FAQs

When can I afford to retire?

That depends on how much you’ve saved, how much you spend, and what kind of lifestyle you want. At Strive, we build retirement plans that show you exactly when you can retire with confidence, no guesswork. Read more

How much do I need to retire comfortably in the UK?

The average target is £30,000–£40,000 a year after tax, but your number depends on your lifestyle. We use cashflow modelling to work out your personal target, factoring in inflation, tax, and market returns. Most people can retire earlier than they think, its best to see a financial planner as early as possible, to put together a plan to be able to retire when you want. Read more

Should I consolidate my pensions?

It depends. Consolidation can reduce costs and improve visibility, but sometimes you lose valuable guarantees. We’ll review your pensions to decide what’s worth keeping and what should be moved. Read more

How do I take income from my pension tax-efficiently?

By blending pension withdrawals with ISAs, general investments, and allowances like your Personal Allowance and Dividend Allowance. We structure it all so you pay less tax and get more freedom. Read more

How do I reduce my inheritance tax liability?

We use a mix of strategies: lifetime gifting, pension drawdown, trust planning, and life cover written into trust. We’ll help you protect your estate and pass on more to your family, not HMRC. Read more

Should I withdraw my Tax Free Cash at retirement?

Not always. While it’s tempting to take the full 25% lump sum from your pension at retirement, the best approach depends on your wider financial plan. In some cases, phasing your tax-free cash over time can reduce income tax, preserve investment growth, and improve long-term outcomes. Therefore, unless you have outstanding debts, usually we recommend against this, but every case is different. Read more

What protection cover do I need?

That depends on your circumstances. We advise on life cover, critical illness, income protection, and business protection, all structured to give you peace of mind. Read more

What’s the best way to invest for retirement?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. It depends on your risk appetite, timeline, and goals. At Strive, we build bespoke investment strategies aligned to your retirement targets, not someone else’s template. Read more

How do I know if I’m on track financially?

We use cashflow modelling to show you, in plain English and visual terms, whether you’re on track or not. And if you’re not, we build the plan to get you there.

What does a financial planner do?

A good one doesn’t just manage money, they help you make better financial decisions, reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and create a plan to live life with confidence.

What’s the difference between a financial adviser and a financial planner?

An adviser may focus on products. A planner focuses on your entire life, your goals, your income, your future, and builds a strategy around that. At Strive, we only do proper financial planning.

Do I need a financial planner if I already have investments?

Yes, investing without a plan is like sailing without a map. We make sure your investments are structured to meet your life goals, not just market performance. Investing is a tiny part of financial planning.

Can I gift money without paying tax?

Yes. You can gift from income, use your annual exemption, or make potentially exempt transfers. With a proper strategy, you can gift generously without creating tax headaches later.

What’s cashflow modelling and why does it matter?

It’s the process of forecasting your financial future based on your current situation. We use it to help you spend with confidence, adjust if needed, and avoid nasty surprises later.

Is financial planning just for the wealthy?

Not at all. Anyone serious about their future can benefit. We work with professionals, business owners, and families who want to make the most of what they’ve built.

How often should I review my financial plan?

Annually at a minimum, but any big life changes, job moves, inheritance, business exit, divorce, health changes. We stay with you for the long haul, adjusting your plan as life evolves.

Can financial planning help me retire early?

Absolutely. With the right plan, many clients retire earlier than expected. We’ll show you exactly how, and when, it can work for you.

How do I plan for a business exit?

We look at extracting profits tax-efficiently, preparing for sale, building a post-exit income plan, and minimising IHT. You built it. We help you exit with confidence and control.

What investments do you use?

We use a discretionary fund management (DFM) service, giving you a professionally managed, diversified portfolio tailored to your goals and risk level. This approach spreads your money across different asset types, reducing risk while aiming for consistent, long-term returns.

How much do your services cost?

At Strive, we charge a percentage-based fee, which is fully transparent and aligned with your outcomes. However, we don’t charge anything for the first two meetings. This includes your initial discovery meeting, full financial analysis, and a personalised proposal. All at no cost, and with no obligation to proceed.

You’ll only pay a fee if you decide to go ahead with our recommendations. Everything is clearly explained upfront, with no hidden charges.