Shona | Senior Geoscientist, 45

Assets on Arrival:

• £365,000 across three pensions

• £210,000 savings from Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) and annual bonuses

• £25,000 ISA

Income: £165,000 plus share incentives

Goal: Create a long-term savings and investment strategy.

Background

A highly analytical professional, Shona excelled in her career but admitted she had not brought the same structure to her personal finances. Large bonuses and share awards were creating unnecessary tax bills. After a difficult divorce, financial and emotional security were both critical factors for her.

Challenges

• Inefficient tax position on bonuses and RSUs

• Large amounts of unstructured cash savings

• No defined investment approach

• Desire for emotional stability and long term financial clarity

How Welsh & Taylor Wealth Helped

• Redirected cash into a fully diversified investment strategy

• Built cashflow scenarios mapping a clear route to independence at 55

• Supported emotional decision making through clear visual planning

Outcome

• On track for financial independence at 55

• A reduced tax bill

• Strong, future focused investment foundations

• Significant increase in confidence and sense of security

Shona said: “For the first time in years, I feel safe, financially and emotionally.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I create a clearer investment strategy when I have savings, pensions and shares from work?

  When you have multiple sources of wealth, it can be difficult to see how everything fits together. A financial plan can help you review your pensions, savings, investments and other assets as part of a wider strategy, ensuring they are aligned with your goals, timeframes and attitude to risk. The most suitable approach will depend on your individual circumstances.

• Are bonuses and share incentives worth reviewing from a financial planning perspective?

  Yes. Bonuses and share incentives can form an important part of your overall financial picture, but they may also create additional tax considerations and investment decisions. Reviewing how these benefits fit within your wider financial plan can help you understand the options available to you and make informed decisions based on your personal circumstances.

• How can I know if I am on track for financial independence or early retirement?

  Cashflow modelling can help illustrate how your current assets, income, savings and future plans may work together over time. By exploring different scenarios, you can gain a clearer understanding of what may be achievable and where adjustments could be considered. These projections are based on assumptions and are not guarantees of future investment performance or outcomes.

This communication is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. The value of investments and any income from them can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount invested; your capital is at risk. The tax treatment of investments, pensions and any related planning depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Pension and tax planning are complex and the suitability of any approach will vary from person to person. The examples and outcomes referenced are specific to those clients’ circumstances and may not be appropriate for you. You should not act on the basis of this information alone and should seek personalised advice before making any financial decisions.