DJM Financial Planning

30/10/2025

We love getting feedback from our amazing clients

16/09/2025

When life gives you lemons, we use our emergency fund.

Life happens and being prepared means less stress and more control. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses, in a separate easy access savings account so that you can get it when you need it. Starting early, even with small amounts, can make a big difference down the road.

A little preparation now helps you stay out of debt later. Simple, steady, smart.

An emergency fund isn’t just savings it’s peace of mind.

07/07/2025

This weeks highlights in 7 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
After 12 months in power, Labour has had some difficult times – not least in recent weeks. Rebellions by MPs have seen the government back down on winter fuel payments and, more damagingly, do a U-turn on welfare cuts.

Wealth Check 💰 :
With Trump’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs due to end imminently (July 9th), it looks highly likely that more volatility lies ahead. While the UK has secured some deals, it remains to be seen whether Europe will reach a beneficial trade deal with the US. All is still to play for where China is concerned too.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch - 07/07/2025

25/06/2025

This weeks highlights in 12 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
As hostilities ramp up in the Middle East, concerns are rising about what it could mean for investors. We take a closer look.

Wealth Check 💰 :
The increasingly uncertain world before us will lead to greater market volatility, says Howard Marks, co-founder and co-chair of one of SJP’s specialist external fund managers, Oaktree Capital. He says the strong influence of the US, led by a president who seems determined to be unpredictable, has resulted in unusually high uncertainty. And markets are responding to this.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

16/06/2025

This weeks highlights in 7 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
A relatively positive week for investors was cut short on Thursday night, after Israel conducted what it called a ‘pre-emptive strike’ on Iran, beginning a tit-for-tat exchange of missiles.

Wealth Check 💰 :
Labour’s first Spending Review in 18 years was long awaited but had few surprises. It saw major pledges including £113 billion in capital funding for infrastructure projects. Overall, the government committed to £300 billion in future spending.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch - 16/06/2025

03/06/2025

This weeks highlights in 7 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
Another week, another bout of turmoil and uncertainty in the markets. The major news was the decision by the US Court of International Trade to block Trump’s forthcoming tariffs. This was welcomed by global markets, which rallied following the news. Then, less than a day later, the ban on the tariffs was itself paused by the US appeals court “until further notice”.

Wealth Check 💰 :
Giving larger sums of money to loved ones while you’re still alive is a practical and tax-smart way to get money flowing between generations.
However, if you die within seven years of making a substantial gift, the value of the gift is counted as part of your estate (if not covered by an inheritance tax (IHT) exemption). It could therefore be liable for IHT if you do not have sufficient nil rate band available on death to protect the gift.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

28/05/2025

This weeks highlights in 7 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
Inflation is back on an upward trend with figures showing UK headline inflation rose to 3.5% in April. This was the highest level seen in over a year and exceeded analysts’ and the Bank of England’s expectations.

Wealth Check 💰 :
There are a several key factors that can affect or restrict the ability of a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) to grow. These range from limited internal capabilities to external elements such as supply and demand.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

19/05/2025

This weeks highlights in 5 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
Last week saw welcome news that the UK had experienced a strong growth spurt in the first quarter of this year. Yet just weeks ago there were warnings of a possible UK recession. With expectations seeming to change almost daily, is it still worth paying attention to the economic news?

Wealth Check 💰 :
Money is woven into our daily lives, so it’s easy to see why it plays on our minds. We might spend more than we intended on a grocery shop, worry if an unexpected bill comes in, or edge into the red at the end of the month. It’s common to put things off – avoiding the bills or checking your bank balance – but that often only makes matters worse.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

12/05/2025

This weeks highlights in 5 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
After what seems an endless period of negative news about the UK and its companies, has the story changed?

Wealth Check 💰 :
One of the big challenges for small business owners, particularly in the start-up phase, is taking time off. Summer is coming, and it’s important to make time for your own break – and to create the conditions for everyone to enjoy some time off and return refreshed.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

07/05/2025

This weeks highlights in 5 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
Storm clouds have been gathering on the US horizon with some believing a recession could be likely sooner rather than later. But is the panic justified?

Wealth Check 💰 :
There are two questions people tend to ask about retirement: “How much money will I need, and have I left it too late?” Million dollar questions, but ones many of us don’t seriously consider until we reach middle age.

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

01/05/2025

This weeks highlights in 5 minutes!

Stock Take 💹 :
While Stock Take usually focuses on equity markets, this week we explore what the ongoing US-China tariff war could mean for bond markets and investors.

Wealth Check 💰 :
A successful career often brings a high standard of living during your working life – but how will you maintain it when you retire?

Read the full article below!

WeekWatch

25/04/2025

For he's a jolly good what?

I am officially a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Chartered Financial Planner

A 4 year degree, just under 5 years of continuous professional study, whilst working and building a business (that I am very proud of).

15 successful exam passes (and a couple of fails but no-one needs to know that)

I think its time to step away from textbooks for a while and put even more time into looking after my amazing clients.