All Posts

Reaching your first £100k in savings or investments often feels like climbing a steep mountain. Many people find this milestone the toughest part of their financial journey. Once you get past it, building wealth can seem easier and more manageable. But why does the first £100k feel so difficult? I want to share some insights based on my experience and observations to help you understand the challenges and how to overcome them. The Challenge of Building Initial Wealth When you

I always dreamed of earning £100k. It felt like a milestone that would bring financial freedom, comfort, and a sense of success. But as 2026 rolls in, I’m starting to question if hitting that six-figure salary is really as great as it sounds. Between rising taxes, creeping inflation, and the cost of living, the reality of earning £100k in the UK today is more complicated than I expected. Let me walk you through what £100k actually means in take-home pay, how inflation and tax

London has long been the magnet for high earners, especially those classified as HENRYs—High Earners, Not Rich Yet. These individuals earn substantial incomes but have yet to accumulate significant wealth. The capital attracts many large businesses that offer high salaries, making it a hotspot for ambitious professionals. But how many HENRYs actually live outside London compared to those in the city? And what does this mean for earnings and lifestyle choices? In this post, I

When it comes to investing in your ISA and pension, a common question is whether you should put in the full allowance as soon as possible or spread your contributions over time using pound cost averaging. Each year, the ISA and pension tax allowances reset, offering a fresh opportunity to invest tax-efficiently. But which approach works best for your financial goals and peace of mind? I’ve explored both strategies to help you decide what might suit your situation. Understandi

When deciding where to build a career and life, salary is a key factor. But it’s not just about the paycheck. The cost of living, taxes, and job opportunities all shape the real value of your income. Today, I want to compare the financial realities for HENRYs—High Earners, Not Rich Yet—in two global cities: London and New York City. Both cities attract ambitious professionals, but how do their salaries stack up when you factor in living expenses and taxes? Which city offers b

Weddings can quickly become one of the most expensive events in a person's life. For HENRYs the question often isn't just if they can afford a lavish wedding, but how much should you spend to balance dreams with financial sense. With average UK wedding costs rising steadily, it’s crucial to plan a budget that reflects your priorities without causing unnecessary stress. In this post, I’ll walk you through what HENRYs should consider when setting their wedding budget, share i

When you’re in your 30s, the financial choices you make can shape your future in powerful ways. Many people underestimate how much impact early decisions have on long-term wealth. Avoiding common pitfalls now can set you up for financial freedom later. I’ve seen firsthand how financial mistakes most people make when young can hold them back, but with the right approach, your 30s can be the decade you build a strong foundation. Maximising ISAs and pensions is key to UK wealth

Investing in luxury cars has traditionally been limited to wealthy collectors or industry insiders. Now, TheCarCrowd offers a fresh way to own a piece of this exclusive market through an alternative asset class investment platform. TheCarCrowd is raising funds on Republic with a company valuation of £4.6 million and a share price set at £15.31. This development opens the door for more investors to participate in the luxury car market without the need to buy entire vehicles ou

Buying property in London has always sparked debate. With the city’s high prices and unique market dynamics, many wonder if buying a house in London is a mistake or a smart move, especially looking ahead to 2026. In this post, I’ll share insights on London’s housing costs compared to other parts of the UK, explore the impact of service charges on flats, and weigh the costs of renting versus taking out a mortgage. I’ll also consider how mortgage rates potentially dropping to 3

When you hear about HENRYs—High Earners, Not Rich Yet—you might think their biggest challenge is making enough money. After all, their salaries often put them ahead of most people. But what rarely gets discussed is the emotional toll that comes with lifestyle inflation, sometimes called lifestyle creep. This subtle shift in spending habits can quietly add pressure and stress, even for those with high-paying jobs that are tough to replace. In this post, I want to explore how

The UK tax system is known for its complexity and high rates, especially for those earning between £100,000 and £150,000. If you fall into this bracket, you might already feel the pinch of what many call the HENRY tax trap —High Earners, Not Rich Yet. This group faces some of the steepest tax burdens, often without the financial freedom that higher earners enjoy. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key tax traps and salary illusions that affect HENRYs, explain why the £10

When you earn well above the UK’s top 5%, deciding how much cash to keep on hand can feel tricky. You want to be prepared for unexpected expenses without letting your money sit idle, missing out on growth. For high earners, especially those often called HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), balancing cash reserves for emergencies and market chances is key. In this post, I’ll share practical advice on how much cash should HENRYs have, where to keep it, and how to make the most

Gold surprised many investors in 2025 by outperforming the S&P 500, delivering an impressive gain of approximately 65% over the year. This surge caught the attention of young professionals and seasoned investors alike, sparking a debate about whether gold’s momentum will carry into 2026. As someone who closely follows market trends, I want to explore what fueled this remarkable growth and what the price for 2026 might look like. Gold bar on financial chart showing upward tre

When it comes to money, many of us wonder if we are on track. How much should you have saved by 25, 30, or 50? What does the average UK saver look like at different ages? And how does this compare to your own net worth and target retirement goals? I’ve explored these questions to give you a clear picture of average savings by age in the UK, with practical insights to help you plan your financial future. Average UK savings by age visualisation How Much Money Should You Have at

High earners, not rich yet (HENRYs), face unique challenges and opportunities when planning their finances. With 2026 approaching, setting clear financial goals can help you build wealth efficiently while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In this post, I’ll share practical strategies to maximize your ISA and pension contributions, explore the potential of VCT and SEIS funds, and emphasize the importance of taking time off to recharge. These steps will help you secure y

Interest rates in the UK are expected to fall to around 3% by the end of 2026. For high earners with mortgages, this shift raises a common question: is it better to overpay the mortgage or invest the difference? With mortgage rates coming down and stock market uncertainty still present, deciding where to put your extra money can feel tricky. I want to share some insights and practical considerations to help you make a clearer choice. UK suburban house with mortgage sign Under

Plantsea has recently made headlines by raising funds through Republic, the popular equity crowdfunding platform. This move is significant for investors and supporters who have been following the company’s journey. If you want to understand the details of this raise, including the share price and what it means for Plantsea’s future, you’re in the right place. Plantsea's logo Details of Plantsea’s Recent Fundraise Plantsea launched its latest funding round on Republic with a c

When it comes to building wealth for the future, many high earners face a common question: should I focus on maxing out my ISAs or prioritizing my pension contributions? Both options offer valuable tax advantages and growth potential, but understanding their differences and benefits can help you make smarter decisions. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key features of ISAs and pensions, highlight how providers like InvestEngine and Penfold can support your goals, and sh

Finding high paying jobs in the UK that offer salaries over £120,000 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Yet, many sectors consistently offer these lucrative opportunities. Whether you’re starting a job search or considering a career change, understanding which roles pay well, where they are located, and what qualifications you need is essential. I’ll walk you through some of the top-paying jobs in the UK, the key areas where these roles are concentrated, and

Earning £147k a year in London sounds like a dream salary. For many HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), it feels like the gateway to financial freedom and a comfortable lifestyle. But the reality is far more complicated. Despite the impressive number on your payslip, the tax burden, living expenses, and lifestyle costs in London quickly chip away at your income. This post explores why £147k doesn’t necessarily make you feel rich in London, the tax reality behind it, and prac