Client story: The value of feeling financially secure

Starting out – and saving us money

One of the first things he did was put some good tax planning in place. I still pay a lot of tax, but it’s way less than it used to be. In fact, my SJP Partner and I worked out I’ve saved £146,000 in tax since we’ve been working together. And that’s just me – he’s helped my wife to save more than £30,000 too. That’s made a huge difference to all of us, both now and for our future.

As part of that, he made me realise I hadn’t been making the most of the Income Tax relief on my pension. I was able to carry forward my unused allowances from previous years, which helped me to build up my retirement fund while also saving a lot of tax.

A plan for good times – and challenging ones

I started my own company, Lead 365, seven years ago with my business partner. It’s been highly successful, although the past year or so has been more challenging. As a result, I’m taking less money out of the company at the moment, so our income’s gone down.

Life’s not all plain sailing but I know we’ll turn a corner. And the financial plan that my SJP Partner has created means I I feel secure enough to be optimistic.

I’ve got a safety net for my family to fall back on, and enough reserves for us to carry on enjoying our lifestyle.

We’re even expecting to be able to pay off our mortgage in full soon.

A plan that matches my goals

One of the first things my Partner helped me with was visualising my goals. My long-term goal is to sell the business or to get into a situation where it’s more of a ‘lifestyle’ arrangement for me.

Ideally, I’d like someone else to run it while I just work for a day or two a week. I’d get to spend a lot more time on the golf course!

Financial advice for the whole family

He's also helped me see my finances in terms of my whole family. That’s been invaluable. I want to be able to set up my children for a good start in life and be able to support my wider family. We’ve started pensions for both boys, plus we’re planning to help them buy their first properties when the time comes.

Looking back If I could speak to my 18-year-old self, when I got my first job, I’d be telling him to put more of that first pay cheque into a pension or an ISA, and to keep doing it.

When our Partner explained how compounding can really grow your money over the long term, it just seems the sensible thing to do.

The power of a plan in difficult times

Sadly, my father-in-law has been diagnosed with dementia. Our Partner was right there to support us, and we were able to buy a house for my parents-in-law so we know they have somewhere safe and comfortable to live. Our Partner helped with finding the mortgage for that.

I’m really happy we can help them in that way.

You don’t know what’s going to come your way, but having a plan and sticking to it has helped me and my family feel financially secure.

It’s one of the best things I’ve learned from having financial advice.

Get in touch

If you need help in planning your finances so you can meet your goals, speak to an SJP adviser.

The advice given to Ian Cruickshank was provided after a full evaluation of their specific needs, circumstances and requirements and was correct at the time it was given. The solutions provided may not be suitable for everyone and the information provided here does not constitute advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up.  You may get back less than you invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The advice provided to Mr & Mrs Cruikshank was given after a full evaluation of their specific needs, circumstances and requirements.  The solutions provided would not be suitable for most investors and the information provided does not constitute advice.