Insights

Business owners' financial planning in Scotland is about turning business success into long-term personal wealth, not just building a profitable company. The Common Gap We understand a little about running a business; after all, we run one and work closely with many business owners. A common theme emerges. Many are: Asset-rich but time-poor With wealth largely tied up in the business Research suggests that around 83% of family business owners rely on their businesse

Retirement planning in Scotland is not the same as it was for our parents or grandparents. The idea that retirement happens on a single date has changed. For many people, retirement is now a transition rather than a sudden stop. At the same time, the way retirement income is created has also shifted. The Pensions Policy Institute highlights that around 11 million people were once part of occupational pension schemes, with total contributions averaging around 15%. By 2024, a

Retirement today is very different from what our parents and grandparents experienced. For many people, retirement planning mistakes can have long-term consequences, as the responsibility for managing pensions and investments now largely rests with the individual.

Cashflow modelling is a financial planning tool that projects how your income, savings, investments and spending may change over time. It helps you understand whether your money is likely to last throughout retirement.

We have all seen the adverts. “You need £1 million for a comfortable retirement.” “You need £500,000.” “£250,000 might be enough.” “You need at least £21,600 as a couple for the basics.” “£43,900 for a moderate retirement.” “£60,000 for a comfortable one.” Figures such as these often come from the Retirement Living Standards , which provide helpful national benchmarks for minimum, moderate and comfortable lifestyles. They are useful reference points. But the

There is often an assumption about women and finance. “They are more cautious.” “They want to protect what they have.” “They don’t want to take a risk.” Some of these ideas may have roots in tradition. But today, financial planning for women is not about stereotypes; it is about structure, life patterns and long-term clarity. The core principles of financial planning are the same for everyone: clear goals, appropriate risk, tax efficiency and disciplined investing. H

If you are looking for a new financial adviser, it may not be by choice. Over the last two years, we have seen two clear trends in the financial advice profession: Increased consolidation, where smaller firms are acquired by larger groups Direct intervention by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), including suspending firms from carrying out regulated activities

It’s a question we hear all the time: “Do I actually need a financial planner?”“Isn’t that just for wealthy people?” These are reasonable questions. Over the years, DIY platforms have encouraged the idea that financial planning is simply about choosing the right wrapper, an ISA, a pension, and picking a few investments. Given how financial advice has evolved over the past 30 years, it’s understandable why this perception exists. But it no longer reflects reality. Mode

After the exuberance of December, it’s not surprising that January begins with a determination to do things differently. We reflect, reset, and promise ourselves that this will be the year we finally get on top of things. Yet history tells a different story. Various studies suggest that most New Year’s resolutions fail within the first few weeks, and fewer than 10% last longer than a year. When it comes to financial resolutions, the odds are no better. Why Financial Re