Reuben Homewood

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%.

The best part of my role? Connecting with my clients by taking the time to learn their story, to understand the life they’ve built, the goals ahead of them, and their financial landscape. We talk all areas of life and finance over a coffee, and together we build a plan that helps turn those goals and dreams into a viable reality.

But I also know from personal experience that life doesn’t always go to plan. When a close family member faced a critical illness, it became clear to me just how important having the right financial support in place really is, often more than we realise.

That’s why I take the time to dive deep into your story and the life you’ve created, so that when life does take a turn, you know you’ve got someone in your corner and a plan that can stand up to whatever comes next.

Finance can feel overwhelming. My job is to simplify it. I want you to leave every meeting with me feeling in control of your money and confident about your future.

I follow a four-stage process, with you at the centre, every step of the way. Initially we will meet to simply get to know each other, talk about your situation, goals and what support you’re looking for. We will then move to a financial review and explore all areas of your finances to build a complete picture of where you are now. I will then apply my expertise to the information you provide, creating a tailored, targeted and tax-efficient financial plan designed around your needs, which delivers against your goals. Together we will then review your plan, continuing to work together, so when your life changes, the plan changes, ensuring that your money is always working for you.

I work remotely, however in a digital world, I believe in face to face advice and will always facilitate this, where practicable.

I haven't always been a Financial Planning Consultant. Previously, I served in the Royal Navy for 11 years, spending much of that time based in Portsmouth onboard Type 45 Destroyers. I was deployed globally, experienced diverse cultures, and worked in high-stakes environments, experiences that I believe make me a dynamic and well-rounded adviser.

The highlight of my military career was receiving the King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in 2025, following a deployment onboard HMS Diamond in 2024.

I understand the challenges that service personnel face and am passionate about improving financial well-being within both the serving and veteran communities.

My family is my biggest driver in everything I do. Outside the office, I’m a dad, partner, brother, son, and friend. I enjoy walks with our needy Cockapoo, staying fit so I can feel guilt-free when exploring new food venues with my fiancée, and catching up with my brothers and friends. I’m not your typical financial planner on the golf course, you’re more likely to find me ringside watching boxing or mixed martial arts.