Reaching retirement is no doubt a big life milestone. It’s the time when you’ll stop working, and start enjoying a life of leisure when your time is your own and you won’t be ruled by the clock. You’ll be able to start going through your bucket list, with long holidays the order of the day, along with perhaps more time on the golf course or visiting galleries. The challenges of retirement It may sound counterintuitive for me to ask this, but what are you going to do with all that free time you’ll have? Or, to put it another way, how will you manage without being stuck in an office five days a week, homeworking notwithstanding? Clearly, money will be... Read More

Have you ever wished you could peek into the future before making an important financial decision? Many investors have fantasised about having a crystal ball that would reveal tomorrow’s headlines today, allowing them to sidestep market downturns and capitalise on opportunities before they arise. However, as a fascinating new study shows, even perfect foresight might not guarantee the financial success you imagine. The crystal ball fantasy In Back to the Future Part II, the villain, Biff Tannen, becomes wealthy by betting on sporting events using a sports results book from the future. In November 2023, researchers at Elm Wealth tested a similar concept. They provided 118 financially-trained participants with a set amount of money each and allowed them to invest... Read More

I’ve recently been struck by some conversations I’ve had with regards to financial planning, and what an adviser actually does. It’s clear that there is a substantial perception gap when it comes to what people think I do, compared to the reality of the professional financial adviser role. This also extends to the assumptions that new and prospective clients have about my role as an adviser when I am talking to them for the first time. Such assumptions can include: I simply recommend specific products for certain circumstances I just want to help you consolidate all your pensions into a single arrangement My role is to invest your money for you I will look to sell you life insurance and... Read More

Financial advice helps people feel more in control of their future and achieve their goals. Yet, knowing where to seek professional advice you can rely on can be difficult. That’s why being named one of VouchedFor’s Top Rated financial advisers is an honour. Today, VouchedFor’s 2025 Top Rated guide to financial advisers is distributed in The Times and celebrates the best financial advice firms in the UK. It’s an invaluable tool for those who could benefit from financial advice but aren’t sure where to start. As the ratings are based on client reviews, readers can feel confident they’re contacting a trusted professional who will support their aspirations. I’m thrilled that I’ve been included in the VouchedFor Top Rated guide in... Read More

In video games, “easy mode” is a popular setting that makes the gaming experience more accessible and less challenging for players. When you play in this mode, the game automatically adjusts various elements to make your journey smoother and more manageable. For example: Enemies become weaker Resources are more abundant The consequences of making mistakes are less severe. This allows you to enjoy the game at a pace that suits your skill level without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. Like gaming, many people find the world of finance and investing intimidating and complex. In this article, read about how applying “easy mode” strategies to financial planning can help you manage your finances more effectively and achieve your goals. The challenges of... Read More