Working in client services at Hive, I’ve learned something very simple but very important: no financial question is too small, too basic, or too silly to ask.

We work with a wide range of dental professionals – from new associates trying to understand their first self-assessment tax return, to seasoned practice owners reviewing their business structure before selling up. And across the board, people worry about whether they “should” already know something.

You don’t need to know everything, that’s why we’re here.

“I feel like I should already know this…”

We hear this phrase often. Maybe you’ve Googled something three times and still don’t get it. Maybe you’ve heard your colleague talk about dividends or incorporation and you’ve just nodded along, not wanting to look confused.

But here’s the thing: financial matters are complex, and the UK tax system isn’t always user-friendly. There’s absolutely no shame in asking a question, even if you’ve asked it before. In fact, the sooner you ask, the better. Financial misunderstandings can build over time, and a five-minute conversation today could prevent hours of stress later.

What counts as a “silly” question?

We’ve had clients ask:

• “What actually is a tax return?”
• “Do I need to keep receipts for coffee?”
• “Can I charge my travel expenses to the company?”
• “Why can’t I just use my personal bank account for everything?”
• “Is this email from HMRC real?”

These aren’t silly questions. These are smart, responsible questions. They tell us you care about doing things properly and you’re not afraid to ask for help. In client services, our job is to be your first point of contact, and your safe space for these kinds of questions. If we don’t know the answer immediately, we have a team of experts on hand to get back to you with clear, practical advice.

Building confidence through clarity

It’s pretty amazing watching a client go from feeling unsure or overwhelmed to feeling informed and confident. It might take a few conversations, a bit of back and forth, or a couple of follow-ups, but the moment that clarity clicks, it’s always worth it. Because once you understand the why behind the numbers, everything else gets easier. You can make better decisions for your practice, your career, and your future.

Questions we love hearing

• “What’s the best way to take money out of my company?”
• “How should I go about purchasing a company car?”
• “How do I save for my tax bill?”
• “Can I afford to hire another nurse?”
• “Do I need a separate savings account for the business?”

These are exactly the kinds of questions we want you to ask, and early on. No question is too basic, and there’s no such thing as being a “bad” client for not knowing the answer.

Don’t sit on that doubt

If something’s been on your mind for a while, a small concern, a number that doesn’t add up, a process you’ve never fully understood, now’s the time to ask. You don’t need to wait until your next accounts are due. You can pick up the phone or drop us an email today.

At Hive, we don’t expect our clients to be finance experts. That’s our job. Your job is to ask the questions and trust that you’ll get a straight, supportive answer. You don’t have to pretend you understand something if you don’t. You don’t have to wait until it becomes urgent. You don’t have to feel silly. Just ask – we’re here to help.