Paul Mitchell | Financial and Retirement Planning Coach
Find him here at: Your Smart Retirement Coach
There’s a quiet revolution happening in the UK retirement landscape. More and more people aged 55 and over are taking control of their own pensions and ISA portfolios, choosing to avoid the high cost of ongoing financial advice.
And why not? Platforms have never been more accessible. Research is at your fingertips. And the appeal of saving 1% per year in advice fees—often thousands of pounds—is real.
But here’s the rub:
Going DIY doesn’t have to mean going it alone.
If you’re managing your own pensions and investments but find yourself second-guessing decisions, feeling overwhelmed by tax rules, or just unsure if you’re really on track—a financial coaching session could be your smartest investment yet.
Why More Investors Are Saying “No Thanks” to Ongoing Advice
UK investors are becoming more self-reliant. According to the FCA’s Financial Lives 2024 survey, only 9% of UK adults received regulated financial advice in the past year concerning investments, pensions, or retirement planning.
Many cite cost, control, and a desire for independence as reasons for opting out. And with platforms like Vanguard, AJ Bell, and Interactive Investor making it easier than ever to manage your own money, it’s no surprise.
But ease of access doesn’t equal clarity or confidence.
The Challenges of DIY Investing in Retirement
You might be saving on advice fees—but at what cost?
Most DIY investors struggle with:
- Withdrawal anxiety: Am I taking too much—or too little?
- Tax traps: Am I using my ISA, pension and capital gains allowances effectively?
- Investment decisions: Too cautious? Too concentrated? Overloaded on FTSE trackers?
- Lack of a plan: “I’ve got money invested—but no idea how long it’ll last.”
You’ve got the assets, the discipline, and the tools—but maybe you’re missing the strategic thinking and outside perspective that a coach can bring.
What a Financial Coach Offers That You Might Be Missing
Unlike a regulated adviser, a financial coach isn’t here to sell products or tell you what fund to buy. I’m here to help you:
✅ Build a clear, personalised income strategy from your existing investments
✅ Clarify tax-smart withdrawal techniques across pensions and ISAs
✅ Create a spending plan that reflects your lifestyle and goals
✅ Avoid common behavioural traps (e.g. overtrading, fear-based hoarding)
✅ Make confident, informed decisions—with someone in your corner
You stay in control. But now you’re informed, focused, and supported.
The Coaching Advantage vs. the Ongoing Advice Model
| Coaching | Ongoing IFA Advice |
|---|---|
| Fixed cost per session | Ongoing % of assets |
| No product bias | Product-linked income |
| You remain in charge | Adviser usually directs decisions |
| One-off, regular, or ad-hoc | Often requires long-term commitment |
You may not need—or want—an annual financial review costing you 1% of your portfolio. But a coaching session every 6–12 months? That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and sharper decision-making.
Real-Life Example
Peter, 61, managed his £300,000 pension pot and £80,000 ISA himself. He avoided IFAs after a poor experience years ago, but wasn’t sure when to take his tax-free cash or how to draw down without eroding capital.
After one coaching session, we mapped a plan that gave him clarity, helped him rebalance his asset allocation, and structured withdrawals across two tax years to save £3,200 in income tax.
No product sales. No pressure. Just clarity.
DIY Doesn’t Mean Doing It All Alone
Many clients tell me:
- “I like managing my own money—but I want someone to sanity-check things.”
- “I don’t trust advisers to act in my best interest.”
- “I’m not confident enough to retire even though I think I can.”
Financial coaching bridges the gap between self-reliance and professional guidance. It gives you structure, accountability, and insight—without giving up control or paying inflated fees.
What Can We Work On Together?
Here are just a few things we can tackle in a 60-minute coaching session:
- Tax-efficient drawdown planning
- Consolidation decisions (when to combine or not combine pensions)
- Asset allocation confidence checks
- Annual plan review and scenario testing
- Budgeting for travel, gifting, or downsizing
- Building a financial timeline to retirement and beyond
It’s practical, clear, and tailored 100% to you.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Coaching Discovery Call
You’ve come this far on your own—why not get a fresh perspective before making your next move?
👉 Book your free 15-minute call
Let’s talk about how coaching can save you money, time, and stress—so you can stay in control and move forward with confidence.
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Disclaimer
These insights provide strategic coaching perspectives. This is NOT regulated financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and it is crucial to consult qualified financial professionals for specific financial guidance.
Individual cases are illustrative and not predictive of future results. Actual savings and support needs will differ based on personal financial situations.
About the Author
Paul Mitchell is a dedicated Financial and Retirement Coach (Qualified To Chartered Financial Planner status) with over 35 years of experience in financial services. Through Your Smart Retirement Coach, he helps clients build confidence in their financial future and create fulfilling retirement lifestyles. As a retirement transition coach, I’m committed to empowering investors with knowledge, perspective, and strategic support.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to start your journey toward financial clarity.
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