It’s January so time to jump OFF the treadmill…

How often do you get in the car with no idea where you’re going? Do you take random left and right turns and see where you end up?

Perhaps you end up at the bottom of a Munro and despite the low cloud and drizzle, you set off from the car park in the hope of reaching the top?

Both are, of course, somewhat unlikely.

Life in 2023 is busy. Work takes up a lot of time and the line between work and home life can become blurred with home-working now commonplace. Looking after dependants fills the hours that work doesn’t and even when the laptop is shutdown, our phones can be a constant distraction.

It is normal to feel like weeks, months and even years pass by in a flash without having time to take stock.

Therefore, there is huge benefit in jumping off the treadmill for just a few minutes to consider where you are running to. Consider taking half an hour to yourself to think about some important questions:

• Do you have regular savings/pension contributions set up? Are they enough?
• Will you be able to afford the lifestyle you want to have in the future? Family holidays? School fees? Higher mortgage repayments?
• Do you talk about moving house but never get round to it?
• Do you worry that you will have to work so long that you miss the good years of retirement?
• Or that your business will not be worth enough when you come to sell it?

These questions and so many more can all be answered simply by having a Financial Plan; a map to follow for your financial future.

If you would like to discuss your plans and what the future holds for you and your family, please contact Matt Duncan or your usual contact at Carbon

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.

This communication is for general information only and is not intended to be individual advice. It represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice. You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before taking any action.

Tax and Estate Planning Services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.