How financial planning helped James and Claire retire five years sooner than they thought possible.
When James and Claire first approached Acumen Financial Planning, they were in their mid-50s and facing some important decisions about their future.
James had recently been made redundant after 28 years with his employer. Although he had found another job, he wasn't enjoying it and believed he would need to continue working for at least another five years before he could afford to retire.
Claire worked part-time and had recently inherited £100,000 following her mother's death. The couple were unsure how best to use this money, particularly with an outstanding mortgage, home improvements and family commitments to consider.
Above all, they wanted to know whether they could afford to stop working and enjoy more time together.
Our financial planning team worked closely with James and Claire to understand their circumstances, priorities and aspirations.
We developed a detailed lifetime cash flow plan, considering their pensions, savings, investments, future expenditure and potential financial risks.
By exploring different scenarios, including changes in inflation, investment performance and unexpected costs, we helped them understand what their financial future could look like and whether early retirement was achievable.
The outcome
Just three months after their first meeting with Acumen, James and Claire both retired, at least five years earlier than they had originally expected.
With a clear financial plan in place, they felt confident they could enjoy the lifestyle they wanted without the need to continue working.
Over the years, their financial plan has continued to evolve alongside their circumstances, with discussions now including ways to support their grandchildren and plan for the next generation.
For James and Claire, financial planning wasn't simply about managing their money. It was about having the confidence to make the most of their time together.
