Hannah Lake - Financial Adviser

23/09/2026

From April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included in an estate for inheritance tax purposes. For many families, this could reshape how they think about drawing an income in retirement and passing wealth to future generations.



This article explores the implications of the new rules and why some retirees may face a new dilemma: preserve their pension or spend it?



https://www.sjp.co.uk/individuals/news/the-new-retirement-dilemma-preserve-or-spend-your-pension?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social


Cleeve Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).


SJP Approved 01/09/2026

For years, many people viewed their pension as more than just a source of retirement income. It was also a tax-efficient way to pass wealth on to future generations. But changes coming into force in April 2027 could prompt many families to reconsider their retirement and estate planning. From this d...

22/09/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by your finances doesn't mean you've lost control.

When money worries build up, it's natural to put things off. But taking one small step at a time can help turn uncertainty into a plan.

This article explore practical ways to manage financial anxiety and move forward with greater confidence: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/finding-control-when-money-feels-overwhelming.html

Cleeve Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 27/08/2026

Finding control when money feels overwhelming

16/09/2026

St. James's Place Charitable Foundation is delighted to continue supporting Gympanzees with a special funding award as part of its £150 million milestone celebrations.

A grant of £250,000 will help bring the UK's first fully inclusive exercise, play and social centre for disabled children and young people to life in 2027. Designed specifically to meet the needs of disabled children and their families, the centre in South Gloucestershire will offer accessible opportunities for play, exercise, friendship and social connection, all under one roof.

This funding reflects our confidence in Gympanzees’ vision and its potential to create lasting change for families. Through a pioneering model of inclusive provision, the centre will support more disabled children and young people to access play, exercise and friendship opportunities.

This special award represents an important step towards bringing the new centre to life, and we look forward to seeing the difference it makes.

09/09/2026

One thing I tell my daughters all the time is ‘Dream Big’

Dream about the places you want to see.

The things you want to achieve.
The career you want to build.
The home you’d love to have.
The life you want to create.
And it got me thinking…

As adults, somewhere along the way, many of us stop dreaming quite so big.
We get busy. Life takes over. Mortgages, careers, families and responsibilities come along, and our dreams can slowly turn into “maybe one day.”

But one of the things I love most about being a financial adviser is helping people turn “one day” into a plan.

Maybe your dream is to retire earlier.
Travel more.
Help your children or grandchildren financially.
Build something to leave behind.

Or simply reach a point where you have the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

Whatever it looks like, financial planning isn’t really about the money.

The money is simply the tool.

It’s about understanding what you want your life to look like, and putting a plan in place to help you get there.

So, I’ll keep telling my daughters to dream big.

And perhaps it’s something we could all remind ourselves to do a little more often.

What does “dream big” look like for you?



Cleeve Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 28/08/2026

01/09/2026

September has that familiar back to school feeling, routines return, diaries fill up and it feels like a natural time to get organised again.

So why not set yourself a little financial homework?

A new season is a good opportunity to make sure your financial plans still reflect where you want to go.

A little homework now could help put you in a stronger position for the months ahead.

26/08/2026

💷 Could upcoming pension changes affect your inheritance tax plans?

📔 Read the full article here:
🔗https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/cleevefp/article/detail/sjpp/how-pension-changes-could-affect-your-inheritance-tax-plans.html

10/08/2026

One of the most thought-provoking books I've read recently is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.

One idea that really stayed with me is the difference between feeling rich, being rich, and being wealthy.

💳 Feeling rich is spending money to create the appearance of success.

💷 Being rich is having a high income or substantial assets that allow you to spend more.

🌱 Wealth is something different altogether. It's the money you don't spend. It's the financial security you're quietly building for your future.

We often admire what we can see - the new car, the dream holiday, the designer watch - but real wealth is usually invisible.

It's the pension that's been consistently invested for years, the ISA that's quietly growing, the emergency fund that provides peace of mind, and the discipline to think long term rather than seeking short-term gratification.

The encouraging part is this...

You don't have to start with wealth to become wealthy.
Wealth is built through consistent habits, patience, self-control and allowing time to work in your favour. Small decisions, made consistently over many years, can have a remarkable impact on your financial future.

As Morgan Housel writes:
"The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say, 'I can do whatever I want today.'"

Financial planning isn't just about growing your money - It's about creating choices, security and freedom for the future.

If you'd like some guidance on building long-term financial security, whether that's planning for retirement, investing for the future, or simply making your money work harder for you, I'd be delighted to help.

Together, we can create a plan that's built around your goals, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions today for a better tomorrow.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you invested.
Cleeve Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).
SJP Approved 16/07/2026

05/08/2026

One thing that's surprised me since becoming a financial planner is this...

Almost everyone I meet underestimates what's possible.
People often begin by telling me what they can't afford, why they'll never be able to retire early, help their children financially, or achieve the lifestyle they'd really like.

Recently, I sat down with a close friend to start putting together her financial plan.

The first thing I said was:
"Forget what you think you can afford for a moment... tell me what you'd love to achieve."

That completely changed the conversation.

We talked about her goals first, then looked at where she is today.
We worked through her budget, challenged a few misconceptions she'd always believed about money, and built a plan around what was actually achievable.

Will it happen overnight? No.

Will it take commitment, patience and some discipline? Absolutely.

But that's the beauty of financial planning.
It's not about finding a magic investment or making one perfect decision.
It's about understanding where you want to get to, putting a realistic plan in place, and making small, consistent decisions that move you closer to your goals year after year.

My job isn't simply to recommend products.
It's to help you stay on track, review your progress, adapt when life changes, and remind you why you started in the first place.

You might be surprised by what's possible when you stop focusing on what you think you can't do, and start planning for what you really want to achieve.

If you've got goals for the future but aren't sure how to get there, I'd love to help you build a plan to make them a reality.

📩 Get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
Cleeve Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).
SJP Approved 16/07/2026

29/07/2026

The latest issue of The Investor magazine is here, this time focusing on women and wealth.

Whether you're building wealth through your career, growing a business, planning for retirement or preparing to manage inherited wealth, understanding the landscape is essential.

Read more here:
https://www.sjp.co.uk/individuals/news/women-and-wealth-a-growing-frontier


Cleeve Financial Planning is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).


SJP Approved 22/07/2026

Women own more wealth than at any time in history. Money is being earned, created through entrepreneurship, and inherited by women through wealth transfer at a rapidly growing rate. But for many women there are still significant barriers to growing their wealth and gaining financial security. This i...

16/07/2026

The financial landscape is changing...
📈 ISA rules continue to evolve.
🏡 Most pensions are set to become part of Inheritance Tax planning from 2027.
💷 Tax allowances and legislation don't stand still.
One thing that hasn't changed is the value of having a financial plan.
The earlier you understand your options, the more opportunities you have to make informed decisions rather than rushed ones.
Whether you're saving, investing, planning for retirement or thinking about passing wealth on to the next generation, don't wait until the rules change again.
The best time to start planning was yesterday. The next best time is today.
If you'd like some guidance on making the most of your finances and building a plan around your goals, I'd be delighted to help.
📩 Get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
Cleeve Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).
SJP Approved 16/07/2026