10 things I’ve learnt since becoming a financial adviser…
1. You don’t need to be rich to get financial advice
Jumping in at the deep end into this brand-new career, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of who I would be working with. You hear terms like “financial services” and “wealth management” and your brain conjures up images of the rich and famous, multi-millionaires in penthouses- a different world to the one most of us know. WRONG. 5 weeks in and although I’ve only met about 30 different clients- no multi-millionaires as yet! Discussing someone’s finances is a deeply personal affair. We visit people in their homes, where they feel comfortable- and those homes all come in different shapes and sizes! Everyone has their own story, their own journey- each one unique. It makes this job so interesting. I love meeting different people, hearing about their goals and helping them get there. That’s what speaking to a financial adviser is all about.
2. A financial adviser won’t tell you off for spending your money (often, quite the opposite!)
People sometimes think we are going to show up with a spreadsheet and scowl at their spending habits. The truth? We tell just as many people to spend their money than the save it. (Yes, really).
If your goal is to enjoy life, we talk about how to do that responsibly. After all, what on earth is the point of working so hard all your lives if you aren’t going to enjoy yourselves in the process!?! (Particularly if that just means your estate is going to be hit hard with a massive inheritance tax bill… am I right!?)
3. The financial sector is HIGHLY regulated.
This one needs its own blog post. In short: the finance industry’s had its dodgy moments, and now the rules are very strict. It’s all about protecting you, the client. More on that in another post…
4. Protection isn’t a scam, it’s essential.
I get it. Insurance can feel like a con—especially when your travel insurer refuses to pay out for your food poisoning in Tenerife.
But I’m talking about a different kind of protection: life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover. These policies are about making sure your loved ones are okay if the worst happens. You can’t stop bad things from happening, but you can make them a bit less awful with the right financial safety net.
And if you’re not sure what kind of protection you need? Talk to someone. Setting it up through a financial adviser is often free (we get paid commission by the provider), and we’ll make sure it’s done right—so there are no nasty surprises when it matters most.
5. Leaving cash deposits in a bank doesn’t just mean the money isn’t growing- it’s LOSING value
With inflation increasing as it has been, leaving cash in a bank means it is losing value in real terms. In a few years that same amount of money won’t be able to buy you as much as it can now. It’s like watching your ice cream melt in the sun—only less delicious.
Now, I’m not saying you should invest every penny. Emergency funds are important! Keep enough in an accessible account to cover 3–6 months of expenses. But if you’ve got more than that stashed away, it might be time to look at ways to help that money grow and keep up with inflation. You worked hard for it—don’t let it shrink on the shelf.
6. Investments aren’t that scary.
Once upon a time, “investing” sounded to me like gambling with a side of spreadsheets. But now I understand how it works it’s way less intimidating.
If you’re investing, think long-term. Checking your account daily is like weighing yourself every morning when dieting: unhelpful and likely to cause panic. Markets go up and down. That’s normal. Don’t let a blip on the screen give you a heart attack.
Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post is just my personal opinion and it is not financial advice—investing should always be based on your goals, your risk tolerance, and your circumstances. Speak to someone who knows their stuff (hint: that could be me).
7. Pensions aren’t that complicated.
Okay, some pensions (cough NHS and teacher schemes) can get a bit fiddly. Especially if you have one foot in an old scheme and the other in a new one. But for the most part? A pension is just a long-term savings pot you can’t access until retirement.
I’ve heard a few people dismiss pensions and say things like “my house is my pension”. Yes, your house might be an investment too—but you can’t exactly sell off the kitchen if you need cash. Pensions are far more tax-efficient and can be more flexible when the time comes. And the earlier you start? The better.
8. The #1 fear? Running out of money in retirement
Hands down, the biggest worry I hear from clients is: “Will I run out of money?”
Fair question. Retirement income options like annuities give you a set amount each month, but they’re not always the best bang for your buck. Flexi-access drawdown offers more flexibility, but also more responsibility—you don’t want to spend all your savings in your 60s and end up in a tent at 85.
This is where financial advisers shine. We use cashflow modelling tools to show you what’s realistic, and we review things regularly to help keep you on track. Think of it like GPS for your retirement plan—recalculating when needed, and no passive-aggressive “make a U-turn” voices.
9. You don’t have to do everything at once
Younger clients often feel overwhelmed by all the things: protection, pensions, saving, investing… It can feel like life is one giant checklist and you’re behind before you’ve even started.
Here’s a phrase I love: Progress, not perfection.
You don’t need to do everything today. Start small. A bit of protection is better than none. A little saving is better than nothing. If investing scares you, start with something low-risk. You can always change things as you go. The key is getting started—and building from there.
10. Transferable skills are everything
This one’s a personal reflection. The weeks between leaving school and starting my new job, I was suffering from serious imposter syndrome. What the heck was I doing?!?
Now I’m five weeks in, and I’m honestly amazed by how much of teaching has carried over. People skills, clear communication, organisation, empathy—turns out those classroom skills are golden in the finance world too.
To my teacher friends heading back into the classroom this September: you’re amazing. The role models you are and the skills you teach go way beyond textbooks and exams. I’m endlessly grateful for what I learned during my years in education—and for the chance to use those skills in a whole new way. ❤️
So there you have it—10 things I’ve learned since jumping into financial advice. It's a job full of variety, real-life stories, and rewarding moments. And I’m only just getting started!
If you’ve got questions or want a calm, friendly face to help you put a financial plan together—drop me a message. I’m here to help 😊
Until next time,
Katie
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