Verity Corbett Dip PFS - Independent Financial Planner.

16/07/2026

I don’t have an excuse. I know I should have done better….

This weekend I finally got around to treating the wood on our green shed.

I think I last did it two years ago… although it could easily have been three! The poor shed was definitely starting to show the effects of being neglected.

It reminded me how easy it is to do the same with our finances. Life gets busy, and before you know it years have passed since you last reviewed your pensions, investments or financial plan.

That’s why our ongoing financial planning service includes an annual review. We do the research and preparation behind the scenes, then sit down together to make sure everything is still right for you and your goals. It saves you time, gives you clarity, and helps keep your financial plan on track.

A little maintenance now can save a lot of work later, whether it’s a shed or your finances.

If you’d like help with your financial plan to manage your built up cash, investments, pensions or look at things like your inheritance tax liability then get in touch for a free no obligation discussion. Call: 07519750099 or email [email protected]

The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

15/07/2026

🐘 Apparently, I’m an elephant!

At the recent Bathing in Business networking event at the Exotic Zoo, we were asked which animal best reflected our personality.

After a bit of thought (and some AI input!), elephant seemed to fit.

Thoughtful, intelligent, calm under pressure and known for strong relationships and empathy.

It struck me that these are also the qualities I aim to bring to financial planning—taking time to understand my clients, considering every angle and helping them make confident decisions about their future.

I’ll happily take being an elephant! 🐘

What animal would you be?

14/07/2026

Marie was my mentor when I first qualified and she looked after and supported me so well. She believed in me from day one and gave me the confidence to be the financial planner I am today so it was so wonderful to see her last week. 🥰

We love it when ex team members call in to visit us…. And it’s even better when they bring cakes!

Last Thursday Marie Yeo popped in to see us at our main office on Stafford Park and she bought the most amazing cakes.

It was so lovely to hear about her semi retirement and all the wonderful holidays she’s been on since leaving us plus the big one she has planned for next year. 🇭🇰🇨🇳🎢✈️

Verity Corbett Dip PFS - Independent Financial Planner.

10/07/2026

“I want to reduce the IHT my family would have to pay, but I’m not ready to give my wealth away.”

This is something I hear surprisingly often.

The good news is that reducing a potential Inheritance Tax liability doesn’t always mean giving away assets before you’re comfortable doing so. There are often a range of options available, and the right approach depends entirely on your circumstances, goals and the lifestyle you want to maintain.

One of the things I help clients with is reducing their potential Inheritance Tax liability whilst also ensuring they don’t have to compromise on what they need during their own lifetime.

If you’ve been wondering what your options might be, why not start with a conversation?

I offer a free, no obligation discovery meeting where we can talk through your situation, answer any questions you have and explore whether financial planning could help. Even if you decide not to do anything right now, most people tell me they find the discussion valuable, whether they take action immediately or come back to it at a later date.

📩 If you’d like to arrange a chat, feel free to get in touch.

Call 07519750099
Or
Email [email protected]

Croft and Oakes Chartered Financial Planners Limited

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

What a busy few weeks!

I find myself sitting watching my son at his cricket coaching reflecting on how much I have crammed into the last couple of weeks.

I was fortunate enough to spend two brilliant days at Bolesworth International Horse
show where I made new professional acquaintances, met new ones and supporting some of my existing equestrian clients.

A highlight was being able to catch up with Robert Dalton and see his incredible sculptures, they really do have soul.

It was also a real privilege to be invited to the HCR Law Shrewsbury Office opening evening. The event was so well attended and the atmosphere was really buzzing. I had so many interesting conversations and the gardens and weather were perfect.

I was also thrilled to be invited to do a presentation at a local further education provider which focused on helping them to understand their teachers pensions better. As an ex teacher myself I am passionate about trying to ensure teachers feel informed and empowered about the options available to them.

Of course in between all of this I’ve been meeting and working on clients cases, holding meetings, writing reports and loading with providers researching what the best solutions are for them.

And then finally but probably most importantly because like I tell my clients it’s alright earning money and working hard but it has to be for something that’s important for you, and for me that’s my son and my family. I’ve been able to cheer my son on at his sports day, help him and his team mate at their U11 cricket match and then enjoy an afternooon out with a group of friends and their children at the cricket at Edgbaston last Sunday.

I’m certainly working hard but I do feel I’m being able to play hard and enjoy the things that matter to me too.

Daltonwood Bolesworth International

04/07/2026

Helping teachers understand one of their most valuable benefits

Before becoming an Independent Financial Planner, I spent 14 years as a secondary Head of Maths. Like many teachers, I remember feeling confused by my own pension, which is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping others understand theirs.

This week I had the pleasure of delivering a Teachers’ Pension seminar at a local college, supported by my colleague and fellow Financial Planner, Will Smith. It was fantastic to see 34 members of staff take time out of their busy day to attend.

During the session among other things we covered:
• The three different Teachers’ Pension schemes and how they work
• The Rule of Abatement
• Early retirement factors
• Whether a tax-free lump sum is provided automatically
• The McCloud Judgment and what it could mean for members
• Options available to increase pension benefits

Every teacher’s circumstances are different, whether retirement is just around the corner or still many years away. Some attendees are now looking at how to make the most of their retirement income, while others want to put a long-term financial plan in place alongside their Teachers’ Pension so they’re in the strongest possible position when the time comes.

It has been wonderful to receive further enquiries from attendees wanting to explore their own circumstances in more detail. That’s where personalised financial planning really comes into its own.

If you’re a teacher and would like to understand your Teachers’ Pension better, or you’d like to discuss how it fits into your wider financial plans, I’d be delighted to help.

📞 07519 750099
💻 [email protected]

Please note that financial planning and pension advice should always be based on your individual circumstances. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Pension and tax rules can change and depend on individual circumstances.

03/07/2026

Proud to have been recognised again by Vouchedfor. I received another certificate of Excellence and was featured in the Vouchedfor Top Rated Guide for the Midlands 2026.

The most important thing is helping clients and making a positive difference to them.

28/06/2026

Such a lovely afternoon. Huge thanks to the Shimmons family for putting this incredible event on again at Albrighton Cricket Club.

Approximately one million people are living with dementia in the UK, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for 60% to 80% of these cases. It is the UK's leading cause of death, and the condition is projected to affect 1.4 million people in the UK by 2040

26/06/2026

Women in Business Bolesworth International.