Lauren Carless Financial Planning

𝐀 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐧... 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

Financial planning is personal, so here's a little about Lauren the person behind the advice...

☕ Coffee order: Flat white with vanilla syrup every time
🌸 Favourite season: Spring
🏔️ Dream holiday spot: The Dolomites, Italy, they are breathtaking
🌅 Early bird or night owl? I’m an early bird, mornings are productive.

Losing someone is hard enough without having to navigate the financial and legal responsibilities that follow.

If you're dealing with bereavement, remember that you don't have to do everything at once. Taking things one step at a time, asking for help where you need it and knowing what needs to happen first can make an overwhelming situation feel a little more manageable.

If you or someone you know is facing this situation, a trusted financial planner can offer guidance and support when it's needed.

What does a new Prime Minister mean for your financial plans?

Markets may react to political developments, but successful long-term investing is built around your goals, risk tolerance and broader financial position, not the headlines of the day.

Focus on what you can control: review your budget, keep your long-term investments aligned with your objectives and avoid making reactive decisions based on short-term market movements.

I often get asked what question people ask me the most:
"How much do I need in my pension before I retire?"

The honest answer for everyone – it depends!

It all comes down to you. The lifestyle you want, whether you're retiring on your own or with a partner, what other savings or assets you have and what you'd like retirement to look like.

That's why financial planning isn't about chasing a number you have in your head, it's about understanding what that number needs to be to meet your expectations.

If retirement is on your mind, it's never too early to start planning.

Delaying making financial plans or decisions can come at a real cost.

Whether you’re considering increasing pension contributions, investing more into savings, reviewing protection policies or planning for retirement, every year spent waiting is a year of missed opportunities.

Financial planning can feel overwhelming, and so getting advice from an expert can help you overcome any confusion and put plans in place to secure your future.

Talking about finances with family can sometimes feel uncomfortable, yet they’re some of the most valuable conversations to have.

If you’ve put steps in place to secure your families future financially, it is important to share the details, so they know the actions to take when needed.

A financial planner can help facilitate these discussions, ensuring everyone understands the support that's in place and how to access it when needed.

Are you making tax efficient investments?

When it comes to investing it’s important to consider both how much you can earn, but also how much you can keep.

Do you know the difference between ISAs, Pensions or Venture Capital Trusts?

An expert financial planner can ensure you’re making the right approach to ensure your investments are working hard for you, to fit your personal circumstances, financial goals and openness to risk.

Whilst it can be tempting to tackle your finances alone, getting expert advice can make a significant impact on you reaching your financial goals.

A financial planner can help you:
o Define clear financial goals and create a plan
o Maximise pension and investment opportunities
o Make the most of available tax allowances and reliefs
o Ensure your investments align when it comes to risk
o Navigate life events like retirement, inheritance or business succession
o Stay focused during periods of market uncertainty

A financial planner can provide real confidence and clarity when it comes to your finances giving you peace of mind both for the present but also for yours and your families future.

Many people in their 40s think retirement is still a long way off, but your 40s and 50s are some of the most important years for retirement planning.

Do you know how much you'll need? Are you contributing enough to your pension, making the most of tax relief, and regularly reviewing your pension performance?

Most importantly, do you have a clear plan to achieve your retirement goals?

Reviewing your finances now can help identify any gaps early, giving you more time to act and build the retirement you want with confidence.

We’re halfway through the year, making it the perfect time to check your finances are still on track.

Are your investments aligned with your goals? Are you contributing enough to your pension and making the most of your ISA and pension tax allowances? Has your attitude to investment risk changed? Are your beneficiaries and estate planning arrangements up to date?

A mid-year financial review is a great opportunity to speak with a financial planner for expert guidance and help keep your long-term plans on track.