How to pay yourself as a Director without paying more tax than you need to
One of the big questions I get from business owners is: “What’s the best way to pay myself?” There isn’t a single answer, but there are a few common routes. Each has its pros, cons, and things to watch for.If you understand the options, you can make better decisions for your situation (with your accountant’s […]
Keeping money inside your business will not build your personal wealth
How I paid into my SIPP as a business expense and why most small business owners don’t know they can This week I moved money from my business account into my Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) as an employer contribution.It counts as a business expense, which means it reduces my corporation tax bill.And that money is […]
How a simple spreadsheet helped one parent stay under the £100k threshold, and save thousands in childcare costs
If you’re hoping to access the government’s funded childcare hours, there’s one number that matters more than most: £100,000 net adjusted income. Go even slightly over, and you lose the support entirely. That’s the situation one parent found herself in. Her base salary was under the threshold, but once her bonus and RSUs (restricted stock […]
Funded childcare and pension contributions – what’s best for your family?
From September 2025, many working parents will be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week, starting from the term after their child is just 9 months old. It’s a huge support but it’s not guaranteed. To qualify, both parents must: That £100k limit is where things often get tricky especially for […]
From guilt to growth: the art of conscious lifestyle upgrades
I talk a lot about lifestyle creep – that sneaky way our spending grows without us noticing, quietly sabotaging our savings goals. But there’s another side to this conversation that deserves equal attention: conscious lifestyle upgrades. The difference between lifestyle creep and conscious upgrades isn’t the spending itself, it’s the intentionality behind it. What makes […]
Should you overpay your mortgage or invest? Here’s how to decide
Unsure whether to invest or overpay your mortgage? Discover the real factors that matter — beyond just the numbers.
Love and money: why having money dates matters
While chocolates and flowers are lovely, there may be a greater need for a money date this Valentine’s Day. I’m coaching more and more individuals who have issues with their partner, whether it be mismatched spending, resentment over who pays for childcare, keeping money separately or just different attitudes to what matters. I’ve written this […]
Maximizing Your Wealth: Should You Overpay Your Mortgage or Save or invest?
Deciding between earning interest on savings and overpaying your mortgage is a question I’ve been getting a lot recently. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider several key factors, including tax implications, interest rates, mortgage terms, financial goals, and more. As with all things money it will be personal, some prefer to take […]
Start January with a smile, save for Christmas now
We’re 3 months away from Christmas – how does that make you feel? For many, Christmas can be a time where there are all the extras and so without a plan we can end up overspending. As a certified financial coach I love helping people feeling clear about their finances and this often includes some […]