“Dear Pete (and George Clooney!),
When I started listening to this I was somebody who was struggling with every aspect of life. Both my mental and physical health were in tatters and I was hanging onto both my job and my family by my finger tips. I had no idea what is was to be responsible with money. I had heard of pensions, ISAs and all the things that you should know, but casually shrugged them off and kicked the can down the road. Hiding behind ignorance, and procrastinating to the nth degree. Thinking that one day I will finally get on top of this.
I have a history of drink & drug abuse and chronic depression & anxiety disorders. I ended up in rehab in 2020. I owed my parents over 8k for my treatment as I had no savings. I am pleased to say that I have been sober for over 3 years now and I’m at the beginning of something really positive.
Since then, I have completely turned my life around. I have cleared my debts. I have been privileged enough to see my kids grow up, have received a promotion at work and have taken a second job to help with the cost of living crisis. I have built an emergency fund of about 4 months expenses and I’m on the road to investing into the future.
Although my retirement will be >35 years away, I’m 32, I have started putting additional money away in the form of a lifetime ISA. I have combined my old pensions, have removed life-styling and have chosen to invest in globally diversified passive (index) funds. I have signed up for my company’s share incentive plan, in which Pete was kind enough to share some of his wisdom via email.
I have also opened junior ISAs for my kids, I hope to give them the best start in life and I’m determined for them to not make the same mistakes that I did.
Even with my history, I have been able to find life insurance. In June, I also sorted our last will and testaments via Farewill.
My parents now ask me for advice and I’m currently in the process of compiling a WID folder for them. Grappling with the complexities of my parents estate and insurance bonds!
None of this would have been possible if it were not for your YouTube channel and podcasts. I have even flirted with the idea of taking the CII exams to start on the road to become a financial planner.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do. I will be keenly awaiting, every Wednesday, for your next instalment.
I wish you you all the best, and hope Roger can enjoy a peaceful retirement with his grandchildren.
Much love, indefinitely,
Chris”
Christophskiii via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/14/23