Ryan May - Financial Planner

23/05/2025

From biscuits to beach walks…

Yesterday I started the morning easing into some admin (and coffee). Then had a great catch-up with a local professional firm to explore how we can work more closely together and add value to each other’s clients. Always good to share ideas—and biscuits. Very good biscuits, I might add.

The afternoon was spent speaking with a couple of prospective clients. In one case, it was clear we could really help, so we walked through what that could look like—how we’d work together, what’s involved, and what the next steps would be.

In another case, I had to be honest. The help they needed wasn’t something we could offer without the cost outweighing the value. Never the easiest conversation, but the right one. Hopefully I pointed them in the right direction to find what they need.

Then I signed off for the long weekend—and headed to Cornwall with the family, dog in the back, and we squeezed in a sunset walk.

Enjoy the bank holiday!

21/05/2025

Another day, another mix of conversations, coffees and client care.

This morning started with a catch-up over breakfast at Boston Tea Party ☕ with one of the investment managers we regularly work with. We revisited the detail of how they approach investing — what’s driving markets at the moment, how they think about risk, and some of the global themes shaping their decisions. Always interesting to hear what’s happening behind the scenes.

Back at the office 🖥️, I spent a bit of time sorting out notes from yesterday’s meeting, ticking off some follow-up actions and getting tasks where they needed to go. Nothing flashy — just making sure the wheels keep turning.

This afternoon I sat down with a provider in our boardroom to talk about a few options for clients looking to manage inheritance tax or reduce their income tax bill — the kind of planning that can really make a difference.

Finished the day with a meeting for a client who’s a bit nervous about pensions. We’ve recommended amalgamating a few of their plans, and they had lots of questions — the kind some advisers might skim over. Yet, taking the time to talk things through properly makes all the difference. It’s not just about the numbers — it’s about feeling confident in the decisions you’re making ✅

Not a bad day all in all.

20/05/2025

A little glimpse into today…

Sometimes financial planning is about investments, products, and strategy. Other days, it’s a reminder of what I enjoy most about this job.

This morning started with a visit to a client who’s in full swing building for the future, making sure his pension contributions are on track, reviewing life protection, and checking that all the “life admin” like wills is in good order. 📈✅

After that, I had lunch with an old friend who’s now retired from the profession (picture below). Always good to catch up and chat about life — and how much the profession has changed in a short space of time. 🍽️💬

Later in the day, I caught up with another client — someone who could retire, but chooses not to because he genuinely enjoys his work. We discussed keeping his pension growing steadily, so it’s ready for whenever the time feels right. 🌱

With a few team check-ins by phone while on the road, it’s the kind of day that reminds me financial planning isn’t just about money. It’s about people, their stories, and what they want life to look like. ❤️

If you’re not sure where you’re heading or just want to feel more in control — that’s where I come in.

27/06/2023

Check out my latest LinkedIn article which addresses the best time to start thinking about getting advice!

Any questions just drop me a message!

Seeking financial advice can be beneficial at different stages of your life, but there are certain times when it is especially important to seek out professional guidance. Here are a few key times when it is a good idea to seek financial advice: Buying a house: Buying a house is one of the biggest f

30/05/2023

A great day at Stover Golf Club last week playing in the Rotary Charity Golf Day in support of the local Parkinson’s Society and MS Society.

The weather was amazing and the format of the day was brilliant.

I was surprised to play some decent golf considering the recent workload, however it was important to take some time out to develop better relations, with my company on the day being first class.

What do you do to take a break from the day to day, yet still makes a difference in some way?

26/01/2023

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿...

When choosing a financial adviser, clients should consider the following:

📖Certifications and qualifications:

Look for advisers who have professional certifications, such as those provided by the CII, CISI or LIBF.

🕵🏼Restricted or Independent?

Understand whether the adviser is restricted and can only use certain products or providers, or whether they have access to the open market.

🛤️Experience and track record:

Consider the adviser's experience and the length of time they have been working in the industry. Look for an adviser with a proven track record of helping clients achieve their financial goals.

💼Fiduciary duty:

Make sure the adviser will act in your best interest, as opposed to being driven by commissions or other incentives.

❓Services offered:

Consider what services the adviser offers and whether they align with your specific needs. For example, if you're looking to plan for retirement, you may want to find an adviser who specialises in retirement planning.

🗣️Communication style:

It is important to find an adviser that you are comfortable communicating with because you want someone who will understand your goals, present you the options and make you feel confident in the advice they give you.

🪙Fees:

Make sure you understand how the adviser is compensated, whether through fees, commissions, or a combination of both. Be sure to ask about any additional costs or fees, such as account maintenance or transaction fees.

🙂Reputation:

Look for advisers who have a good reputation in the industry, check online reviews and see what others say about them. Alternatively, ask them to send you some of their reviews.

📌Location:

You may find it important to work with an adviser who is located near you because you can easily meet with them in person if you want.

It is always important to make sure you feel confident and comfortable with your financial adviser and that they will help you achieve your financial goals.

17/01/2023

Thank you to Hope William-Smith of Professional Adviser for featuring me in their latest 'A day in the life of an adviser' series!

I’ve always taken a keen interest in how other advisers/professionals work to see if I can take anything away to improve my efficiency and processes.

For anyone wondering what I do day-to-day or how I manage my day around more qualifications and a young family, this could be useful.

If anyone takes anything away from this, then I'm happy to have paid it forward in recognition of all those advisers who have helped, and continue to help me!

In this new interview series for 2023, Professional Adviser speaks with a range of different planners from all corners of the UK about their typical workday.

07/01/2023

Anyone heard about the positive market returns recently?

Probably not.

You won’t see this information unless you go looking for it.

Positive news doesn’t sell as well as negative.

So today I’m telling you about the positive.

Stock markets always go up and down. They will go down again. It’s all about time in the markets and not trying to be clever trying to time the markets.

Keep it simple.

01/12/2022

Very chuffed to be named for the second year in a row as one of the Top 35 Next Generation Advisers in the UK.

I am where I am due to the support of Sound Financial Management, NextGen Planners and all of my clients. A special mention to my family and friends also, who have to put up with my insatiable desire to keep improving.

It’s a pleasure to share the spotlight with so many admirable advisers doing fantastic things within our profession, yet there are also so many great financial professionals beyond this list. Our profession is in great hands.

As always, this recognition means a lot, thank you Citywire New Model Adviser.

04/11/2022

Ticked off my first hosting gig on the NextGen Planners Morning Commute!

We discussed all things financial including the latest news and research, well-being within the profession and more.

Big thanks to NextGen for the opportunity.

30/08/2022

Very chuffed to do my first ever podcast with NextGen Planners & Dan Graham. Really appreciated the opportunity.

In the podcast, I talk about how I dealt with my transition from being a history graduate and legal professional to becoming a Financial Planner at Sound Financial Management.

We also discuss the power of INTRApreneurship and how it can give employed individuals more fulfilment in their job, businesses more value, and business owners an alternative succession plan.

We also discussed what I learnt from taking part in NextGen's Speak & Influencer Programme where I spoke at their Virtual Conference and MegaConference in Manchester in front of 250 people.
...and lastly, I leave people with a couple of recommendations that anyone can adopt whether they are in financial planning or not.

To listen check out the links in the comments.