We talk a lot about money at egg, and for good reason. Over the last year alone, we've explored everything from pension poverty and why fewer women invest to the realities of running a business, taking career breaks, divorce and planning for the future.
What we've learned is that most women aren't looking for overnight riches or complicated investment strategies. They simply want to feel more confident about their finances. More informed and in control of the decisions they're making for themselves and their families. And perhaps most importantly, they want someone they can trust to help them navigate it all.
That's one of the reasons we've enjoyed getting to know the team at our partners, Melville Independent. Behind the pensions, investments and financial plans is a group of people who genuinely care about helping clients feel more secure about their future and who understand that money is rarely just about money. It's about life, family, choices and peace of mind.
Why women need to be having these conversations
The reality is that many women face unique financial challenges. Maternity leave, caring responsibilities, part-time work and longer life expectancy can all have a significant impact on earnings, pension contributions and long-term financial security. Yet despite this, many women still feel less confident discussing pensions, investing and financial planning.
The irony is that women are often excellent savers and careful decision-makers. What we're sometimes missing isn't capability, it's confidence. The good news? Confidence can be built. And often, it starts with a conversation.
Small steps can make a big difference
One of the biggest misconceptions about financial planning is that you need to have lots of money before speaking to an adviser. For some people, financial planning starts with finding old workplace pensions and bringing them together. For others, it might be understanding how much they need to save for retirement or putting protection in place for their family. Sometimes it's simply having someone explain things in plain English, no jargon.
Meet the faces behind Melville Independent
One thing that quickly becomes clear when speaking to the team at Melville Independent is that they aren't just interested in numbers. They're interested in people.
Take Julie Burgoyne, Senior Independent Financial Adviser, who has worked in financial services for more than 30 years and has been part of company since it launched in 2011.
For Julie, the most rewarding part of her job isn't creating financial plans, it's the relationships she builds along the way.
"Without a doubt, it's my clients. Building strong relationships, getting to know them personally and helping them reach their goals is incredibly rewarding. Whether it's supporting a family through the financial processes during the loss of a loved one or guiding someone through the financial decisions during a difficult divorce, that human connection is what truly matters to me."
It's a reminder that financial planning isn't always about retirement projections and spreadsheets. Sometimes it's about helping people through life's biggest and most emotional moments.
It's never too early and rarely too late
Financial Planner James Hassall-Marlow joined Melville Independent after working across banking, investment firms and management consultancy. What attracted him to financial planning was the opportunity to make a direct difference to people's lives.
"The fulfilment comes from helping people achieve their goals," he says. "Whether that's a comfortable retirement, a lifestyle change or passing wealth to the next generation, I get to see the impact those decisions have on clients and their families."
He believes one of the biggest mistakes people make is delaying financial planning because they think they'll get round to it later.
"Too often, people spend more time planning a weekend trip than planning out their finances. But when you engage in planning, it's transformative. Beyond the numbers, it's about structure, accountability and peace of mind."
For James, there is no perfect time to start.
"Any time is the right time. Early in your career it's about building strong habits. Later, it might be about helping children through education or preparing for retirement. In retirement, it's about using what you've built in a meaningful way."
Building confidence one step at a time
Another familiar face at Melville Independent is Gillian Knowles, who started her journey with the company nearly seven years ago in an administrative role before working her way up to become a qualified Paraplanner. Her own story is a great reminder that progress doesn't happen overnight.
"The financial world is always evolving and with it, my knowledge continues to grow and adapt,” says Gillian. Her advice for women is refreshingly practical. "Start by getting a clear picture of your finances, think about your income, expenses, savings and any liabilities. Build an emergency fund and consider flexible investments alongside your pension. It's also important to protect your income, health, family and future, especially as women are more likely to experience career breaks and longer life expectancy."
Financial planning isn't just for retirement
When people hear the phrase financial planning, they often think of retirement but the reality is that it touches every stage of life. You might be running a business and wondering whether you're making the most of your income. You may have changed jobs several times and lost track of old pensions. Perhaps you're navigating a divorce, receiving an inheritance, saving for your children's future or simply wondering whether you're on the right track. The common thread is that none of us have to figure it all out alone.
Ready to start the conversation?
Financial independence is about having choices. It's about understanding your options, feeling prepared for life's unexpected twists and turns knowing your future self will thank you for the decisions you're making today.
And if there's one thing we've learned from speaking to the team at Melville Independent, it's that financial planning isn't about having all the answers. It's about finding people who can help you ask the right questions. It's about confidence and knowing where you stand.
Melville Independent are a Scottish-based company offering independent financial advice. They’ve been assisting many fellow eggs with wealth management advice for more than 10 years from their city centre offices on Melville Street Edinburgh.
If you'd like a financial audit, call 0131 260 2760 or send an email to [email protected]
