your risk tolerance.
* Your specific financial goals (e.g., retirement age, desired retirement income).
* The annual management fee as a percentage of assets.

I hope this helps you make an informed decision!

Given your net worth (soon to be boosted significantly) and the complexity of the questions you’re asking—taxation on GIAs, CGT, dividend tax, property vs. stocks—a financial advisor could be a smart move, at least for a one-off consultation. You’ve got £300,000 to allocate, plus your existing investments, and the stakes are high enough that a misstep (like missing a tax-efficient strategy) could cost you more than an advisor’s fee. For context, advisor fees in the UK often range from 0.5-1% of assets under management per year, or a flat fee of £1,000-£3,000 for a specific plan. That’s not peanuts, but if they save you from a hefty CGT bill or help you structure your investments optimally, it could pay for itself. Plus, with your partner’s disinterest in finance, an advisor might give you both peace of mind that her £192,000 isn’t just sitting in premium bonds or cash ISAs earning next to nothing.

That said, your skepticism is valid. Some advisors push products for commissions rather than your best interest, and with your knowledge of ETFs and index trackers, you might wonder if you’re just paying for advice you could research yourself. You’re not “small fry” at all—many advisors cater to people with £250,000+ in investable assets, and your incoming inheritance pushes you well into that bracket. The trick is finding an independent financial advisor (IFA) who’s fee-only and legally obligated to act in your best interest, rather than a tied advisor who might steer you toward specific funds for their own gain. Check platforms like Unbiased.co.uk or MoneyHelper for tips on finding a good one.

On the flip side, managing it yourself could work if you’re willing to put in the time to deep-dive into UK tax laws and investment strategies. You already seem savvy with ETFs and pensions, and resources like this sub, HMRC’s website, and books like “The Financial Times Guide to Investing” can fill gaps. But be honest—tax rules around GIAs, CGT allowances (£6,000 per year currently, subject to change), and property stamp duty are a minefield, and your £200,000 post-property deposit could attract some nasty tax hits if not structured right. Plus, emotional decisions (like panic-selling during a market dip) can tank even the best DIY plans, and advisors often help with discipline and perspective.

A middle ground? Consider a hybrid approach. Pay for a one-off financial plan from an IFA to address your big questions—tax efficiency, property vs. stocks, and how to allocate that £300,000. Then, manage the day-to-day yourself with low-cost index trackers. That way, you’re not locked into ongoing fees, but you’ve got a professional roadmap to follow. Also, since you’re not married, an advisor might flag legal or tax implications around joint property ownership or inheritance planning that you hadn’t considered.

Ultimately, with the sums involved and your uncertainty around tax, I’d lean toward at least a consultation. Think of it like hiring an accountant for a tricky tax return—you could do it yourself, but one wrong move and you’re kicking yourself later. Anyone else here worked with an advisor on a similar net worth or inheritance? I’d love to hear if the cost felt worth it!

"Congrats on the windfall! At £300k plus what you already have, you’re definitely playing in the 'make your money work smarter, not harder' league now. If managing your existing ETFs has felt like a gentle jog, handling this new sum is more like training for a marathon—there’s value in pacing yourself with expert support. A good financial advisor isn’t just a salesperson in disguise; ideally, they’re a coach who helps you strategize around taxes, asset allocation, and property versus stocks — the complex intersections that DIY guides sometimes skip. That said, fees can be the real spoiler, especially if you’re shopping for advice suited to six-figure portfolios rather than multi-million ones. Maybe start with a session or two, ask direct questions about their fee structure and fiduciary duties, and see if the clarity they bring outweighs the cost. If not, plenty of well-informed communities (like this one) and solid online resources can keep your financial game sharp. At the end of the day, whether it’s advice or DIY, it’s about what helps you sleep better at night—£100k property deposit or not!"