What We Believe

---

“A parable: The Monk and the Minister. Two close childhood friends grow up and go their separate ways. One becomes a humble monk, the other a rich and powerful minister to the king. Years later they meet. As they catch up, the portly minister (in his fine robes) takes pity on the thin and shabby monk. Seeking to help, he says: “You know, if you could learn to cater to the king, you wouldn’t have to live on rice and beans.” To which the monk replies: “If you could learn to live on rice and beans, you wouldn’t have to cater to the king.” Most all of us fall somewhere between the two. As for me, it is better to be closer to the monk.” ― J.L. Collins, The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life

I believe that true happiness is difficult without some financial security. Not having to work in a job you hate because you need to earn a certain level of income. Not spending everything you earn, but saving a portion regularly, can have real personal and mental benefits. It will also empower you and give you greater confidence to seek a more fulfilled life.

But this is not without challenges, there are so many temptations in modern life, to eat at the new hot restaurant, drive the right car, dress in expensive designer clothes. Society puts us all under great pressure to spend money on stuff that will only bring us joy for a very short time.

For most people happiness can’t be found in the things we buy or do to show off. True happiness is attained by taking control of your life and your destiny, providing for your loved ones and having shared experiences.

We believe that the first step in financial planning is to set some realistic goals. What do you want to achieve and when do you want to achieve it by. This could be a deposit for a house, saving for a wedding or retiring at 55. Whatever it is, by having this vision, this goal it will help you not to be distracted and spend your hard earned money on shiny new things.

The next step is to write the plan, based on our discussions this plan will be realistic and agreed by us and have specific actionable steps for you to follow. We can then review the plan on a regular basis as required.

A financial plan can help you -

• Take control of your money and finances
• Build in financial shock absorbers, so that when negative things happen they don’t knock you off course
• Have a path to identified objectives
• Give you more life choices

I set up the Financial Planning Gym to help people who are serious about planning their life but haven’t built up the investment funds necessary to get advice from a regulated financial adviser.

I called it the Financial Planning Gym because in my journey to being physically healthy and financially healthy i have noticed lots of similarities. You can get a copy of our free guide Principles, a guide to a wealthy (and healthy) life here.

We are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and can not recommend or provide an opinion on the suitability of financial products such as pensions, investments, insurance contracts or debt arrangements. We can help you plan for your financial future, but we are not a financial intermediary. If you want specific advice, you should seek the services of a regulated financial adviser or a regulated debt counsellor.