9
Jun
2020

4 tips for talking about money with your partner

When I meet couples to talk about their finances, I often find that one of the parties is much more engaged than the other. In relationships, it’s often one party that deals with the finances, while the other one shies away because they are not interested or, more often, because they find it hard to talk about. It’s not just my clients who sometimes struggle. Research from M&S Bank has revealed that only 17% of people in a relationship regularly talk about finances with their partner. More than one in 10 are apprehensive about discussing debts, do not share how much they earn or know details of their partner’s wages. Psychologist Emma Kenny says: “The findings show that money can...
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27
May
2020

The 5 levers that control your financial independence

When the government revised their action plan to tackle the coronavirus crisis, one of the new slogans Boris Johnson unveiled was ‘control the virus’. This message came in for some criticism, with many questioning just exactly how an individual was supposed to ‘control’ an invisible, global disease. When I first heard the new slogan, it got me thinking about what it is in life we can actually control. When planning for your own financial future there are a range of factors that sit well within your control, and steps you can take to ensure your financial independence. So, if I may paraphrase the government’s advice for a moment, here are five ways you can ‘stay alert, control your finances, and...
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7
May
2020

Everything you should know about keeping calm during uncertain periods

It’s certainly been quite the few weeks! Whether you have been working from home, acting as a stand-in teacher, or even struggling with the virus yourself, it’s certainly been a period none of us are ever going to forget. On top of health and economic concerns, turmoil in global stock markets may also have led you to worry about your future. Do I need to make changes to my portfolio? Are my investments going to be enough? Can I still retire when I plan to? It’s fair to say that times are stressful enough without having to worry about your money as well. One simple solution is: don’t. Of course, it’s not that simple. However, to help you, here is...
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9
Apr
2020

How to talk to children about coronavirus

Like many of you, I’ve been working at home for the last few weeks in line with government decree. With a four-year-old son around, it hasn’t always been plain sailing, and while it’s been great to spend more time with my family it’s naturally hard to balance a work and home life. With schools and nurseries now officially closed until further notice, and millions of children confined to their own homes, it can be difficult to explain to kids exactly what is going on. My son has asked me several times why he’s not able to see his friends or his grandparents! So, what are the best ways to talk to the young people in your life about what’s happening,...
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7
Apr
2020

7 money principles to live by

It’s been a strange few weeks. Less than a month ago we were going to work, watching football, and seeing friends and family while being urged to carefully wash our hands. At the time of writing the country is in lockdown in an attempt to save the lives of thousands. It’s at times like this when it’s good to reflect on what really matters. Maybe you’ve managed to spend more quality time with your family? Maybe you’ve filled the time reconnecting with a hobby or passion that you enjoy? Or maybe you’ve just had time to sort out those little admin jobs you’ve been putting off for weeks? Going back to basics can sometimes be really helpful. So, in these...
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17
Mar
2020

Coronavirus and your money: What you need to know

We’re currently in the middle of a once-in-a-generation public health emergency. By the end of last week, more than 140,000 cases of the coronavirus had been recorded around the world, with more than 5,300 deaths attributed to Covid-19. As governments across the world introduce drastic measures to try and contain the spread of the virus, one of the most immediate consequences of the outbreak has been the impact on global stock markets. In the month to 13th March 2020, the FTSE 100 lost around 27% of its value. Source: London Stock Exchange Indices around the world have suffered similar losses. However, while you may be justifiably concerned about the short-term volatility of the markets, it’s important to remain calm and...
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