Castlebay Monthly: October 2025

Callum Dunbar
5 days ago
5 min read

We welcome October with the shorter days and the familiar rhythm of autumn in the UK. Later this month, the clocks go back, marking the official start of darker evenings (remember to change the clocks - including the cooker!). It's a natural time to pause, reflect on the year behind us, and prepare thoughtfully for what lies ahead.

We have mentioned in previous newsletters the importance of planning - we are Financial Planners after all. Feeling behind on your finances can be discouraging, but you're not alone — and it's never too late to make a change. With small, consistent steps suggested below, you can build real momentum and regain control.

Another budget announcement is on the horizon and speculation is filling the headlines. It is worth remembering what we learned twelve months ago: patience beats panic, and facts beat speculation. More to come on that in the November newsletter.

Enjoy this month's instalment of our newsletter. As always, it is packed with links that you may find interesting. If you would like to add your children, other family members or even friends to this email distribution list, please drop us a line.

The Stock Markets

It's Never Too Late to Get Your Finances in Shape

Have you ever looked at your financial situation and felt that familiar knot in your stomach? Maybe you've been putting off organising those scattered investment accounts, or you know your savings rate (the amount you invest each month) isn't where it should be. Perhaps you've glanced at a friend's retirement balance and wondered how you fell so far behind.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. We see this every day in our business. The good news is that it's never too late to improve your financial position. No matter where you are right now, a few focused improvements can transform your situation faster than you might imagine.

Getting in Shape

We suggest that you approach financial fitness the same way you'd approach physical fitness. You wouldn't expect to go from sitting on the couch to running a marathon overnight. That would be unrealistic and probably leave you injured or discouraged.

Instead, you'd start with small, manageable steps. You’d start with a 10-minute walk around the block. Then 15 minutes. Then, you’d add some stretching. Before long, those small actions compound into something significant.

Your finances work precisely the same way. The goal isn't to become perfect overnight. The goal is to start moving in the right direction and stay consistent. Small steps compound quickly when you stick with them. We make starting harder in our minds than it needs to be.

Keep Moving Forward

Sometimes work demands everything you have. Sometimes family needs take priority. Sometimes you're dealing with health issues or other challenges that push financial planning to the back burner.

That's completely normal. However, just because you've fallen behind doesn't mean you're stuck there permanently.

Fortunately, you don't need to overhaul your entire financial life in one weekend. You need to take the next right step. Even small actions create forward movement.

Remember, slow progress beats no progress every time. The person who saves an extra £50 per month for five years will be in a dramatically different position than the person who kept meaning to "get organised" but never started.

Your Seasons of Improvement

We see a common pattern with our clients. They make a few improvements, let those changes settle in, then tackle the next area.

You might start by consolidating those old pension accounts scattered across previous employers. This simple step often reduces fees and makes your investments easier to monitor. Once that's organised, you might increase your monthly savings by setting up an automatic transfer. After that becomes routine, perhaps you review your investment allocation.

These aren't dramatic changes, but they add up quickly. When you consolidate accounts and create clear systems, you gain mental clarity. You start to feel "caught up" rather than constantly behind. This confidence often motivates further improvements.

Your Journey Forward

We've learned from working with many families that a few short seasons of focused improvement can completely transform your financial position. We've seen people go from feeling hopeless about retirement to feeling confident about their future, often in just two to three years.

If you're feeling behind or overwhelmed, take heart. Small, consistent actions compound faster than you expect. The next few years could look dramatically different if you start moving forward today.

We're here to guide you through this process. Whether you need help consolidating accounts, increasing your savings rate, or getting organised, we can show you the way forward. The first step is often the hardest, but it's also the most important. Are you ready to take it?

Life is for Living

While we always encourage smart saving and financial prudence, enjoying the life you're working hard to build is just as important. That means making space for experiences, community and a little fun now and then!

Here’s a roundup of upcoming events that might pique your interest. Treat yourself because balance is key; life is meant to be lived.

Last-minute weekend plans: Oktoberfest [Edinburgh, 3rd - 5th October]

A date for the diary: Damien O'Kane and Ron Block Band (Banjo Gig) [Glasgow, Monday 13th October]

Something for the dark nights: The Enchanted Forest [Pitlochary, 2nd Oct - 2nd November]

Read

No One Wants to Follow a Pessimist [4 minutes]. Pessimism is intellectually seductive in a way optimism only wishes it could be.

You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why. [4 minutes]. Embracing boredom can lead to greater self-reflection and a deeper understanding of life's meaningful questions.

Golden Lessons [2 minutes]. The children’s book that serves as a timeless parable about human behaviour.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

The Castlebay Corner

Mystery Gift We had a lot of fun in the office this past week, trying to work out the mystery gift. Lorna very kindly received a book about Menorca prior to her holiday abroad next week. Thank you to whoever sent this kind gift and please come forward so Lorna can thank you personally.

In other office news:

Cameron has officially become a home owner! The rest of the office are patiently waiting for their invite to the flat warming party. Congratulations Cameron.

Emily is turning her hand to gig promoting. Her years in a band and her organisational skills in the office are coming in handy - Emily's two worlds are colliding!

Pam is continuing to pursue her running career by participating in the Great Scottish Run 10k this Sunday. We're hoping she'll manage the stairs in the office come Monday morning... Go Pam!

Strictly Season has begun for Lesley! She has confirmed she will not be available for any social events on Saturdays from now until Christmas - noted Lesley.

We hope that you enjoyed this month’s newsletter. Please let us know what you enjoyed, or write back with any of your own news.

As always, we're here for you.

See you next month,