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In our first blog in this series on financial planning we looked at the big question ‘how much is enough?’ But once you have identified your desired lifestyle, the next step is to establish how you will fund it. Many people think that financial planning is all about pensions, investment funds and life assurance. It isn’t. The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments describes financial planning as: “A professional service for individuals, their families and businesses, who need objective assistance in organising their finances to achieve their financial and lifestyle objectives more readily.” Ultimately, financial planning is about ensuring that you do not end up in your later years looking

As we settle into the summer, many of us finally find the breathing space to pause and reflect. The longer evenings and holiday mindset often encourage a wider perspective – not just on where we are today, but on the future we want to enjoy. For many families, however, retirement planning can quietly slip down the priority list when adult children need support. Whether helping with rising living costs, a first property deposit, university fees or simply navigating a challenging economy, parents are increasingly stepping in financially long after their children reach adulthood. The growing cost of supporting adult children New research1 has found that 61% of parents with children