James Foston — Independent Financial Adviser in Grimsby
About James Foston
James Foston is a Wealth Planner at Mattioli Woods and a Chartered Financial Planner, helping clients make confident decisions about retirement, pensions, investments and their wider financial future. James’s route into financial planning was somewhat unexpected. After initially starting a chemistry degree, he switched to economics and graduated with a first-class degree from the University of Sheffield. He then moved into financial services through paraplanning, supporting Chartered Financial Planners at a local independent firm before progressing into an adviser role and completing his Chartered status. For James, the technical side of financial planning is important, but it is the human side that motivates him most. He enjoys helping clients who may be worried or uncertain about their finances to understand their position and see a clear way forward. His approach is built around honesty, clarity and consistency, with advice tailored to how each client prefers to engage – whether they want detailed analysis or simply the reassurance that their finances are on track. James advises across retirement planning, pension consolidation, Inheritance Tax planning and tax-efficient solutions, including ISAs. He particularly values the difference good planning can make to people’s confidence and quality of life, from helping clients understand whether they can afford to retire to ensuring their wider financial plans remain aligned with their goals. Based in Grimsby, James joined Mattioli Woods following the acquisition of Kingswood in 2025. Outside work, he follows Hull City and Hull Kingston Rovers, enjoys travelling and recently became engaged in Melbourne on Christmas Eve – during the Ashes, although he admits the cricket result was less memorable for positive reasons.
Services
- Retirement planning
- IHT planning
- Sharia-compliant advice
- Mortgages
- Insurance
Specialisations
- Retirement Planning
- Tax Planning
- Investment Management
- Inheritance Tax Planning
- Pension Planning
Qualifications
Associate of the Personal Finance Society (CII, PFS)
Regulation
James Foston is FCA-verified (firm: Mattioli Woods).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is James Foston an FCA-regulated financial advisor?
Yes. James Foston is FCA-regulated and verified by Trusted Advisor. We re-check every advisor's FCA status regularly to make sure their authorisation to give regulated advice is current.
What services does James Foston offer?
James Foston offers Retirement planning, IHT planning, Sharia-compliant advice, Mortgages. You can see the full list of services on this profile, or book a free initial call to discuss your situation in more detail.
How much does it cost to use James Foston?
Fees vary depending on the service, the complexity of your situation and the assets involved. James Foston will explain all fees clearly before you commit to anything, and the initial consultation booked through Trusted Advisor is free.
What is the difference between an independent and a network financial advisor?
James Foston is an independent financial advisor, which means they can recommend products from across the whole of the UK market without being tied to any single provider. This generally allows for more impartial advice.
How do I book a consultation with James Foston?
Click "Book a Consultation" on this page to choose a time that suits you. The first call is free and there's no obligation. If you'd prefer, you can also message James Foston directly through the contact form.
Does James Foston work with clients outside Grimsby?
Many of the advisors on Trusted Advisor work with UK clients remotely as well as in person. James Foston is based in Grimsby but you can confirm preferred meeting locations and video options when you book your initial call.