Making the most of ISA season, and why we’ve got you covered
The end of the tax year is fast approaching, and with it comes the deadline to make the most of your allowances before 5th April*. It’s one of those things that can easily slip down the priority list, but don’t worry – if you’re a client of Smarter Financial Planning, we’re already on it.
I talk a lot about the bigger picture of financial planning - helping you define what your money is really for, making sure your financial decisions align with your goals, and giving you confidence in your future. But behind the scenes, I’m also handling the technical side of things: making sure you’re using all the available allowances, managing investment strategies, and ensuring you’re positioned as tax-efficiently as possible.
Why tax planning matters (even more than you might think)
A recent webinar I ran with the experts at 7iM highlighted a great question from a client: “Are tax changes more important than inflation?” It’s an interesting point because while inflation is beyond our control, tax planning is something we can actively manage. Good financial planning ensures that you’re making the most of the allowances available to you - not just before tax year-end, but year-round.
ISAs are a prime example. With a tax-free allowance of £20,000 per person, they’re a simple but effective way to protect your money from unnecessary tax. But are you using yours effectively? Could you be making better use of your partner’s allowance? Would a Lifetime ISA or Junior ISA be relevant for your family? These are the kinds of questions I consider automatically as part of managing your financial plan.
The 4 Cs of financial advice
I’ve written before about why people hire a financial adviser, and it comes down to four key things:
Competence – Knowing the technical details so you don’t have to.
Coaching – Helping you make decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Convenience – Handling all the admin and strategy so you can focus on living your life.
Continuity – Being there for the long term, ensuring your finances stay aligned with your evolving goals.
But on top of this, there are also the tangible financial benefits - investment growth, tax efficiency, and reduced charges - that come from having a well-managed plan in place.
How we approach investment management
One common misconception is that financial advisers spend their days picking stocks and trying to beat the market. I take a different approach. I partner with investment firms such as 7iM, Dimensional and EBI - all of which take an evidence-based, research-backed approach to investing. Dimensional’s work is grounded in economic theory, backed by Nobel Prize-winning insights. EBI’s approach removes the need for speculation, focusing instead on data and long-term observations.
This means clients get the best of both worlds: expert financial planning from me and world-class investment strategies from firms dedicated to long-term, evidence-based investing. It’s the complete opposite of the ‘star fund manager’ model - there’s no chasing trends, no big egos, and no risky bets with your money. Just solid, sustainable investment strategies designed to deliver long-term success.
What do you want the money for
At the heart of financial planning is a simple but essential question: What do you actually want the money for?
I recently bought a longboard (yes, a skateboard, and no, I won’t be attempting any tricks). When I was researching, the first thing the company asked me was: “What do you want to use it for?” That shaped the entire decision. The same applies to financial planning - whether it’s retirement, a career change, or simply being able to do more of what you enjoy, knowing your why is crucial.
My clients are a great example of this. Some are cycling, doing Pilates, or taking up croquet. One has moved to Northumberland, another is woodturning, and another is bell-ringing. These aren’t extravagant, expensive activities – they’re about staying engaged, active, and fulfilled. That’s what good financial planning allows you to do: live life in the way that makes you happiest.
The importance of optimism
Money isn’t just about security - it’s about possibility. A friend’s sister recently booked a trip to the Maldives, but her husband wasn’t convinced. He couldn’t see the value in spending the money, saying, “I’m going to be bored”. But in reality, boredom is often just a disguise for something deeper. What if the real issue wasn’t the destination, but the idea of spending in a way that feels unfamiliar or indulgent?
Financial planning is about helping you confidently make those decisions – whether it’s travel, hobbies, or simply having the financial freedom to do what you enjoy. And sometimes, that includes knowing when to slow down and relax.
So, what’s next?
If you’d like a reminder about how we’ve approached ISA season this tax year, now’s the time to check in. And if you’re ready to start thinking about what’s next for you - whether that’s a new hobby, a big trip, or just having the confidence that your finances are sorted - let’s talk.
I’d love it if you’d also share what you’ve been up to. I’ll include your story in my next newsletter.
Here’s to making the most of what we have - financially and otherwise.
*5th April is a Saturday, so let’s call it Friday 4th April, or better still, 31st March.