Financial Planning Wisdom from David Copperfield: Wilkins Micawber’s Timeless Advice for a Happier, Debt-Free Life
In the Charles Dickens’s novel David Copperfield, Wilkins Micawber drops a gem about financial planning that has stood the test of time. “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty-pound ought and six, result misery.” In the quote, Micawber is essentially saying that it’s better […]
Inheritance – Blessing or a Burden?
Inheriting a large sum of money can be a blessing, but it can also be a burden. After all, most of us are not used to having large sums of money given to us without having a specific objective. We may not know how to manage it, or we may be afraid of making the […]
Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
Financial planning is an important part of achieving financial security and getting your affairs in order. It can help you to save and invest your money, become more tax efficient, and plan for significant life events. You can track and measure investment growth, tax saved, even count down the amount of years you have until […]
Begin with the end in mind
When you visit a financial planner, it can be challenging to articulate your goals, which is often a future far away from your present circumstances. ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’[1] is an important book which offers practical advice on how to become a more effective and successful individual. It encourages readers to develop […]
Divorce and Pensions: Make Sure You Protect Your Future!
With over 113,000 divorces in 2021 and pensions being the largest asset for households aged between 55 and State Pension age (according to the Office of National Statistics – ONS), pensions in divorce proceedings are a topic that can have a significant impact on the final financial settlement for couples. Here are some considerations for […]
5 Benefits of Cashflow Planning
Cashflow planning is one of the most important aspects of financial management that people often overlook. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to help you understand how your finances will look over time. From having a better handle on your budget to reducing stress, cashflow planning can provide a variety of benefits that can be […]
Is There Too Much Information?
World famous biologist E O Wilson in 1998 famously said “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.” There has arguably never been a better time in our history with greater access to information. Searching the internet for advice on financial planning can throw up a number of questions rather than answers. For example, do […]
What should you look out for in a financial planning meeting?
During a financial planning meeting there are a number of elements that can be covered. Your needs, objectives, income, expenditure, and the reason you need financial advice in the first place. But what are the areas you should cover off to make you feel comfortable before the meeting, during the meeting and after the meeting? Learn about […]
What Am I Able to Control?
In a time where uncertainty is rising, it is important to understand the circle of influence you have. Most people are not able to affect interest rates or the level of inflation; however, we can all control our own finances to ensure we feel good about the decisions we make and that they are from […]
Let’s talk about money
Discussions about money are quite often seen as taboo and off the table. Taboo subjects in relation to money cover a range of examples from experiencing money difficulties, being perceived as earning too much money, having large financial ambitions, all the way to how much you want in retirement. Part of the financial planning process […]
