It’s frequently said that the two certainties in life are death and taxes. This may be true, but there is at least a third certainty—that things change. Indeed, 2019 has seen plenty of that and it has been a privilege to work with our clients to deal with those very changes.

Whilst change can sometimes be seen as a negative or disruptive force, it can also be a force for good. Our vision throughout 2019, for example, has been to see more lives changed through exceptional financial planning. We’ve accomplished that this year by growing organically, adding and advising one client or one family at a time.

That’s because we care about our clients and their financial futures and want to spend the time with you emphasising that real wealth is about much more than just your pension or ISA balance. Whilst money is important you should not let it rule your life. It’s essential to remember that ‘real wealth’ is measured by the goals you’ve achieved, the dreams you’ve fulfilled and the life experiences you’ve made happen. When clients first start working with us they will often feel that they have ‘enough’ financially and yet don’t quite feel their money is being put to best use or that they’re getting everything out of life that they desire. That’s where great financial planning comes in.

The theme of change in 2019 has also swung through the financial regulatory environment. We’ve continued to invest significant time and effort in ongoing professional development, in the belief that by acquiring additional expertise and knowledge – and keeping up with the changing times – we can improve client outcomes. The result of this, as you may know, is that I am now a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM and Chartered Wealth Manager as well as a Chartered Financial Planner. I feel very privileged to be one of a select group of financial planners in the UK to hold all three titles. In the year ahead I will also be hoping to maintain my qualification for a listing in the 2020 Guide to the UK’s Top Rated Financial Advisers, which will be distributed in The Times. Setting ourselves these extremely high standards is, we believe, one of the ways to ensure outstanding outcomes for clients.

To that end we hope to bring clarity, assurance and contentment to more client families in 2020. If you are in any way concerned about your current or future financial position and you are not currently a Charters client, why not contact us to pencil in a date for a chat and a coffee? Your exploratory meeting does not involve any type of fee and puts you under no obligation to take up our service. We can help you position your finances for the long-term within the context of your personal situation and future objectives, with the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.

In the meantime, that’s it from us until January. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading our articles throughout the year and to wish you a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Please feel free to get in touch with us on 01789 263888 or email hello@charterswealth.co.uk.