Charles Darwin’s famous quote “It’s not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the most adaptable to change” perfectly applies to lifestyle financial planning. In an ever-evolving economic landscape, financial security is not solely about wealth, but the ability to adapt to life’s uncertainties.
 
Lifestyle financial planning goes beyond traditional wealth accumulation. It focuses on aligning financial decisions with personal goals, values and changing life circumstances.
 
Just as a species must adapt to...

Albert Einstein famously remarked, ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’.
 
This quote offers profound wisdom, especially when applied to personal finance. Where for many, the struggle to achieve financial freedom often stems from repetitive behaviours that fail to address long-term goals. Lifestyle financial planning offers a strategic solution to break this cycle and create meaningful financial progress.
 
Lifestyle financial planning integrates financial strategies with your personal value...

Warren Buffett’s quote, ‘Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago’, beautifully encapsulates the essence of lifestyle financial planning. It highlights the foresight and preparation required to ensure future comfort and stability. Lifestyle financial planning goes beyond traditional financial advice; it focuses on aligning your financial decisions with your long-term financial goals, aspirations and values.
 
At its core, lifestyle financial planning is about building a secure and fulfilling future ...

In my last article, I talked about the concept of ‘How much is enough’ and why this should be the starting point for your retirement planning.
 
This month, I’m pleased to tell you about a new tool that has been developed to assess whether you are on the right track for your retirement planning.
 
This free online quiz takes just 5 minutes and provides you with a ‘retirement ready’ score. It also provides some practical tips to help you improve your score.
 
To complete the quiz, go to https://quiz.fcadvice.co.uk/essentially-financial.
 
The...

For years, I’ve followed Paul Armson, a leading voice in lifestyle financial planning. He emphasises that financial planning should focus on what truly matters to people. My own approach follows the same philosophy.

Paul published a book called ‘Enough? How Much Money Do You Need for the Rest of Your Life?’ This book, available widely, is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to gain financial clarity. According to Paul, research shows that most people don't have a clear understanding of where they’re headed financially. Many have assets...

Ships primarily have one purpose, which is to transport goods and people across the seas. However, navigating the open waters can be perilous. And the safety of a harbour usually offers protection from nature’s unpredictability.
 
This idea perfectly captures the essence of lifestyle financial planning. Just as ships are meant to sail, financial resources are meant to be used to enhance ours and our loved one’s lives. Not left to stagnate. Whilst security is essential, it shouldn’t be mistaken for inaction.
 
Lifestyle financial planning foc...

Lifestyle financial planning can be likened to the ancient wisdom of ‘collect your own firewood and make your own fire.’ These words of wisdom emphasise ownership, preparation and strategic planning. The approach prioritises aligning your finances with the life you desire, rather than simply amassing wealth.
 
The first step involves understanding your personal values, goals and what truly brings you fulfilment. Just as selecting the right firewood ensures a healthy fire, identifying your financial needs, priorities and non-negotiables is cr...

A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop where I heard a memorable phrase quoted by Tony Gordon, one of the pioneers of lifestyle financial planning: ‘The future is inevitable if we know what we want it to be.’
 
The principle behind this statement is that if we are clear about what we want our future to look like and plan accordingly, that future becomes inevitable. This approach encourages us to move beyond mere aspirations and actively design our lives in a purposeful manner.
 
At its core, lifestyle financial planning emphasises the importance...

In the popular UK television series ‘Grand Designs’, individuals embark on ambitious architectural projects. Turning unique and often challenging visions into the home of their dreams.
 
The process involves extensive planning, budgeting and problem-solving. Where the homeowner works closely with architects and builders, balancing creative ambitions with practical constraints.
 
A common challenge is that the homeowners often have difficulty articulating what their new home will look like. As they find it challenging, putting the image in their ...