We love connecting with people who empower others - especially when it comes to life’s bigger questions like “Am I saving enough?”, “Will I ever retire?” or “Where do I even start with pensions and planning?”
That’s why we’re delighted to introduce Melville Independent, our new egg partner who offer independent financial advice. Whether you’re dreaming of retiring early, building a financial safety net or just trying to make sense of pensions, the team at Melville Independent is here to support you with advice that’s smart, approachable and always in your best interest.
We spoke with four team members - Julie, James, Gillian and Julie - to hear about their work, why financial planning is about much more than just numbers and their top tips for building a more secure financial future.
Julie Burgoyne, Senior Independent Financial Adviser
Julie brings over three decades of experience in financial services and has been with Melville Independent since its inception in 2011. She’s also a qualified Pension Transfer Specialist and has guided countless individuals and families through life’s big financial decisions - from life assurance to investment solutions for a stress-free retirement.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“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 (working alongside their solicitor) or guiding someone through the financial decisions during a difficult divorce, that human connection is what truly matters to me.”
Why does financial planning matter today?
"Financial planning is more important than ever. It has been a strange few years with major worldwide events impacting on financial growth and triggering economic fallouts. We have had to deal with the 2008 financial crisis; in 2016 we had the Brexit Referendum and who would have anticipated Covid 19 in 2020 and the Ukraine War.
To enable everyone to deal with the impact of these unexpected events a financial plan is crucial and more importantly the ability to make changes as and when necessary. The importance of being able to adapt.
Financial planning can help with budgeting and debt management which is important especially with the rising cost of living. As we are living longer it is also vital to plan for retirement. The sooner we start to plan, the more likely we will be able to achieve a comfortable retirement."
When should someone start?
“I would always advise you should start to think about financial planning when you start to earn money. We breakdown your financial goals into short-term (like saving for a holiday), mid-term (buying a house), and long-term (retirement). Track your spending, build savings and always have a plan for emergencies - 3-6 months of living costs in an accessible account is a great goal.”
Julie’s top tip on Pensions:
“Review your pension regularly to ensure it is still invested in line with your risk tolerance. It’s also important to check it is performing and to calculate if you are on target for your anticipated retirement income.”
James Hassall-Marlow, Financial Planner
James has worked in financial services for nearly a decade, with experience across banks, investment firms and management consultancy. But it was the opportunity to make a direct difference in people’s lives that drew him into financial planning.
Now, as a Financial Planner at Melville Independent, he works closely with individuals and families to help them feel in control and confident about their money, whether they’re starting to save, preparing for retirement or managing generational wealth.
What do you love most about your work?
"The fulfilment that comes from helping people achieve their goals. I am now in a position to help people achieve specific outcomes over the long term, whether that’s a comfortable retirement, a change in lifestyle or passing wealth to the next generation. I get to see these things through with the client and the follow-on impact that has on them and their family. Plus, no two days are ever the same!"
Why is financial planning so critical?
"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. We become the only other people - besides you - who genuinely care about your financial wellbeing."
When should someone start planning?
“Any time is the right time. Early in your career, it’s about forming strong habits: spend less than you earn, invest wisely, and avoid unnecessary debt. Later on, you can focus on goals like helping children through school or preparing for retirement. In retirement, it’s about using what you’ve built in a sustainable, meaningful way.”
James’ Pension Insight:
"Most people who work full time will have a workplace pension. These pensions are usually invested in a default fund or portfolio, which can be a good thing as employer contributions often match a portion of what you put in, and the fees are usually very low.
However, it's important to understand what your money is actually invested in and how that might change over time. Many workplace pensions use a process called 'lifestyling.' This means your investments are automatically shifted as you get closer to retirement, usually 10 to 15 years beforehand. The strategy typically moves your money from higher-growth investments (like stocks) into more stable, lower-risk assets (like bonds), assuming you'll use the money to buy a guaranteed income in retirement. The issue? You might not even realise this is happening, and it can result in low or even negative growth in the final years before retirement."
Gillian Knowles, Paraplanner
Gillian is living proof that growth in your career (and finances) happens step by step. She started at Melville Independent nearly seven years ago in an administrative role before deciding to train further. She earned her Level 4 qualification in 2023 and now works as a Paraplanner, helping advisers craft strategies and solutions to reach their goals.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"I love that I’m constantly learning. The financial world is always evolving, and with it, my knowledge continues to grow and adapt."
Why is financial planning so essential today?
"There’s so much choice, and without a clear plan it’s easy to make costly mistakes. A good plan brings structure, reduces anxiety, and gives you a stronger sense of control over your life."
When should someone start?
"The earlier, the better, ideally as soon as you start earning and managing your own expenses. Starting early builds responsible habits and a stronger understanding. However, it’s never too late to start. Start simple and be consistent."
Gillian’s Top Financial Tips for Women:
"Understand where you stand currently with a list of your income, expenses, savings and any liabilities. Surplus money can help build an emergency fund (aim for 3-6 months of your essential living costs) and keep this money separate from your everyday account.
As well as saving for retirement in a pension, consider other flexible investments such as ISA’s which can provide tax efficient withdrawals.
An often-overlooked part of organising your financial affairs is protecting your income, health, family and future. This is essential, especially for women who statistically face more career breaks and longer life expectancy. Check if your employer provides you with any benefits."
Emma De Costa, Paraplanner at Melville Independent
Originally from East Lothian, Emma moved to Edinburgh to study Law and Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. After university, she found her way into the financial services world, where she discovered a passion for making complex topics understandable and actionable.
Today, Emma plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role as a Paraplanner, researching products, analysing strategies and preparing the detailed reports that help financial planners build smart, personalised plans for their clients.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
"Definitely the problem-solving. Every client’s situation is different, and I love diving into the technical detail to find the most efficient solutions – whether that’s related to pensions, tax, or investment structures."
Why is financial planning so important today?
"Because life is unpredictable and financial planning helps you regain clarity and control. We live in a time of rising costs, shifting legislation and economic uncertainty. For women especially, who may face career breaks or unequal pay, planning provides a sense of confidence and direction. It’s about giving people the tools to take charge of their future."
When should someone start thinking about financial planning?
"As early as possible! But it’s never too late. Start by understanding where you are: your income, outgoings, savings, debts and goals. Once you have a clear picture, you can begin to plan effectively."
Emma’s Top Tip on Pensions:
"Choosing what’s best depends on factors like your age, income, risk tolerance, and retirement goals. Key things to consider include contribution levels, investment choices, charges and tax implications - both now and at retirement. Most people today will have a DC pension, especially if they’re working in the private sector. With a DC pension, such as a workplace scheme, personal pension or Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) - your retirement income depends on how much you (and sometimes your employer) contribute, how your investments perform, and how you choose to draw the money in retirement.
They key factor to consider with any plan is flexibility. Flexible retirement options within your pension are important because they give you greater control, choice, and adaptability in how you can access retirement savings - which is essential in today’s ever-changing financial and personal landscape."
Ready to chat? egg business partner Melville Independent are ready to listen. They’ve been assisting clients with wealth management advice for more than 10 years from their city centre offices on Melville Street, Edinburgh. Plus, egg members get a one-off free review of your current financials. Because it’s never too late, or too early, to take charge of your financial story!
To arrange your free financial review, email [email protected]
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