Sarah Buchanan-Smith

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%.

My career has seen me in roles such as a financial analyst, management consultant, and investor relations expert, providing me with invaluable insights that inform the advice I provide today.

As a holistic financial planner, I help individuals, families, and business owners create comprehensive strategies tailored to their unique circumstances. Whether you’re seeking clarity on pensions, investments, protection, or inheritance tax planning, my goal is to empower you with a financial plan that aligns with your values, priorities, and long-term goals.

My areas of expertise include Holistic Financial Planning to create a financial strategy that integrates all aspects of your financial life, Pension & Retirement Planning to help you prepare for a comfortable future and Investment Planning to help you grow and preserve your wealth.

I can also help you with Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning to ensure your family’s financial stability across generations and provide you with Protection and Insurance to secure your income, assets, and loved ones. (Please note that succession planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

Also, having run my own business for over 20 years, I provide Business Services to assist business owners with succession planning and financial security.

I work with diverse clients, including individuals navigating significant life changes, such as loss, divorce, redundancy, or the birth of a child; business owners seeking tailored protection and succession planning; families focused on setting their children up for financial success and preserving wealth for future generations; and young adults navigating their path to financial independence.

As a “Woman of a Certain Age,” I am passionately committed to empowering midlife women to take control of their financial futures and helping them build confidence and clarity in planning and managing their wealth.

I’m not sure how it happened, but I’m a big fan of cold-water swimming! When I’m not jumping into the North Sea, I love travelling, especially by train. I also enjoy music, art, reading and spending time with my husband and our three almost grown-up children.