Helping you create your personal vision of financial freedom In today's fast-paced world, many find it challenging to manage the basics of financial planning.
I believe that everyone’s vision of financial freedom is unique and so as a financial adviser, my aim is to partner with you to plan for and protect the future that matters to you. But by simplifying the process and offering a relaxed, face-to-face approach, I aim to empower you to make well-informed financial decisions and safeguard the financial future that is right for you. As my client, I can
16/01/2026
Jumping on the 2016 vs now trend, but with a money twist.
This isn’t about regret.
It’s about perspective.
If this resonates, you’re not behind.
You’re just ready to start.
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This post is for information only and isn’t financial advice. Investments can go down as well as up.
23/12/2025
No end of year highlight reel here.
No big lessons.
No growth stats.
No carefully staged gratitude post.
Because what mattered this year doesn't necessarily look impressive from the outside.
It involved people feeling
• a little less anxious
• a little more in control
• a little clearer about what actually matters
It's moments like this where progress is quiet, doesn't show in metrics, but is the only thing that really counts.
It feels human, not performative.
Hope the festive break gives you space to switch off with your loved ones, and something good to come back to.
Merry Christmas 🎄
One steady and measured, the other full send!
Funny how two kids can take the same slide in completely different ways.
It’s a perfect reminder that we all have different attitudes to risk.
Which style feels more right for you?
27/11/2025
The Autumn Budget brings big updates.
Following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, here are some of the key changes to be aware of. Unsure what this means for you? Get in touch for 1-2-1 support.
📨 [email protected]
📲 07860759067
Steven Smith 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 27/11/2025
03/10/2025
🛡️ 5 Questions to Check Your Protection
Most people take out cover at one stage of life and never look at it again.
But things change, jobs, income, rent or mortgages, and even who depends on you
Here are 5 quick questions:
✔️ Could I cover my bills if I couldn’t work?
✔️ Would my debts, rent or mortgage be cleared?
✔️ Who would be impacted if I passed away, and would they be supported?
✔️ Do I really understand what my policy covers, and what it doesn’t?
✔️ When did I last review my cover?
If you can’t answer these confidently, it might be time to review your arrangements.
👉 Protection isn’t just for families or homeowners. It’s about making sure you are secure, whatever your situation.
It costs nothing to check if your cover still fits your life.
27/08/2025
🛋️ Often it’s about doing less, not more
🔕 Best to tune out the noise
🤯 Don’t let emotions run the show
🌱 Long-term growth takes time
🧭 A plan keeps you steady when markets wobble
👉 With investing, sometimes the smartest move is to sit tight. Easier said than done… but worth it. Worth the 5 minute read below 👇
Investing - the skill in doing (almost) nothing Investing - the skill in doing (almost) nothing
13/08/2025
02/07/2025
Oakhouse Premier Sales & Lets | Ayrshire Estate Agents Discover OakHouse Premier Sales & Lets, your trusted partner for buying and selling homes in Ayrshire. With over 15 years of local expertise, our personalised service and expert marketing strategies ensure your real estate journey starts here.
27/06/2025
Ready, steady...GROW! 🌻
Today's fun - The Giant Sunflower Race
A little late to the starting line (March apparently prime time to start the growing indoors 🤷🏼♂️), but as the quote ends, "...the next best time is now".
3 tiny pots.
Some soil.
Some water.
Some sun - well we can hope!!
And (in my case) a whole lot of competitive spirit 😅
An everyday example of what can happen when you start something small and keep showing up.
You plant the seed.
You water it.
You wait.
You don’t know how fast it’ll grow, or how tall it’ll get, but give it the right environment, trust the process, and it will
It's really not that different from the conversations I have with clients.
We’re just growing something slightly different here.
And if the kids pick up a few quiet lessons along the way then even better.
May the best sunflower win 🌱🌞
Who's your money on?
17/06/2025
Arcade Economics 101 🎰
Spend £5, win 150 tokens, trade for one gummy sweet 👾....
Return on investment? Questionable
Fun had and memories made? 10/10
A long weekend at the caravan park is not complete without time in the arcade.
Not sure who had the most fun 🫣
The biggest surprise when hitting the 2p machines were they were still 2p!! One of the only things not hit by inflation it turns out 😅
No trying to time the moving shelf or maximise impact from my daughter. She just plonked them in one by one, eyes on the prize.
Funny thing is, it worked.
- No strategy
- No hesitation
- Just steady consistent action
A nice reminder that when it comes to money, you don't need perfect timing or insider knowledge to make progress.
You just have to begin, keep going, stay the course.
Though ideally with slightly better returns than a single gummy sweet 😃
If it could also not rain all weekend the next time that would be nice too 🌧️ 🏴. Asking too much I think!
07/05/2025
“Once upon a time… 📖”
There was a little girl called Sienna with a magical report.
It came four times a year.
It showed how her money was growing.
Not by luck.
But by saving.
And something called compounding.
She didn’t need to do anything.
Just wait and watch the numbers grow.
Slowly.
Steadily.
Like planting a seed
And waking up to a forest
One day, that forest could be her first home.
Her first car.
Her dream business.
Or time with her own little ones.
It was a beautiful bedtime story....
..until one page in she asked for The Gruffalo instead. 😂🤦🏻♂️
17/03/2025
In market conditions such as just now, it's easy to look for reasons and excuses not to invest.
History will help you to ignore the noise and have you wishing you had.