Mike Williams - Financial Planner

14/07/2026

Have you been watching the World Cup? ⚽ 🏆

Here’s an interesting angle:
Goalkeepers are roughly twice as likely to save a penalty if they stand still then if they dive.
Yet they almost never do.

Why?
Because diving looks like effort 💪🏻
Standing still looks like they’ve given up.
Behavioral economists call this “action bias”: our tendency to so something rather than do the right thing.

Investors fall into exactly the same trap.
Markets drop 📉
The headlines become frightening.
Your portfolio falls in value.
Suddenly, doing nothing feels irresponsible.
So, people sell. Switch funds. Move to cash.

For long-term investors, the decision that feels the hardest is often one that produces the best outcome.

One of the most valuable jobs a financial planner has is preventing clients from making emotional decisions at exactly the wrong moment.

Sometimes the best investment decision you’ll ever make isn’t buying or selling.

It’s simply refusing to dive ⚽️


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The value of your investment can go down as well as up. You could get back less than you invested.
Hadlow Edwards is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).
SJP Approved 14/07/2026

02/06/2026

💷 Pension rules are changing in 2027… so now might be the perfect time to give your retirement plans a quick health check 😊
From 2027, most unused pensions and death benefits could become part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes — which means it may be time to dust off those retirement plans and actually read the paperwork you’ve been ignoring 👀

The good news?

Planning ahead now can make a huge difference later. A quick review today could help protect more for your loved ones tomorrow ❤️

📌 Things worth checking:
✔️ Your pension beneficiaries
✔️ Your will
✔️ Your overall estate plan
✔️ Whether your current strategy still makes sense

No need to panic — just don’t leave it until “future you” has to deal with it 😄

📞 If you’d like to arrange a no obligation, pension review, feel free to get in touch for an initial discussion. No pressure. Just a conversation to see where you’re at and how I might be able to help.

07985 744780
01978 311611
[email protected]


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Taxation rules can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

Will writing involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place and is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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Hadlow Edwards is a trading name of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 31/05/2026

22/05/2026

12/05/2026

My twin daughters recently turned 9, and I’ve discovered something fascinating about finance…

Children become financial experts the SECOND it’s their own money.

When they’re spending my money: 💸
“Can we get this?”
“And this?”
“Ooh and definitely this.”

When they’re spending their birthday money:
“Hmm… I’m not sure that’s good value for money.”
“Do I really need this?”
“I’ll think about it.”

Amazing how quickly Warren Buffett appears when it’s their £20 on the line.

But joking aside, it’s actually been brilliant watching them start to understand money, choices, saving, and value. It proves financial habits start much earlier than most people think.

Although apparently, I’m still expected to fund snacks, Roblox, and emergency trips to Sephora indefinitely.

Parenting 🤝 finance education

16/04/2026

JARGON BUSTER 👊

What is compounding?

31/03/2026

Are you a typical 4-4-2 formation? ⚽

Investing doesn’t have to feel complicated or intimidating. The key is finding a balance that feels right for you. A simple way to think about it is like building a football team.

🛡️Defenders = Less risky investments
These are the steady players. They help protect your money and keep things more stable. They won’t grow your money quickly, but they help you feel secure.

⚡Strikers = Growth investments
These are your goal scorers. They aim to grow your money faster, but they can go up and down along the way.

If your team has too many defenders, your money may feel safe—but it might not grow much. If you have too many strikers, your money has the potential to grow faster—but it is more unpredictable.

🔑 The key is balance.

Good investing isn’t about taking big risks—it’s about having the right mix so you can feel confident and stay on track. That mix depends on:

🔵What you’re saving for
🔵How long you can invest
🔵How comfortable you feel with ups and downs

And just like any good team… You need a good manager 😉

Someone to help you pick the right players, keep things balanced, and guide you through the game with confidence.

If you’ve been meaning to take a proper look at your finances, I’d be happy to sit down for a no obligation, confidential chat.

No pressure. Just a conversation to see where you’re at and how I might be able to help.
📲07985 744780
📞01978 311611
💻[email protected]

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The value of an investment with St. James’s Place may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.
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Hadlow Edwards is a trading name of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd.

Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 25/03/2026