Retirement Planning Guide

Welcome to Unividual's comprehensive guide to retirement planning. Whether retirement seems like a distant dream or a looming reality, taking proactive steps today can pave the way for a future of financial security and peace of mind.

Plan your retirement: Navigating Your Financial Future

Imagine a retirement where you’re free to pursue your passions, travel the world, or simply enjoy the simple pleasures of life without worrying about financial constraints. It’s not just a fantasy; it’s within your reach with the right planning.

Making sure your retirement is taken care of long before you actually retire is one of the most important gifts you can give your future self. By crafting a solid retirement plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances, you’re not just securing your financial future, you’re also investing in your overall well-being. Studies consistently show that individuals with a clear retirement plan experience lower levels of stress and worry about their future. They can approach their golden years with confidence, knowing they’ve laid a sturdy foundation for a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key components of retirement planning, from setting realistic goals and understanding your pension options to maximising your savings and navigating potential obstacles along the way. Whether you’re just starting your career, in the midst of your working years, or nearing retirement age, there’s valuable information and actionable advice here to help you make the most of your retirement journey. So, let’s embark on this journey together and empower you to build the retirement of your dreams, one smart decision at a time.

It is never too late to plan for retirement

You may have an idea of what your retirement might look like: where you’ll live, your lifestyle, the places you’ll visit, the time you will spend with loved ones and on your hobbies. These dreams seem very hazy when you’re young but come into sharp focus as you get older and the right retirement plan will allow these goals to become a reality. Like most investments, the concept of planning your finances for retirement is pretty straightforward:

By putting a little bit away each month, you can build up a ‘pot’ that will keep you comfortable after you finish working

The complexity comes when you consider how many ways there are to achieve this, and the age at which you start. This ultimate guide to retirement planning will:

1. Help you understand all the factors in play

2. Give you basic evaluation of your current financial position

3. Give people in different age brackets ideas on how you can prepare for your own retirement

4. How to be tax efficient while saving for retirement

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 50s or 60s

By now, retirement will be in your sights. You may have a firmer idea of how things might pan out. You might now be in a position where you can tweak things in your pension and investment planning to make sure you are in a position where you have options. It’s never too late to start planning, after all there is a £1,073,000 lifetime limit on pensions. If you haven’t yet received financial advice then talking to a pension specialist will help to identify what assets you have and how they can be leveraged in your retirement planning. You will also need to find a way to ensure you are tax efficient with your hard-earned money. This becomes complicated and seeking financial advice will put you in a better position than if you got no help at all.

Pensions are where most people start off when thinking about retirement. In fact, your assets, pensions, savings and investments will all play a role in your retirement planning. When it comes to pensions these complex products are designed to allow regular contributions to mount up over time to a final retirement fund. They then pay out (or this same pot can be used in other ways) over the course of your retirement. There are many types of pension, but some of the most common are:

Defined contribution (DC) pension schemes

You, and potentially your employer, pay a defined amount of money into a pension pot. The amount the pension will provide in your retirement is changeable and will depend on factors such as the amount you pay in, the investment performance, and how you choose to use the pot after the age of 55.

Defined benefit (DB) pension

This pension contribution changes based on: your age, how long you’ve worked and the salary you’ve earned. Your employer will pay into this pension, and you can make additional contributions to the scheme as well. This will then pay out a defined amount when you retire. After you die, the pension may continue to pay out to a spouse, civil partner or dependent.

Personal Pension

A type of defined contribution pension scheme. You’ll need to choose a pension provider and arrange the contributions yourself. This offers you ultimate responsibility, but it’s a wise idea to be in the know about the ins and outs of pensions and how they can affect your retirement plans. Often people have workplace pensions and their own personal pension.

Stakeholder pension

Another type of defined contribution pension. They are designed for low minimum contributions and flexibility across their payment lifetime. The charges will typically remain low and there will be a default investment strategy. There might not be that much choice with a stakeholder pension, but they are often simpler to understand.

Self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs)

A SIPP allows you to ‘wrap together’ a whole range of investments. It’s similar to a personal pension, but with more flexibility in the type of investments you can hold. There is a set number of investment types that can be included, such as trusts, securities, deposit accounts, commercial property, and stocks and shares. By including investments in a SIPP you gain growth that is free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax, plus additional tax breaks. They can be a good top-up option for your retirement plan.

Transforming retirement dreams into reality, a Client's journey to financial freedom

In a recent heartfelt encounter, Simon Jones, a dedicated financial adviser and a fellow of the Personal Finance Society, shares an inspiring story of hope and achievement. Imagine being told you could retire in just seven years, a prospect you never thought possible. This is precisely the revelation Simon delivered to a client, sparking an emotional response that underscores the profound impact of financial planning.

“This week I had a really great meeting with a client. I demonstrated how she could retire in 7 years, something she didn’t think was realistic. She was over the moon, so much so, she welled up. Helping people is the most rewarding part of being a financial adviser, I was so pleased my hard work genuinely had a big impact on the lives of my client and her husband.

“It’s not uncommon that people are fearful of the future, especially when it comes to retirement. Time and again I see that once I help clients push through the pain barriers, the reality of their retirement isn’t as scary as they thought. Part of the training we get from Unividual is how to coach and support clients as well as advise them on their finances. Even if you are short of your retirement target at least you know the facts. One way or another we can lay foundations for what should be one of the most enjoyable periods of time in your life”

As a Chartered Financial Planner and holder of the Pension Transfer Gold Standard, Simon’s expertise and compassionate approach demystifies the fears that often cloud retirement. Whilst we get a lot of motivation and satisfaction out of helping clients achieve their dreams this reflects our commitment to coaching, supporting, and advising clients on the journey towards what should be one of life’s most fulfilling chapters.

If Simon’s approach resonates with you, we invite you to discover more about how he can help transform your retirement aspirations into a tangible plan, starting with a free, no-obligation meeting.

Simon Jones is a fellow of the Personal Finance Society, a Chartered Financial Planner and holder of the Pension Transfer Gold Standard. If you would like to find out more about what Simon does, get in touch for a free, no obligation, first meeting.

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 30s & 40s

This is the age that most people start planning for a pension. Many people get near to their 40s and think “I have left it to the last minute”. It is never too late to start planning. You will always be better off the sooner you start planning but you will have built up some savings and assets so far that you can start to formulate in to a plan. It is also the age bracket where you might have the most change: partnership, children, home buying, inheritance and a potentially demanding career. This means there is both the opportunity to make more money but conversely your expenses may go up.

It is never more crucial that you start to really build up your retirement funds. If you haven’t yet started saving for retirement you will have to find unique ways to increase your savings in line with the amount of money you will need to retire on. A mixture of exciting long-term planning can also be combined with a portfolio of less volatile investments alongside your pension, such as bonds or fixed annuities.

Overcome retirement anxiety

Worrying about your retirement and doing NOTHING is the biggest mistake you could make in your life. Yet you aren’t alone, it is the most common thing people do as they start to get older. If you’ve come this far without seeking the professional help of a financial adviser you might be feeling confused about how pensions work and worried about retirement. Many people feel like this because they lack facts. The unknown makes us nervous and you might feel unsure how much money you have and whether it will be enough. It is essential you don’t “bury your head in the sand” and put off speaking to someone because of that confusion. Our financial advisers see this day in and day out and they understand where you are coming from and what you feel. Part of Unividual’s recruitment strategy and training is to ensure our financial advisers have the emotional intelligence and empathy to coach and guide people, whilst also advising them on their finances. So, as you approach your 40s, if you’re thinking “I’ve got nothing in place for my retirement”, don’t just hope for something to fall into place as if by magic. Now is the time to pick up the phone and talk to a professional investment and pension planner. You may have options that you’ve not yet considered that will let you relax a little about your retirement.

Business owner retirement

Perhaps you own a business? A note of caution on treating a property or business as part of your retirement plan. If you see yourself selling a business and using those funds to retire, then exit planning is the order of the day. Start to prepare the business for sale and get an idea of how to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Don’t make the same mistake as others, by using the sale of a property or business as the only “Plan A” of your retirement.

Don’t just rely on work-place pensions

It’s important not to look at the workplace pension you’ve had for the last few years and simply consider that the end of the matter. You need to look at the final pension amount to see if it’s going to be sufficient to support your aims in retirement. If you’ve moved around a little and had a few jobs, you might have multiple workplace pensions. We help clients amalgamate their separate pensions in cases like this, and the outcomes can be very effective in getting your retirement planning on track.

Case Study: Worrying about how much you have for retirement

“We can not recommend Simon Jones and Unividual highly enough. I’m afraid he had an uphill start as we had bad experiences of ‘old-school’ advisers. He took pains to allay all our fears. We were fast approaching retirement with little understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of the pensions and products we had in place. After several meetings, Simon had a full understanding of our hopes and the products we had. He was able to recommend alternatives that better fulfilled our requirements and overall left us feeling confident about our future which we hadn’t previously. He has also arranged for our wills to be written which we hadn’t got round to doing for a very long time. We are in a much better position all round.”

– Claire, Bristol

Find out more about Simon

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 20s

If you’ve just started employment it may seem counterintuitive to be thinking about retirement. We understand how you feel, after all, many of us at Unividual are in our 20s too. When you think about anything to do with managing your money in your 20s it sometimes can feel daunting and too adult like, something we can feel like we want to rebel from. After all, we have spent most of our lives in education and we want to get out and explore the world and not get serious. Plus we all have student loans to pay back, rent to pay, some want to save for a house and of course, we all want to enjoy our social lives too.

A word from Cherie-Anne, Unividual’s Marketing Director

“The last thing I thought about doing when getting my first job in recruitment was saving for retirement. I was earning £18,000 at the time and wanted a new car and to also save for a house. There is an old wives tale that if you take your age and half it, that is roughly how much you should put into your pension. My Dad, as a financial adviser, went through the reasons why and how saving early would benefit me. At the time all I could focus on was how that money could be spent on other things but I rolled with it and started saving 10% of my earnings. I quickly realised after the first few months that actually you could do both: save for retirement AND still have a social life. I am now in my 30s and have over £50,000 in my pension. My brother Lewis Baxter now advises me, we recently moved my pension and it has had really good growth even during Coronavirus.”

“If I hadn’t made those contributions for the last 10 years I wouldn’t have had any more or less fun, or more memories from my 20s. I lived just like my friends did. What it did do, on top of creating a pot of earnings, is give me flexibility. Due to my head start I was able to put a small pause on contributions whilst my partner and I saved to move house. This won’t be for long and I will be making up for this lost time over the coming months. Everyone looks back and thinks ‘I wish I saved earlier’….not me! I am so glad my Dad encouraged me to start early because I have managed to slowly build a sizable pot.”

– Cherie-Anne Baxter, Chartered Marketing Director

A note from retirement planning expert, Simon Jones

“At the time Cherie-Anne was a 20 year old looking to make a total pension contribution of 10% of her earnings. Many people don’t realise that due to the benefit of tax relief from the government, if Cherie-Anne invested in a private pension, as a basic rate tax payer she would actually contribute 8% of her earnings to achieve a total contribution of 10%. This would work through the pension provider who adds on the basic rate tax relief and then claim it back from HMRC. So, on 10% of a £18,000 salary, if Cherie-Anne contributes £120 per month (£1,440 per year or 8% of £18,000) she will have £30 tax relief added at source. £150 per month is £1,800 a year and therefore 10% of a £18,000 salary.

Psychology behind retirement planning

Putting away money for the future, especially when you’re young, can be difficult. That’s thanks to an element of human psychology called ‘hyperbolic discounting’. This is where we are hard-wired to value £1 in our pocket today over £1 in a future situation. It is important to recognise how important it will be to have a stable income after you stop working. The state pension is no longer something that can be relied on to keep you in your old age, and the state retirement age will continue rising to 68 by the late 2040s. You need to take matters into your own hands. Thoughts of “I can’t find time” or “I’ll sort it out tomorrow” need to be banished in favour of “I’ll start my planning today”.

Get in touch about retirement advice

The magic of compound interest

People getting closer to their retirement will tell you how quickly the years go by. Saving becomes more difficult as you acquire other expenses and responsibilities. One of the reasons to start saving early is compound interest, which is actually quite exciting when you know the secret. We like to use the analogy of a snowball fight.

You are at the top of a mountain, you have just made a snowball. To start with it is quite small, the size of your hand. If you were to throw it towards someone it wouldn’t have a massive impact. So, instead you roll the snowball down the mountain and as it turns it picks up more snow. The bigger the snowball gets, the more snow it can pick up and the faster it grows in size. You keep rolling until you get the size of snowball you need to win your snowball fight!

This is how compound interest works. You start off with a small investment that earns interest, then the investment and the interest earnt, earns more interest. The younger you start saving, the longer your money has to grow. The interest on interest (AKA compound interest) can cause wealth to snowball in growth. When you near retirement your small savings pot, which didn’t feel much at the time, will have grown significantly.

Let’s look at a practical example. From the age of 20 to 30, someone saves £100 a month, £1,200 a year. This total amount of £12,000, with a standard annual growth of 5%, will amount to £80,811 by year 29. This nest egg alone would be worth £117,149 by the time that person reached 70. In comparison, someone starting to save from the age of 40 would have to contribute £200 a month, £2,400 a year, for 15 years, until the age of 55 to get a similar value of £118,700. Take a look at our compound interest calculator to plot a few figures of your own.

Naturally other factors affect the end value of any pension plan, but the above serves as an example. A lot of younger people think they aren’t rich enough to need financial advice but receiving professional financial advice early on also means you’ll be able to avoid losing valuable allowances and take advantage of tax breaks. Actually financial advice is not as expensive as what people think so getting into good money habits now can bring huge benefits throughout your life.

How to plan for retirement

Planning for retirement involves careful consideration of your current financial situation, future goals, and expected expenses. So how do you get started?

Where are you now: Start by assessing your current income, savings, investments, and any retirement accounts you may have.

Where do you want to be: Next, envision your ideal retirement lifestyle. Will you travel frequently, pursue hobbies, or downsize to a quieter existence?

Estimate your future expenses: Once you have a clear picture of your retirement goals, you can estimate your future expenses, including housing, healthcare, leisure activities, and any additional needs.

One popular method for DIY investors, for determining how much you’ll need in retirement, is the “80% rule,” which suggests aiming to replace around 80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living. However, everyone’s circumstances are unique, so it’s essential to personalise your calculations based on your individual needs and aspirations. This is why it is important to consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you create a customised retirement plan tailored to your specific situation. Not doing this could put everything you have worked for at risk.

How do I calculate what I need for retirement?

The final thing we all need and want to understand most is how much we need saved to retire. The amount someone needs saved for retirement varies greatly depending on several factors, including their desired retirement lifestyle, anticipated expenses, life expectancy, and any additional sources of income, such as pensions, rent or investments. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, financial advisers often recommend aiming to replace around 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living during retirement.

To calculate how much you personally need saved, you can use the following steps:

Estimate your annual expenses in retirement, including housing, healthcare, food, transportation, leisure activities, and any other essential costs.
Subtract any expected sources of income during retirement, such as pensions, Social Security, rental income, or part-time work.
Multiply your estimated annual expenses by the number of years you expect to spend in retirement. Consider your life expectancy and any potential healthcare costs or long-term care needs.
Adjust your calculations for inflation to ensure your savings will retain its purchasing power over time.
Use a retirement calculator or consult with a financial advisor to determine how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement goals, taking into account your current savings, investment returns, and time horizon.

Ultimately, the amount you need saved for retirement is highly personal and requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances and goals. Working with a financial professional can provide personalized guidance and help you create a retirement plan tailored to your needs.

Do I need a financial adviser to plan for retirement?

If you are keen to outsource your retirement planning, because let’s face it most of us don’t have the knowledge, tools or time to do this type of thing justice, you need to find a qualified financial adviser and someone who you enjoy working with that will get you into good money habits. As you get older you will also start to look at inheritance tax planning and multi-generational investment strategies. It’s all part of making retirement planning worry-free and enjoyable. Talking to a financial adviser you trust can help clarify where you stand, and you’ll feel calmer as a result. You can start off by making sure the financial adviser you want to work with is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. We can hold your hand through the whole process and make sure you know what to expect at every step of the way. Many people don’t know that you’ll legally need to approach a registered financial planner before you can cash in your pension. So, it’s a good idea to have a relationship with one you trust before you legally need one. Not many realise this and we work with a lot of people who are just a few months away from retirement.

RETURN TO FREE FINANCIAL PLANNING GUIDES

Talk to us about your retirement plan and the options available to you

Author: Cherie-Anne Baxter-Blyth

Date: 30th April 2024

Updated: 30th April 2024

Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change.

The value of pensions and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Business Exit Planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Xiantai, Glasgow

15th April 2024: I had just bought a property and wanted to look at my finances so I got in touch with Andy Lei. I was able to tell that Andy was willing to go above and beyond and look at all...

15th April 2024: I had just bought a property and wanted to look at my finances so I got in touch with Andy Lei. I was able to tell that Andy was willing to go above and beyond and look at all areas. We started off thinking about investments, but Andy talked to us about the importance of budgeting, risk management and having an emergency fund. Throughout the whole process, I didn’t feel that Andy wanted what was best for him but what was best for us. Andy made me aware that I need to build up my emergency fund pot again after purchasing my home. I always thought that I did not need any protection in place but he painted a much clearer picture of the importance of having insurance in place for my family should the worse happen. My experience with Andy and Unividual was great as he was there supporting me throughout the whole process. I felt comfortable knowing that I could call him anytime

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Sarah, Brent, London

7th July 2023: Unividual have been brilliant, they have sorted out my pension and mortgage and I feel so more comfortable with my finances going forward. Can’t recommend them enough.

7th July 2023: Unividual have been brilliant, they have sorted out my pension and mortgage and I feel so more comfortable with my finances going forward. Can’t recommend them enough.

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Abigail, Bath

10th May 2023: We engaged with Unividual in 2020, and haven’t looked back. We had had the fortune of seeing our start up bloom faster than anticipated and with its success the questions of...

10th May 2023: We engaged with Unividual in 2020, and haven’t looked back. We had had the fortune of seeing our start up bloom faster than anticipated and with its success the questions of how we wisely responded to the financial gains was heavy. We felt out of our depth with how to steward our personal and company finances, it was overwhelming and intimidating. In a world where financial advisers and accountants had left us feeling small, immature and inadequate, Unividual were encouraging, compassionate and diligent. The Unividual team never left us feeling intimidated and took the time to explain in layman’s terms all of our options. I have never felt unable to ask a question or left with anything other than a resolved understanding of our options. Unividual have relentlessly stuck to their brand values and really got to know us, our company and family as a unique profile of demands and risks. They have helped us articulate the needs and demands of both our personal finances and...

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Cecilia, Bristol

15 June 2023: I have been working with Simon Jones for around 18 months. Me and my partner hadn’t used a financial advisor before so we were a little unsure initially but Simon was friendly...

15 June 2023: I have been working with Simon Jones for around 18 months. Me and my partner hadn’t used a financial advisor before so we were a little unsure initially but Simon was friendly, clear and transparent throughout the whole process. He undertook a thorough analysis of that I was looking to achieve and my personal circumstances. The whole experience has been positive, I feel much more confident about having put in place a long-term financial plan, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Simon and Unividual.

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Tristian, Sutton

27 January 2023: We have been with Unividual for many years after getting a recommendation from a friend. Lewis Baxter is our financial advisor and we could not be happier with the service he...

27 January 2023: We have been with Unividual for many years after getting a recommendation from a friend. Lewis Baxter is our financial advisor and we could not be happier with the service he gives us. He has helped in all aspects of our finances and is extremely knowledgeable and up to date on the ever changing rules and legal requirements of the financial world. Lewis is always very personable and reliable whenever we request or hold a meeting and answers all questions in ‘layman’s terms’ so we completely understand every aspect. We have recommended Lewis and Unividual to lots of friends who have been equally impressed with the service they have received.

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James, Reading

26th January 2023: I can’t recommend Lewis and Alex, and the team from Unividual highly enough. They have helped me with my retirement planning, life and health cover. Nothing is ever too...

26th January 2023: I can’t recommend Lewis and Alex, and the team from Unividual highly enough. They have helped me with my retirement planning, life and health cover. Nothing is ever too much trouble and Lewis and the team are always on hand to help. They are extremely good at explaining the minefield of financial jargon and making sense of what, I for one, found a confusing and complex area to understand and helping me make what could be considered difficult decisions easy. If you are looking for a financial planner, look no further. I have recommended Lewis and Unividual to a number of friends who have all taken their advice.

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Melanie, Weston-super-Mare

26 January 2023: We have worked with Lewis and his team at Unividual for many years now, both with business and personal finances. The service is first rate on every level. The whole team always...

26 January 2023: We have worked with Lewis and his team at Unividual for many years now, both with business and personal finances. The service is first rate on every level. The whole team always work really hard to get info across, chase updates and keep you informed at every stage. Lewis has taken the time to get to know how we like to work and the type of investment we feel comfortable with and that works best for us. So pleased to have Unividual looking after us.

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Charles, Bristol

8 February 2023: I have not used a financial adviser for a long time and have to say my previous experience has been less than favourable. My wife contacted Simon, a financial adviser in Bristol...

8 February 2023: I have not used a financial adviser for a long time and have to say my previous experience has been less than favourable. My wife contacted Simon, a financial adviser in Bristol, to discuss, amongst other things, a final salary pension. I was happy for the two of them to get on with it, but Simon suggested that as we viewed our finances jointly, I should be part of the conversation. I had some cash saved in an ISA that I had held for a number of years. In light of inflation rising to levels unseen for decades, I asked Simon if he had any suggestions what I could do with my cash to reduce the impact of inflation. After spending time understanding my view on risk he asked if I had any specific ethical or social views that might impact on investments. My wife and I are massive animal lovers and were I to make any investment it was important to me that animal welfare was high on the agenda. Simon was able to recommend a socially responsible fund that targets a return in excess...

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Christobel, Battersea

17 February 2023: Lewis Baxter and the financial advice team in London Paddington are fabulous – they’ve taken the time to help me understand how best to invest and the right time to...

17 February 2023: Lewis Baxter and the financial advice team in London Paddington are fabulous – they’ve taken the time to help me understand how best to invest and the right time to do so and they’re always available to answer any questions. I was introduced through a friend and I would definitely recommend.

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Max, Northampton

14 April 2023: I recently started a business relationship with Unividual and primarily my chartered London financial advisor Alex Caswell. I can thoroughly recommend him and the company. I am...

14 April 2023: I recently started a business relationship with Unividual and primarily my chartered London financial advisor Alex Caswell. I can thoroughly recommend him and the company. I am a new investor and he has made the process incredibly easy and enjoyable, spent many hours researching and discussing options with me and he is always available. Would certainly recommend to friends and family.

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Eileen, Somerset

19 January 2023: Simon Jones at Unividual is very patient and considerate. At a very difficult time for us, he took time to ask, listen & investigate in order to really help us understand...

19 January 2023: Simon Jones at Unividual is very patient and considerate. At a very difficult time for us, he took time to ask, listen & investigate in order to really help us understand our priorities and plan for them in the most effective way. I would have no hesitation recommending his services. He is clear, rational, sensible and beyond helpful. And he totally respects our views & ideas, as he has taken the time to understand what makes us tick and our attitude to risk.

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Raj, Reading

3rd June 2023: I wanted a London based Financial Adviser to put some Private Medical Insurance in place for myself and chose to work with Alex Caswell from Unividual. He’s been great and really...

3rd June 2023: I wanted a London based Financial Adviser to put some Private Medical Insurance in place for myself and chose to work with Alex Caswell from Unividual. He’s been great and really friendly, researching and talking me through all the options available to me. I’ve now got cover in place and have a great relationship with Alex, no doubt I’ll continue to work alongside him.

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Tom, Putney

1st June 2023: Excellent experience with Alex Caswell, London financial adviser at Unividual. He was very knowledgeable and clear when it came to explaining different available options and...

1st June 2023: Excellent experience with Alex Caswell, London financial adviser at Unividual. He was very knowledgeable and clear when it came to explaining different available options and I look forward to continuing to work with him. Would thoroughly recommend.

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William, Frome

5 February 2023: We used Simon at Unividual, a financial adviser in Bath, to review pension provision. His advice was excellent. I would highly recommend his services.

5 February 2023: We used Simon at Unividual, a financial adviser in Bath, to review pension provision. His advice was excellent. I would highly recommend his services.

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Emma, Bristol

6th February 2023: Simon Jones has helped myself and my husband more than I could imagine. We are currently re-mortgaging, Simon has helped us make better financial decisions towards our future...

6th February 2023: Simon Jones has helped myself and my husband more than I could imagine. We are currently re-mortgaging, Simon has helped us make better financial decisions towards our future and was able to explain everything every step of the way, making us feel confident in our decisions and educating us to make better informed decisions in the future. Professional, friendly, expert advise, would not hesitate to recommend to any of my friends and family.

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Susan, Radstock

29th September 2022: For the attention of Simon jones, regarding his high standards. He was so helpful and was amazing at making me understand everything he was explaining to us regarding our...

29th September 2022: For the attention of Simon jones, regarding his high standards. He was so helpful and was amazing at making me understand everything he was explaining to us regarding our finances. He was very efficient, well mannered and very explanatory. He made it all very easy to understand and I would like to thank him personally.

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John H, Bristol

29 September 2022: Simon Jones is exceptional to work with, constantly going that extra mile. His professional, calm, friendly manner along with his financial expertise and guidance has instilled...

29 September 2022: Simon Jones is exceptional to work with, constantly going that extra mile. His professional, calm, friendly manner along with his financial expertise and guidance has instilled client confidence, my trust and peace of mind in a complex and sometimes bewildering financial market. Thank you Simon.

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Vikash, Hertfordshire

27 September 2021: Working in finance I have little time to plan my own finances. What Simon has done for me and my family has ensured our current situation, and our futures, are secured and...

27 September 2021: Working in finance I have little time to plan my own finances. What Simon has done for me and my family has ensured our current situation, and our futures, are secured and protected. This has meant I can concentrate on my own work knowing everything is in good hands. Simon has helped us with our Wills, mortgage, life and critical illness insurance, pensions, investments and estate planning. We chat and meet regularly to discuss our ever changing needs and he’s always available and ready to help. Highly recommend him as a very experienced and knowledgeable Financial Adviser

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Jeremy, Bristol

13 September 2021: My wife and I have been working with Simon Jones for just under two years and are very pleased with the service he has provided. During our time working with Simon he has provided...

13 September 2021: My wife and I have been working with Simon Jones for just under two years and are very pleased with the service he has provided. During our time working with Simon he has provided us with the peace of mind of knowing that should anything happen to me or my wife then our family is protected, helped us ensure that we are getting the best mortgage interest rate and started a plan for a financially secure future. I like to think I am pretty clued up when it comes to investments but with a busy job and a young family it’s not always easy to find the time to do the research required. Simon has taken over the management of our personal pensions and the savings for our two sons. This not only frees up my time but given his technical knowledge means that they are in safe hands. Following a recent annual review we have been very pleased with the results, particularly given the global events of the past 18 months. Thank you Simon

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Jonathan, Bristol

11 September 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones of Bristol pension advisers Unividual to look at all of our finances, investments, pensions and insurances. He was extremely thorough and worked patiently...

11 September 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones of Bristol pension advisers Unividual to look at all of our finances, investments, pensions and insurances. He was extremely thorough and worked patiently to fully understand everything we needed as well as our future ambitions before reviewing our position and recommending any changes. We did everything piece by piece and he was very impartial, only making recommendations where he felt we could improve. As a result we have saved money on policies and improved our position with regard to pensions and other investments. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone looking to use a financial adviser.

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Susan, Radstock

10 September 2021: For the attention of Simon jones regarding his high standards. He was so helpful and was amazing at making me understand everything he was explaining to us regarding our finances...

10 September 2021: For the attention of Simon jones regarding his high standards. He was so helpful and was amazing at making me understand everything he was explaining to us regarding our finances, also from Peter, Simon Jones was very efficient, well mannered. Very explanatory he made it all very understanding and I would like to thank him personally.

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John, Bristol

10 September 2021: Simon Jones is exceptional to work with, constantly going that extra mile. His professional, calm, friendly manner along with his financial expertise and guidance has instilled...

10 September 2021: Simon Jones is exceptional to work with, constantly going that extra mile. His professional, calm, friendly manner along with his financial expertise and guidance has instilled client confidence, my trust and peace of mind in a complex and sometimes bewildering financial market. Thank you Simon. If you would like to know more about what our Bristol financial advisers get up to, we have a blog about them teaming up with a charity that helps parents give money lessons at home.

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Claire, Bristol

8th September 2021: I was introduced to Simon Jones after an extremely helpful telephone consultation with Team Leader Ruth Stainer who after discussing my requirements introduced me to Simon...

8th September 2021: I was introduced to Simon Jones after an extremely helpful telephone consultation with Team Leader Ruth Stainer who after discussing my requirements introduced me to Simon Jones. Simon Jones is the perfect Chartered Financial Planner for me. So impressed with Simon’s expertise and knowledge. Simon is extremely professional and his easy going, friendly manner instantly made me feel comfortable. I am not that knowledgeable in finance and Simon has listened to what my goals are and has taken time to get to know me and from this great professional relationship found me the perfect products. Nothing is too much trouble, always available and Simon has a very upbeat, positive manner and I am so impressed by his professionalism.

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Jon, Bristol

7th September 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones of Unividual to look at all of our finances, investments, pensions and insurances. He was extremely thorough and work patiently to fully understand...

7th September 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones of Unividual to look at all of our finances, investments, pensions and insurances. He was extremely thorough and work patiently to fully understand everything as well as our future ambitions before reviewing our position and recommending any changes. We did everything piece buy piece and he was very impartial, only making recommendations where he felt we could improve. As a result we have saved money on policies and improved our position with regard to pensions and other investments. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone looking to use a financial adviser.

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Ashley, Somerset

1st September 2021: Thank you Simon Jones for all your hard work sorting through all 12 old pensions I held, to consolidate them all into one. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone looking...

1st September 2021: Thank you Simon Jones for all your hard work sorting through all 12 old pensions I held, to consolidate them all into one. I would highly recommend Simon to anyone looking for professional advice wanting to set up a pension. Once again thank you.

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Poonam, London

18th August 2021: Bristol Financial Adviser, Simon Hicks, was recommended to me by a friend and colleague. This has been one of the best decisions I have made, from day one he took the time to...

18th August 2021: Bristol Financial Adviser, Simon Hicks, was recommended to me by a friend and colleague. This has been one of the best decisions I have made, from day one he took the time to understand my financial position and goals. Simon Hicks is professional, knowledgeable and personable. He is patient, detail orientated, understands what the client wants and will cover a range of options whether its pensions, investments, mortgages. I’ve been introduced to a range of new products and this has created a positive shift in both my financial position and mindset. I am looking forward to continue working with Simon to achieve my financial goals and would definitely recommend his services to others going forward.

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Becci, Bristol

6 August 2021: Professional in all areas, felt fully informed on all aspects of services being offered and Simon (Jones) had an excellent way of explaining products, risks, benefits and costs. Clearly...

6 August 2021: Professional in all areas, felt fully informed on all aspects of services being offered and Simon (Jones) had an excellent way of explaining products, risks, benefits and costs. Clearly has an affinity and passion for his job and that comes across in the way he provides advice. Thanks!

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Melanie, Frome

1 August 2021: Simon Jones has supported me through setting up a pension fund and life assurance. He has the right balance of professionalism and holistic approach to what felt like an area I...

1 August 2021: Simon Jones has supported me through setting up a pension fund and life assurance. He has the right balance of professionalism and holistic approach to what felt like an area I didn’t want to acknowledge. I am super pleased with what Simon has put in place and feel more relaxed about my future finances and choices. Could not recommend his services more.

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Alun, Bristol

8 July 2021: The continued care and professionalism that we receive during regular updates goes beyond my expectations. The detail that Simon ( Jones ) has put into ensure we meet our financial...

8 July 2021: The continued care and professionalism that we receive during regular updates goes beyond my expectations. The detail that Simon ( Jones ) has put into ensure we meet our financial goals is exemplary.

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Jack, Gloucester

8 July 2021: I approached Simon Jones after looking for help managing my finances from my career as a professional rugby player. He’s looked after me incredibly well and taken the time to educate...

8 July 2021: I approached Simon Jones after looking for help managing my finances from my career as a professional rugby player. He’s looked after me incredibly well and taken the time to educate me and keeping me informed so I actually know where my moneys going and what options I have to help me in the future and when I retire from rugby. I feel at peace knowing my finances are in the safe hands of Simon and I would recommend him to anyone.

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Paul, Portishead

6 July 2021: Simon Jones is very responsive, approachable and thorough in his financial investigations and the resulting advice he provides. He has helped my wife and I sort our pensions, ISAs...

6 July 2021: Simon Jones is very responsive, approachable and thorough in his financial investigations and the resulting advice he provides. He has helped my wife and I sort our pensions, ISAs, investments and mortgages. He was able to demonstrate how we could afford to release equity from a rental property, fund our house move and realise our dream of owning a motorhome for those getaway weekends. Simon is more than an Independent Financial Advisor. He not only looks at the numbers but also looks to understand our aspirations and how to achieve them. I have worked with other IFAs in the past but Simon outshines them all. I would highly recommend him to anyone wishing to review their financial circumstances.

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Claire, Portishead

4 July 2021: My husband and I went to Simon Jones for a review of our financial position, and for assistance in planning our financial future. Simon is friendly and very thorough. He investigated...

4 July 2021: My husband and I went to Simon Jones for a review of our financial position, and for assistance in planning our financial future. Simon is friendly and very thorough. He investigated all of our pensions, ISAs and other assets, and advised how we can best utilise them all. He assessed our attitudes to risk and proposed a plan to fit our risk profile. He then put the plan into action and made all the transfers in our behalf. With Simon’s expert help, we have been able to realise our dream of owning a motorhome, and buying an amazing house with 180 degree views across the sea. This has long been a dream, and we weren’t sure that it was possible. As part of the process, Simon arranged our residential mortgage and a let-to-buy on a rental property we own, so that we are paying the best rates possible. I would highly recommend Simon! He has enabled us to live the dream!

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Tabitha, Swindon

4 July 2021: I highly recommend Unividual. I received excellent service from my advisor Simon who was courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. Simon took the time to explain things thoroughly...

4 July 2021: I highly recommend Unividual. I received excellent service from my advisor Simon who was courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. Simon took the time to explain things thoroughly and was able to answer all my questions. I was very impressed by the pensions projection spreadsheet and can see it being a very useful tool as we plan for retirement.

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Nick, Bristol

3 July 2021: Simon Hicks is always very clear, organized and generous with his time. I make better decisions and have less to worry about with Simon as my financial advisor. I would definitely...

3 July 2021: Simon Hicks is always very clear, organized and generous with his time. I make better decisions and have less to worry about with Simon as my financial advisor. I would definitely recommend!

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Joe, Bristol

2 July 2021: I would like to share the excellent service I received from Simon Hicks at Unividual. He took time to understand my financial position, long term goals and challenges in the near-term...

...

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Martyn, Bath

2 July 2021: Very professional, extremely helpful and more importantly for me life changing. I never realised how important good financial advice is for your health and wellbeing until I had...

2 July 2021: Very professional, extremely helpful and more importantly for me life changing. I never realised how important good financial advice is for your health and wellbeing until I had the support from Simon Jones at Unividual.

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Rachel, Bristol

1 July 2021: Simon Jones made the whole process very easy and explained everything well along the way. I now have a better understanding and feel in control of my finances. I cannot recommend...

1 July 2021: Simon Jones made the whole process very easy and explained everything well along the way. I now have a better understanding and feel in control of my finances. I cannot recommend him enough!

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Natalie, Bristol

1st July 2021: Simon Jones has provided an excellent, professional service and has been approachable and available whenever we needed him. He hasn’t tried to sell us anything that we didn’t...

1st July 2021: Simon Jones has provided an excellent, professional service and has been approachable and available whenever we needed him. He hasn’t tried to sell us anything that we didn’t need or want and has put a lot of research in to the services he has provided. Would highly recommend.

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Jamie, Bristol

30 June 2021: Simon Hicks has been advising me on my pension, investments, life cover and mortgages for 3 years now and I’m always incredibly impressed by his knowledge and professionalism...

30 June 2021: Simon Hicks has been advising me on my pension, investments, life cover and mortgages for 3 years now and I’m always incredibly impressed by his knowledge and professionalism, as well as his willingness to go above and beyond when explaining any aspect of my investments. A very well earned 5 star review, I’ve not looked back since Simon has started advising me and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough!

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Sandra, Bath

30th June 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones who was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He helped us sort out our finances and made it possible for my husband to retire within the next...

30th June 2021: We dealt with Simon Jones who was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He helped us sort out our finances and made it possible for my husband to retire within the next year – something we thought wouldn’t be able to happen for probably another 6yrs. He made it all so easy. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him again

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Nathan, Southampton

30 June 2021: Simon H. Excellent professional manner. Very informative with my options for life insurance. Made understanding an area I had little experience of very clear and I felt very confident...

30 June 2021: Simon H. Excellent professional manner. Very informative with my options for life insurance. Made understanding an area I had little experience of very clear and I felt very confident the option I choose was the correct one. Simon H is always on hand if I have a question and responds very quickly allowing me more time with my family. I would definitely recommend his services.

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Joseph, Bristol

29 June 2021: Simon Hicks has transformed my life. He is thorough and earnest. Trust in financial advice is very important to me and I can certainly vouch for Simon Hicks. I am grateful for his...

29 June 2021: Simon Hicks has transformed my life. He is thorough and earnest. Trust in financial advice is very important to me and I can certainly vouch for Simon Hicks. I am grateful for his services and very excited for our future together.

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Jack, Southampton

29 June 2021: We were looking for advice for our finances as a whole and were recommended Simon Hicks by a friend. He took care of all of our mortgage and protection needs to begin with, then...

29 June 2021: We were looking for advice for our finances as a whole and were recommended Simon Hicks by a friend. He took care of all of our mortgage and protection needs to begin with, then when we were ready we moved onto pensions and investments. His knowledge of everything was incredible. We even started talking about our wider family and their needs including estate planning and inheritance tax. He explained to us in the first meeting that he had the highest qualifications you can get in the industry, after hearing him discuss countless topics in depth, I now understand what this means. Terrific adviser and would highly recommend.

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Yvonne, Plymouth

28th June 2021: We met with Simon Hicks to discuss our retirement plans and to invest some capital we had recently received following the sale of property. His knowledge of the industry, products...

28th June 2021: We met with Simon Hicks to discuss our retirement plans and to invest some capital we had recently received following the sale of property. His knowledge of the industry, products and finance in general was very impressive. We are also extremely happy with the growth we have received and the tax we saved through investing into some more complex products. Delighted to recommend his services to everyone and anyone.

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Dan, Devon

27th June 2021: I found a lot of great reviews on Simon Hicks on VouchedFor. After meeting him I was impressed straight away. I only needed a mortgage, but he seemed to know a great deal about...

27th June 2021: I found a lot of great reviews on Simon Hicks on VouchedFor. After meeting him I was impressed straight away. I only needed a mortgage, but he seemed to know a great deal about pensions, life cover and investments too. He was able to advise on the most suitable mortgage initially, rather than just picking a standard 5 year fixed off the shelf like a mortgage broker would do. Look forward to moving on to the investing side. Have told friends and family about Simon and would always recommend.

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Callum, Exeter

26th June 2021: I was lucky enough to find Simon Hicks a couple years ago when searching for the best ways to grow my investment portfolio. Simon is also very knowledgeable about a wide range...

26th June 2021: I was lucky enough to find Simon Hicks a couple years ago when searching for the best ways to grow my investment portfolio. Simon is also very knowledgeable about a wide range of areas I hadn’t even considered. Always professional without being too formal. Would highly recommend Simon’s services for mortgages, protection, pensions and investments. He knows it all inside and out!

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Dan, Bristol

25th June 2021: Myself and my partner first met with Simon Hicks early last year, as we were looking to purchase a new home and needed assistance with our mortgage. Simon was extremely professional...

25th June 2021: Myself and my partner first met with Simon Hicks early last year, as we were looking to purchase a new home and needed assistance with our mortgage. Simon was extremely professional and transparent and a service that was much improved on finding a mortgage on my own last time around! Since then Simon has helped both myself and my partner in making sure our protection levels are all in place, at all times making sure that we understood every step of the way. I look forward to continuing our EIS* conversations in the near future! EIS means Enterprise Investment Scheme

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Jules, Bristol

26th June 2021: I contacted Unividual for advice on mortgages and had a meeting with Simon Hicks. While I didn’t end up buying a house, I was really impressed by the company and Simon in...

26th June 2021: I contacted Unividual for advice on mortgages and had a meeting with Simon Hicks. While I didn’t end up buying a house, I was really impressed by the company and Simon in particular. He knew his stuff and highlighted some financial issues that I hadn’t even thought which should save me a lot of pain in the future. I’m very glad I picked up the phone!

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Stephen, Bristol

24 June 2021: Simon Hicks at Unividual is the best financial advisor I have ever had dealings with. I go to him with complex issues and he comes back quickly with well researched, sound, and...

24 June 2021: Simon Hicks at Unividual is the best financial advisor I have ever had dealings with. I go to him with complex issues and he comes back quickly with well researched, sound, and accurate advice. I have recommended his services to multiple people and have only had positive feedback from them too.

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Ashley, Southampton

25 June 2021: Simon Hicks made sorting our finances out an absolute breeze. He explained all our options in a way that was easily understandable and made the whole process completely stress free!...

25 June 2021: Simon Hicks made sorting our finances out an absolute breeze. He explained all our options in a way that was easily understandable and made the whole process completely stress free! We immediately felt that Simon understood our circumstances and have full feeling of trust in him and his abilities that you don’t always get. I couldn’t recommend him and Unividual enough!

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Farah, Bristol

24th June 2021: Simon Hicks has been such a great help, he’s taken a lot of stress away by explaining my finances to me in a way that I can understand and it’s a huge help to have...

24th June 2021: Simon Hicks has been such a great help, he’s taken a lot of stress away by explaining my finances to me in a way that I can understand and it’s a huge help to have someone so knowledgeable looking after my money. His manner is always polite and professional, he’s always available to answer any questions I have and responds quickly to any queries. Could not recommend Simon Hicks & Unividual more highly. It’s a very well earned 5 stars from me, I would give more if I could!

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Matthew, Wiltshire

My previous financial adviser was retiring and I needed someone of equal quality to take over my affairs, I know Scott Gurd personally and I had no hesitation in asking him to look after me...

My previous financial adviser was retiring and I needed someone of equal quality to take over my affairs, I know Scott Gurd personally and I had no hesitation in asking him to look after me. In the main I was looking at pension advice and investment planning. He reviewed my circumstances, discussed my views on investment, risk etc and we had a general discussion around my existing financial portfolio and my plans for the future. Scott then ensured I looked at all the available options open to me. Have I seen the outcome I was hoping for? Yes and more, I have no complaints. Scott is technically very good and he is genuinely interested in getting his clients the best possible outcome. I am now able to retire 4 years earlier than previously planned. If you are looking for a typical salesperson Scott is not your man, most advisers push harder to get you to follow their advice. Scott however, just gave great financial advice

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Paul, Hampshire

I was looking to sell my existing property and jointly purchase a house with my partner. Scott Gurd visited my house at a time convenient to me and my partner and provided us with comprehensive...

I was looking to sell my existing property and jointly purchase a house with my partner. Scott Gurd visited my house at a time convenient to me and my partner and provided us with comprehensive information about our options. We are now clear about what to do next and Scott was fantastic.

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Rosie, Berkshire

I wanted to invest in medium term savings and make sure my pension and mortgage were the best products on the market for me. Scott Gurd helped me by ascertaining my risk level so that I chose...

I wanted to invest in medium term savings and make sure my pension and mortgage were the best products on the market for me. Scott Gurd helped me by ascertaining my risk level so that I chose the right product portfolio for my savings. I have seen the outcome I was hoping for and Scott has done everything I could want for. He’s accessible and incredibly helpful.

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Enyioma, Bristol

Simon Jones is both extremely professional and personable. He is a joy to work with and even via online meetings he is easy going and takes time to get to know you in order to fulfil his role...

Simon Jones is both extremely professional and personable. He is a joy to work with and even via online meetings he is easy going and takes time to get to know you in order to fulfil his role as adviser. He manages to provide accountability without being overbearing and is also clear that I am free to take or leave his advice! His advice has always been spot on. In the short time I have been consulting with him, I have found myself in an improved financial position and have greater clarity when it comes to future financial issues. I would highly recommend him to anyone, whether you are planning on buying a house or just need to get your finances in order so you can make some sound investments.

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Charlotte, Bristol

I started looking for a financial adviser after having children and wanting to ensure that we have financial security for our family, now and in the future. Simon gave us clear advice and information...

I started looking for a financial adviser after having children and wanting to ensure that we have financial security for our family, now and in the future. Simon gave us clear advice and information regarding what services were available and took the time to really understand our situation both personally and financially to help us choose a life insurance policy and make plans for our will.

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Sherona, Wales

I have been working with Simon Jones for a couple of weeks now and he has been incredibly helpful explaining what options are available with regards to pension planning. The process has been...

I have been working with Simon Jones for a couple of weeks now and he has been incredibly helpful explaining what options are available with regards to pension planning. The process has been very smooth and our meetings are very relaxed but with clear instruction on what we need to do next and I look forward to continuing to work with Simon going forward.

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Cecilia, Bristol

We had house sale proceeds to invest, Simon Jones patiently took me through a range of different options for long term financial planning. Being quite new to investments, and working with a...

We had house sale proceeds to invest, Simon Jones patiently took me through a range of different options for long term financial planning. Being quite new to investments, and working with a financial adviser, I really appreciated his approach. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to either invest or get general advice, whether you are a new or experienced investor. I have now got a portfolio of ethical investments that is being managed, I have just confirmed initial investments so can’t review in terms of financial performance, but feel very happy with the service provided.

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Lisa, Bristol

It would be difficult to improve the level of service that Simon gave during this pandemic. When planning for our retirement, Simon Jones created projections for us and looked at how we were...

It would be difficult to improve the level of service that Simon gave during this pandemic. When planning for our retirement, Simon Jones created projections for us and looked at how we were managing our pension funds. Simon has exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to continuing working with him in the future.

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Claire, Bristol

We can not recommend Simon Jones and Unividual highly enough. I’m afraid he had an uphill start as we had bad experiences of old school” advisers. He took pains to allay all our fears. We...

We can not recommend Simon Jones and Unividual highly enough. I’m afraid he had an uphill start as we had bad experiences of old school” advisers. He took pains to allay all our fears. We were fast approaching retirement with little understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of the pensions and products we had in place. After several meetings Simon had a full understanding of our hopes and the products we had. He was able to recommend alternatives that better fulfilled our requirements and overall left us feeling confident about our future which we hadn’t previously. He has also arranged for our wills to be written which had been a “round-to-it” for a very long time. We are in a much better position all round.

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Veronique, Bristol

We’ve just breathed a large sigh of relief, having secured our first mortgage thanks to the help of Unividual financial advisor Simon Hicks. Both myself and my partner are unconventional...

We’ve just breathed a large sigh of relief, having secured our first mortgage thanks to the help of Unividual financial advisor Simon Hicks. Both myself and my partner are unconventional financial cases so in turn were expecting a complicated slog, but Simon’s knowledge and diligence pushed things over the line in record speed and with minimal fuss. We would highly recommend Simon to anyone venturing into the intimidating world of first home buying (as he was recommended to us by friends), he was brilliant.

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Paul, Wiltshire

I hadn’t heard from my previous financial adviser, from another company, for a few years. I needed to get my finances sorted out before reaching retirement age. Scott advised me as to my options...

I hadn’t heard from my previous financial adviser, from another company, for a few years. I needed to get my finances sorted out before reaching retirement age. Scott advised me as to my options and showed me comparisons between what I was doing and what I could be doing. He then set me up with what I believe is a much better package with all my finances. I’m very pleased with the return I’m getting from the arranged plans. I know that if I have any issues I can call Scott, or email him at any time and he will get back to me. If I thought Scott could have helped me any better I know I can mention it to him – but I haven’t needed to.

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Rosie, Bristol

Simon Hicks at Unividual has made what should be a stressful process extremely easy and straightforward. He is very knowledgeable, yet able to explain complex matters in a jargon-free, easy-to-understand...

Simon Hicks at Unividual has made what should be a stressful process extremely easy and straightforward. He is very knowledgeable, yet able to explain complex matters in a jargon-free, easy-to-understand way. We could not have asked for a better mortgage advisor; he was very patient with us and made sure that we were always getting the best possible outcome. Always quick to act and respond, even at very short notice. I couldn’t recommend Simon and Unividiual enough. Thank you for everything!

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Kizzie, London

Thanks so much to Simon at Unividual who made everything so much easier by navigating us through this complex process of getting a mortgage!

Thanks so much to Simon at Unividual who made everything so much easier by navigating us through this complex process of getting a mortgage!

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Jim, Swindon

Could I just say how good your staff are in general to deal with. It doesn’t matter who answers the phone it is always handled in a very polite and efficient way, no pre-handling general recorded...

Could I just say how good your staff are in general to deal with. It doesn’t matter who answers the phone it is always handled in a very polite and efficient way, no pre-handling general recorded messages either. Very refreshing. Your people are extremely efficient with handling of tasks giving me prompt feedback where required without me chasing and being diplomatic when I’ve been mucking things up like shredding documents that I should have been sending back to you!!! All in all a great service, many thanks.

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Jack, Bristol

I used Simon Hicks to assist me in finding a mortgage as I looked to move from my flat into a house, moving away from having the mortgage on my own to being jointly held with my partner. I work...

I used Simon Hicks to assist me in finding a mortgage as I looked to move from my flat into a house, moving away from having the mortgage on my own to being jointly held with my partner. I work in the financial industry but find mortgages daunting hence turning to Simon for help. HE WAS SUPERB. Really clear, patient, attentive, available – finding us a mortgage which suited what we were looking for. Will look to use him for other finances in the future. Thanks Simon.

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Dean, Bristol

Simon Hicks is a consummate professional, Simon helped me understand financial processes that were unknown to me. He fundamentally helped me achieve buying my dream home and offering sound financial...

Simon Hicks is a consummate professional, Simon helped me understand financial processes that were unknown to me. He fundamentally helped me achieve buying my dream home and offering sound financial advice at every step. The face to face personalised service made me feel comfortable about each decision I was making, and where I was a little unsure, Simon made sure we covered that topic until I fully understood everything before we moved to the next area of financial planning. I couldn’t recommend Simon any higher – very nice chap too!

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Aaron, London

Unividual’s advice and guidance was invaluable in securing a great mortgage deal despite my somewhat complicated personal financial situation. Their advisors are fantastic, professional...

Unividual’s advice and guidance was invaluable in securing a great mortgage deal despite my somewhat complicated personal financial situation. Their advisors are fantastic, professional and can help with all aspects of your financial planning. Would recommend highly!

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Retirement Planning Guide

Plan your retirement: Navigating Your Financial Future

It is never too late to plan for retirement

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 50s or 60s

Transforming retirement dreams into reality, a Client's journey to financial freedom

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 30s & 40s

Overcome retirement anxiety

Business owner retirement

Don’t just rely on work-place pensions

Case Study: Worrying about how much you have for retirement

How your life stage relates to retirement: In your 20s

A note from retirement planning expert, Simon Jones

Psychology behind retirement planning

The magic of compound interest

How to plan for retirement

How do I calculate what I need for retirement?

Do I need a financial adviser to plan for retirement?

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