Carolyn Matravers, an adviser at West of England financial planning firm Old Mill, has joined the prestigious Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) organisation.
SOLLA was formed in 2008 as a not-for-profit society dedicated to helping people and their families find trusted accredited financial advisers who understand the financial needs of later life. 
SOLLA accreditation is regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for later life financial advice. All its advisers must pass a rigorous assessment and attain the required qualifications to gain accreditation.
The advisers are also independently assessed for the quality of advice that they give and listed on the SOLLA website to allow older people and their families to find an accredited adviser near them.
Carolyn, pictured, a chartered financial planner, will work with Old Mill’s clients across its four offices in Wells, Melksham, Yeovil and Exeter. She is the second adviser at the firm to become accredited – Chris Tweedie, who is based in its Melksham office, qualified five years ago.
Carolyn said: “The increasingly complex nature of later life finances means that it can be a total minefield for older people and their families, so having expert advice from someone who can take a holistic view of the whole later life market, as well as care funding matters, is absolutely vital.”
Advisers will often have knowledge in some areas but not others, Carolyn said. “This means that many older people are either not getting enough help or support for their needs or are receiving incomplete or inaccurate advice.
“My role is to provide support, guidance and a listening ear at a most vulnerable time for individuals and their families. My 19 years’ experience means I can help people navigate the complexities of the care system and provide the information required to make informed financial decisions.”
Carolyn covers everything from ensuring that the individual is receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled, to addressing more complex financial planning needs.
She works closely with her clients, their children and grandchildren and alongside accountants, other financial planners and solicitors. She carries out direct work which includes liaising with the Office of the Public Guardian and acting as a mediator between families and their local authority.
Old Mill employs nearly 300 highly-trained and qualified staff across its four offices, offering services to 5,000-plus clients.
