Having a financial plan helps you take control of your future and gives you a better chance of achieving the life you want. Here are the basic principles I follow: 

• Spend less than you earn. 
• Hold enough money in cash for short term needs and manage it proactively. 
• Reduce your expenses by reducing the cost of debt. 
• Insure your family, and business, against unexpected events and financial stress. 
• Invest the rest wisely and in accordance with your views – see ‘Investment Philosophy’. 
• Do everything tax efficiently and maximise opportunities. Tax is likely to be your largest lifetime expense. 

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax reliefs depends on individual circumstances.