Benjamin Grimsey - Independent Financial Planner

16/06/2026

Are you coming to the Stithians Show next month?

The countdown is on, and we're delighted to be exhibiting this year!

If you're attending, please come and say hello 😁

We'll also have a few giveaways and a fun competition on the stand, so make sure you stop by and enter!

We are really looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic day and can't wait to meet so many new faces.

David Medland APFS Jodie Marie Grimsey

12/06/2026

I had a new client conversation this week with someone approaching retirement who, on paper, is in a very strong position. They have built a sizeable pension over many years, no mortgage liability, additional savings and investments, and they will eventually receive a full State Pension. Yet despite all of this, they are still deeply uncertain about whether they could actually afford to retire.

What really worried them was the permanence of the decision. For most of our working lives, if we make a financial mistake, we can usually recover from it. We can earn more, save more, or adjust course. Retirement feels different, once a salary stops, many people feel they only have one opportunity to get things right.

I think this is why retirement planning can be misunderstood. People assume it is about calculating how much money they are going to need and, in part, yes, of course it is. But in reality, it is often about developing enough confidence in a plan that they feel comfortable actually stepping away from work and into the unknown.

The most valuable outcome of good planning is not necessarily a larger pension or a better investment return. Sometimes it is simply the reassurance that the plan has been stress-tested, that the risks have been considered, and that there is sufficient flexibility to adapt or change course if circumstances change.

After all, retirement is not just a financial event. It is a life event.
Yes, the numbers do matter, but confidence is often what ultimately determines whether someone feels ready and able to take the leap.

A well constructed plan cannot remove uncertainty completely, but it can help transform retirement from a daunting unknown into an informed choice and an exciting new chapter of life.

04/06/2026

A nice surprise to wake up this morning to see that myself and Jodie Marie Grimsey have both been featured in this month's edition of Business Cornwall following the recent Fish & Fizz networking evening hosted by Coodes Solicitors.

It was a fantastic event, bringing together so many brilliant business owners and professionals from across Cornwall. Events like these are a great reminder of the strength, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit we have here in the county.

A huge thank you to the team at Coodes Solicitors for hosting such an enjoyable evening, and to Business Cornwall for the feature.

It's always great to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, and continue building relationships within Cornwall's thriving business community.

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

A great morning spent with David Medland APFS at the Quilter Financial Planning Roadshow Conference at Sandy Park, Exeter.

Today's event focused on two of the most important areas of financial planning: pensions and inheritance tax planning.

One of the key discussions centred around the upcoming changes from April 2027, when unused pension funds will form part of an individual's estate for inheritance tax purposes. This represents one of the most significant changes to estate planning in recent years and is likely to have a substantial impact on retirement planning, wealth preservation, and how assets are passed on to future generations.

With pensions having traditionally been one of the most tax-efficient vehicles for passing on wealth, these changes mean it is more important than ever for individuals and families to review their financial plans and ensure they remain appropriate for their objectives.

As advisers, staying up to date with legislative changes is essential so we can continue helping clients navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape and make informed decisions about their future.

A big thank you to Quilter for hosting an excellent event and providing valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Always great to spend time with David Medland discussing ideas, sharing experiences, and continuing our professional development.

The financial planning landscape is constantly evolving, and today was a great reminder of why continuous learning is so important.

Also great to have a look at Exeter Chiefs extensive trophy cabinet! 😁 💯 🎉

11/05/2026

Two key pension changes to be aware of

There are two important pension changes on the horizon:

6 April 2027
Unused pension funds and death benefits are expected to fall within scope for Inheritance Tax.

6 April 2028
The normal minimum pension access age increases from 55 to 57 for most individuals.

On paper, these may seem like small technical changes —
but in practice, they can have a meaningful impact.

They may affect:
when you can access your pension
how you structure your retirement income
how efficiently your wealth can be passed on

I am already speaking to people whose plans were built around the old rules.

If you’re curious to understand how you legislation changes might affect your pension, or if your retirement or estate planning has not been reviewed recently, now is a good time to revisit it.



A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Inheritance Tax Planning.

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37781

08/05/2026

We’ve just released our May client newsletter which i am pleased to share with you.

There’s a lot changing in the background at the moment — particularly around pensions, inheritance tax, and tax thresholds — and this edition highlights some of the key areas to be aware of.

It also covers investing through volatility and the growing importance of staying alert to financial scams.

You can read the full article here: https://www.octofp-bg.com/octo-financial-planning-blog/client-newsletter-edition-50

Explore key financial planning themes for 2026 including inheritance tax changes, pensions, investing, tax planning, and protecting yourself from financial scams.

08/05/2026

The “retirement gap” refers to:

The difference between the lifestyle someone expects in retirement
and the income they are realistically on track to achieve.

In simple terms
what you want
vs
what your current plan is likely to deliver

This gap is often underestimated. Is what you want/expect a dream, or reality?

I regularly speak to people who assume:
“I’ll be fine”
“My pension should cover it”
“I’ll work it out when I get closer”

But without looking, how do we know for sure?

The good news is — identifying the gap early gives you options:

increase contributions
adjust retirement timing
review investment strategy
structure income more effectively

A pension on its own is not a plan

it needs to be aligned with a clear objective and supported by proper planning.

If you’re curious to understand what your retirement might actually look like, I’m always happy to help.

Because without clarity, it’s very easy for expectations and reality to drift apart.



A pension is a long-term investment the fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation. The value of investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the original amount invested.

Approved by 2plan Wealth Management 02/04/2026 FP37780