Helping a professional organise their lifetime financial plan

Adviser: Daniel Cottam, Financial Planner · Personal financial planning, pension consolidation, protection, cash flow modelling · All client details have been anonymised.

Situation

A senior professional in her late forties came to Aetas Wealth through a colleague recommendation. She was well-paid, owned her home jointly with her partner, and had been contributing to her workplace pension for many years. She also had three older pension pots from previous employers that she had never consolidated or reviewed. Her concern was not any particular financial problem but a general unease that her finances were fragmented — multiple pensions she had never tracked down, a protection policy taken out years ago, ISA contributions made inconsistently, and no clear sense of whether she was on track for the retirement she wanted.

Challenge

Without a view of all her assets in one place, it was impossible to plan properly. One pension was with a scheme whose provider had changed twice and the paperwork was incomplete. The charges on the older pots were almost certainly materially higher than a modern arrangement. Her protection had not been reviewed since her circumstances had changed significantly: higher income, larger mortgage, a dependent child.

Approach

Daniel Cottam began by tracing and consolidating the financial picture. With the client's authority, he traced the three older pension pots, obtained up-to-date valuations and reviewed the terms of each. Cash flow modelling was built from this foundation, showing for the first time whether the client was on track and what adjustments would make a meaningful difference.

Protection was reviewed comprehensively against current income and liabilities. A revised programme of life cover, critical illness and income protection was put in place, structured within the overall financial plan. An ISA strategy was also established as part of the plan, with regular contributions structured to work alongside pension funding.

Outcome

The client moved from fragmented financial arrangements to a clear, consolidated plan. The older pension pots were traced and, where appropriate, consolidated. Her protection was restructured. The cash flow model showed she was broadly on track for retirement at the age she had in mind. She described the process as making her feel genuinely in control of her finances for the first time in her adult life.

This case study is anonymised. Names and identifying information have been changed. It is intended to illustrate how financial planning can help and does not constitute advice for your own situation. Aetas Wealth is a trading style of Insight Financial Associates Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 458421). Companies House 05054886. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. The FCA does not regulate Wills, Trusts or Tax advice.