James Medrow
Financial Planning Consultant DipPFS in West Sussex
A little bit about James
I have worked in the financial industry since 2000 and have gained a broad/extensive range of knowledge working for some of the biggest names in the industry including Standard Life & AEGON.
I specialise in all areas of financial planning. Through my comprehensive service offering, I help people make educated decisions by listening to their objectives and coming up with a solution that will help them meet their future goals. As an adviser I am still studying and completing exams to keep up with the fast-moving legislation within our industry, giving my clients the confidence that they are receiving up to date relevant advice, tailored to their own personal circumstances.
With my knowledge and experience, I am well equipped to understand what drives you and your long-term goals. I will give you confidence and most importantly peace of mind to enjoy life without financial worry, by building a cash-flow model to help you keep on track for now and the future. Whether you are looking to save for your children’s futures, to plan for your retirement or protecting what you already have in place, I can help with Financial Objectives today and to plan for your future.
Start the conversation
Get in touch if you’d like to discuss the long-term benefits of including investing in your financial plans.
Contact me today
An adviser’s insight
When is the right time to invest?
There’s always a degree of uncertainty when it comes to investing, so it’s natural for some people to feel nervous about it.
When the news is reporting stock market volatility, it’s understandable that some people might feel more cautious about investing. But including investments in your long-term financial plan is a smart way to give your money the best chance to grow.
Keeping money in cash might feel like a safe option, and having some money easily available is a sensible decision. But too much cash could end up costing you more because of inflation’s ability to eat away at the value of your savings. For example, when £10,000 is invested it can grow by 78% over 30 years, but if it was kept in a current account its value could actually reduce by 59%*.
There are lots of options when it comes to investing, and I’m here to guide you through them. I can help you decide things like which risk level is right for you, what types of investments to use to maximise your tax efficiency, and how to create an investment plan tailored to your circumstances and goals. I can also show you how different investment approaches could impact your finances over the long term.
If you’re thinking about how investing today can help create the life you want in the future, let’s talk about how I can support and guide you through the process.
The value of investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change
*Based on an annual average investment return of 5% and inflation at 3%.
Services
Holistic planning
Establishing and reviewing trusts, complete personal risk management planning, short- and long-term savings and investments.
Income Protection
Permanent health insurance to provide a regular income should you be unable to work due to illness or injury.
Investments
Wealth management advice to make your money work as hard as it can for you, including making the most of any tax breaks available.
Pensions
Expert advice to help provide comfort in your retirement.
Protection
Whole of life and term assurance protection, private medical arrangements, critical illness insurance.
Qualifications
Diploma in Financial Planning
- The Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute develops core technical understanding across a broad range of key financial planning areas.
Pension Transfers & Planning Advice
- The Level 6 Certificate in Pension Transfers & Planning Advice provides specialist knowledge and skills in this area of financial planning.
Testimonials
Josie
In 2020 I approached Lighthouse for financial advice through my trade union. I had made a profit on the sale of my house in London when I moved to East Sussex in 2017 and had invested in ISAs and a tracker account through my high street bank. I was disappointed by the lack of communication and as an experienced investor, felt my investments were probably underperforming but didn't have enough time to look into this.
James provided a very professional initial review and assessment of my financial situation and expert advice about how I could improve the performance of my investments. He has also subsequently advised me on how I can maximise my pension benefits. James helped me move my investments and pensions onto the Quilter platform. I receive regular detailed performance reports but can also easily view my investments on-line. This really works for me. I feel I have all the information I need to be confident about the active management of my funds without being overwhelmed. I also know that I can draw on James's experience and financial expertise.
Shelagh
I was introduced to James at the end of 2020 when I needed advice on my financial position if I took voluntary redundancy/early retirement from my employment at the BBC, our initial meeting having been enabled via the BECTU union.
James was extremely helpful in talking me through the options and financial implications of my decision and highlighting points I needed to consider in relation to future planning/tax etc. and the level of risk in investments that would be appropriate.
As a result, I transferred my existing ISA funds to an Old Mutual Wealth ISA which has subsequently been taken over by Quilter and James was very helpful in talking me through the process and arranging all the necessary paperwork for the transfer.
He has carried out regular annual reviews, confirming that the investment chosen is appropriate to my chosen risk level. This has been very useful, given ongoing changes in my personal circumstances, including the death of my mother, together with the extreme volatility of the financial markets over the past couple of years and the uncertainty it has caused. James has kept me up to date with the situation and current thinking on how things may progress, explaining the position clearly and has also answered questions I’ve had regarding tax implications of pension contributions.
I have therefore been very grateful for his support at a time of especially great change in my circumstances.
More about me
Outside of work I have 2 boys. I am a keen sportsman, enjoying golf, football and rugby. In 2015 I ran the Brighton Marathon to fulfil a lifelong achievement.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some employee benefits, tax planning, inheritance tax planning, estate planning, succession planning, trusts or some buy-to-let mortgages.
The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.
Registered Office: Quilter Financial Advisers, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 05693185. Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited, Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Tel: 0207 562 5856. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 04795080.