Women face unique financial hurdles such as career breaks and the gender pay gap, which need to be addressed in joint financial planning to ensure fairness and security.

Experts signal that miscommunication about finances as one of the main topics that lead to conflicts in relationships. Early and clear financial discussions are essential to avoid misunderstandings.

A lack of legal and professional advice can leave couples vulnerable. Different types of agreements could offer essential protection, learn which in this article.

Love is a beautiful journey, and everybody wants to be on board the love boat. This Valentine’s Day is no exception: many decide to give new love a chance, while others celebrate their ongoing adventure (which on the other 364 days of the year is not as romantic as on February 14th). The reasons the ride gets bumpy are several, and often the same, according to a 

 by the University of Tennessee: children, in-laws, intimacy, and, our favourite, money.

The origin of many financial conflicts can be explained by how one’s family handled finances. Dr. Alex Melkumian, founder of the Financial Psychology Center in Los Angeles, CA, told 

t how everyone’s “money story” starts in childhood. “The foundation of anyone’s understanding and relationship with money is based with their family of origin coupled with any financial literacy education they receive throughout their life,” he said, and added, “It’s rare that in a romantic relationship both partners come to it with the same, or similar, money story.”

Therefore, for a successful “money story” in a relationship, the best is to approach the financial conversation early on. “The first thing to be aware of in a relationship would be having good communication and making sure you all know where you are financially” warns Poppy Fox, Investment Director at Quilter Cheviot Ltd. But if you are just getting to know someone, how do you start the conversation?

The first step in building a robust financial foundation with your partner is clear communication. Imagine moving in together—expenses become shared, and conversations about money become inevitable. But where do you start? How do you approach that conversation even before moving in with someone? It's all about understanding each other's financial standing, both individually and as a couple. Poppy recommends having those conversations when things are nice rather than waiting until «it gets a little bit awkward».

«When you're having a conversation with someone on Valentine's Day, you're typically talking about romance, everything's wonderful. You hope it will stay that way, but there will be tough times. So it's about knowing that plans are in place for everybody to be protected, should those times come».

So what plans are we referring to? “When we talk about finances, we're talking about long-term plans, looking forward to retirement, looking forward to that nest egg, looking forward to passing on that wealth» clarifies Poppy. Even though things like the household budget are essential, where people are financially not only as a couple but as individuals, can be quite different. “Exploring what that means is empowering, it gives you control, comfort, and also a choice”, adds Fox.

Still, particularly in the early stages of a relationship, getting the courage to ask what their financial plans are and how they make them together is for many a sensitive topic. Poppy has the perfect excuse for that: “Solicitors often tell the client they can blame it on them if they're struggling to have the conversation. So, if you feel insecure, just blame it on us, the professionals, whether is the lawyer or the financial adviser”.

Once you've laid the groundwork with communication, the next consideration is protection. Whether it's buying a property together or discussing long-term plans, seeking professional advice is like creating a financial safety net. Nowadays many recommend living together agreements, to protect both parties. They can be initiated by parents or grandparents who want to protect the financial contributions they make towards a property or their beneficiary.

If the next step in the relationship is getting married, a prenuptial agreement is the logical step. «I think prenups have a bad reputation because we've seen them as this big American thing, like in the movies, where somebody's got billions of dollars and they're marrying somebody who probably would not have been with them had it not been for the money. So that's where the perception of it comes in. A lot of people say, ‘I don't need a prenup because I haven't got millions of pounds’, but it's not about that. It's just about saying should we hit a hiccup, everybody knows where everything is. So it's very amicable, all agreed and that's it, nice and simple”.

Discussing prenuptial agreements may be challenging, but it's crucial to approach it with sensitivity. Second marriages often find it easier to bring up this topic, having learned from past experiences. But again, is not about mistrust; it's about ensuring clarity and protection for both parties involved. Poppy remarks: «I think that's a really key point where couples or individuals should always be seeking professional advice».

 that women often take charge of the household budget but may not be as involved in long-term financial planning. It's essential to distinguish between day-to-day expenses and the broader, forward-thinking financial plan. By having conversations about both daily budgets and long-term goals, couples can align their visions for the future.

«Understanding the household budget is one thing but understanding the long-term financial goals is a different matter altogether». And if you are thinking of starting a new chapter together, you might not go into it equally.

Women’s financial journey is quite different than the one men go through since women must overcome a lot of financial hurdles: “The baby break is a big one, and whilst these days mum and dad can have maternity and paternity leave, typically it still falls on the woman to have that break from work», Poppy reminds us. At the same time, COVID drove up the gender pay gap again, because the responsibility for childcare during the pandemic fell more on the female than on the male. All these things turn into financial disadvantages in the long term. “Who needs to care for the children comes into play, which is where that flexible working falls on the women, as well as caring for elderly relatives. These could have all sorts of consequences. Career break due to menopause is also a big thing. Women might decide that they can't be in the workplace anymore or they want to go part-time. All of those decisions have a financial implication, just the same as the baby break».

Finally, women have a longer life expectancy, therefore having funds to support later life is key. «And that gender pay gap also falls into the gender pensions gap. Because even if you're contributing the same amount of your salary, if you're taking sort of breaks or you're working part time or you're not taking those promotions because it doesn't fit into your lifestyle, that also has an impact on what you end up with in retirement”.

Owning property is often seen as a significant milestone. However, the process is more complex than simply splitting costs. «Buying a house as an individual these days it’s more difficult because you've only got one salary to base your mortgage on, whereas if there are two of you then the property can even be more comfortable.

Poppy explains that many are passing property down the generations, which can make the situation unequal: «If you were renting with somebody and decide to move into this newly inherited home, having that living together agreement is key, because it specifies who owns what. The same arrangement can help when one person wants to use their savings for the deposit, but then both pay the mortgage. Even if one person is doing everything financially as far as the house is concerned, but the other one decides that they're going to decorate the living room, for example, they then have contributed to the property. And even though it's decorative, they’ve put some shelves up, which means that financially they could potentially have a legal claim to the property.» Once more, getting financial and legal advice from professionals can protect you as an individual and make things easier as a couple.

So now you are married, you have the house, and those big rooms become the perfect place to grow a family. When couples decide to have a baby, financial awareness becomes predominant. Splitting tasks and responsibilities can make everyday seem fair, but it's essential to view the household as a unified financial entity. While one partner may contribute more financially, the other's role in childcare and household management is equally valuable. Poppy insists in bringing women into the conversation, since traditionally men have led the financial discussions: «To achieve financial success as a couple, it's crucial to involve both partners in financial decisions. Traditionally, only one spouse may attend meetings, but we believe in valuing the contributions of both individuals equally. Even if one person doesn't contribute financially, their role is still valuable. Each partner brings unique assets, and together, they can achieve great things.”

Professional advice can facilitate conversations and align investment strategies to complement each partner's risk tolerance and financial personality. “It is our role to make sure we're speaking to both parties, that's something I think we as an industry are becoming much more aware of.”

Lack of financial awareness within a relationship is a significant red flag. Couples should discuss their individual and joint financial positions, set clear goals, and regularly check in with professionals to stay on track. If one partner feels they've contributed more, it's crucial to approach the situation with empathy and acknowledge the diverse roles each person plays.

«Lack of awareness about each other's finances can be a major red flag in a relationship. It's important to have a clear understanding of joint responsibilities and goals, even if you have different approaches to money. Having a plan doesn't mean everyone has to do the same thing; it's about finding complementary ways to manage finances. Without awareness, there is cause for concern», assures Fox.

Building a strong financial foundation in a relationship requires open communication, legal protection, and professional guidance. It's about recognising the unique financial journeys of both partners and understanding that each contribution, whether monetary or through responsibilities, is invaluable. So, this Valentine's Day, express your love not just through words but through a commitment to a shared financial future. Seek professional advice, ask questions, and embark on the journey of love and finances together. After all, a strong financial foundation is the key to a lasting and successful partnership.

Love and Finances: How to build a strong financial foundation

 and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options? Do you know what they offer and whether they align with your financial goals?

Choosing a wealth manager best suited to your needs is just as crucial as financial planning itself. Each firm has its own unique approach, philosophy, and expertise, tailored to different client needs. At Compare Wealth Managers, we recognise the vital role a skilled financial planner can play in securing your future. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top UK wealth management firms, highlighting their key strengths and what sets them apart. Discover which one aligns best with your financial aspirations.

A good wealth manager combines technical expertise with the ability to deliver client-focused advice. They must understand 

, and portfolio construction, and then integrate these elements into a coherent strategy tailored to each client’s circumstances 

What is a Private Wealth Manager?

Equally important are communication and trust. The best wealth managers listen carefully to their clients, explain complex ideas in straightforward language, and build long-term relationships that extend across generations. This ability to foster confidence and clarity helps clients remain committed to their strategies through different market cycles 

How to choose a wealth manager

Transparency and accountability are also critical. A good wealth manager is clear about fees, explains how investment decisions are made, and ensures that all actions align with the client’s stated goals and 

 tolerance. Strong governance and ethical standards underpin this approach, giving clients the confidence that their interests always come first 

Dear CEO letter: FCA expectations of wealth management and stockbroking firms.

Finally, leading wealth managers offer a clear value proposition. They provide services that are designed for the specific needs of their target clients, whether that is high-net-worth families, 

, or institutional investors. This specialisation allows them to deliver bespoke planning, tailored portfolios, and innovative solutions such as sustainable investing or access to private markets 

Five Keys to Consistent Success in Wealth Management

For investors with £500,000 to £25 million in investable assets, wealth management rankings provide a valuable benchmark. They allow you to compare firms not only on assets under management (AUM) and scale, but also on reputation, service quality, and investment approach. Rankings highlight which firms are best equipped to manage complex portfolios, which specialise in bespoke advice, and how each positions itself within the competitive UK market. As the 

 notes, wealth managers increasingly compete on scale, reputation and client differentiation, underscoring why rankings offer meaningful context to investors 

Wall Street is racing to manage your wealth. That is a good thing.

How to Use Wealth Management Rankings Effectively

Wealth management rankings should be used as a guide to narrow the field, not as a definitive verdict. They provide an objective way to compare firms on scale, reputation, and service quality, helping investors identify which are best suited to complex portfolios or bespoke advice. The key is to align these insights with your personal goals, ensuring that the firms you consider reflect your risk appetite, investment horizon, and long-term priorities.

If you need support finding the right wealth manager, Compare Wealth Managers offers a free service to help you find a wealth advisor/manager suited to your needs. Simply click the orange "

" button to get started and check out our 5* reviews from Trustpilot.

 – Firms such as James Hambro & Partners, Saltus, and Evelyn Partners feature among the best wealth managers UK, recognised for strong client service and consistent portfolio results.

 – The leading wealth management firms collectively oversee significant AUM, demonstrating financial strength, resilience, and the scale to support high-net-worth clients.

 – Top firms provide bespoke strategies across investment management, tax planning, and estate structuring to help clients protect and grow wealth across generations.

 – Many of the best wealth managers combine international investment expertise with local insight, offering diversified opportunities across markets.

 – Established names in the rankings are known for long-standing reputations, governance standards, and multi-generational relationships with clients.

 – The top wealth management firms in London and across the UK integrate ESG, alternatives, and diversified portfolios to deliver sustainable long-term growth.

This article ranks the top ten wealth management firms in the UK in 2025, highlighting their scale, client service, and long-term expertise.

The ranking compares firms across assets under management, minimum investment requirements, and bespoke services, offering investors insight into the diversity and strengths of the UK wealth management industry.
Compare Wealth Managers

It reflects strategies focused on integrated financial planning, personalised investment advice, and the ability to balance global capabilities with local market knowledge.
Compare Wealth Managers

The article is not about finding a single “best” firm, but about providing context on how leading wealth managers operate — a useful benchmark when selecting the right partner for your wealth.

Top Ten Wealth Management Firms in the UK

Retiring early is a dream for many people in the UK. However, achieving early retirement requires careful financial planning and expert advice. 

 and financial advisers play a crucial role in helping individuals retire early by offering tailored strategies to optimise savings, manage investments, and ensure long-term financial security. As advised by 

, "it's crucial to have a breadth of options tailored to your unique circumstances". For a more detailed account of our discussion with Rob, please refer to 

Let's delve into how a wealth manager can help you achieve early retirement.

 means leaving the workforce before the traditional retirement age of 65. It's not just about having a substantial amount of savings; it involves a strategic approach to financial planning. According to a survey by 

 Wealth & Investment, nearly half of the clients who believed they could retire early admitted that they would not have been able to do so without professional advice 

Nearly half of financial adviser clients believe they will retire early

What Age Can You Claim the State Pension in the UK?

The state pension age in the UK is currently 66, and it is due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Future reviews may increase this further as life expectancy changes. Even if you plan to retire early, understanding your state pension entitlement is essential for long-term financial planning.

How much money will you need after retirement?

Initially, you should think about the kind of lifestyle you want to lead after work. How much money you need for retirement will depend on the annual salary you'll need to maintain this lifestyle.

The "50-70" rule is a widely used formula for calculating retirement income. According to this, your annual income should be between 50 and 70 per cent of what it was before you retired. According to the formula, you should strive for a retirement income of between £50,000 and £70,000 if your pre-retirement salary is £100,000 annually 

Adequacy of future retirement incomes: new evidence for private sector employees

It is important to keep in mind that you might eventually need a sizeable income: The average cost of a residential care home in the UK is currently between £27,000 and £39,000. If nursing care is needed, annual costs rise to £35,000 to £55,0001 

. Your retirement planning should take these ever-increasing costs into account.

Care home costs: How much do you pay?

Women might also need to consider career breaks that lead to a lower pension pot. "When you combine lower income with career breaks or reduced working hours to accommodate for childcare this all adds up to a widening pensions gap in the UK" explains 

. “On average, women save an eye watering 33.5% less than men by the time they reach age 65". She recommends regularly reviewing your pension savings to "help close the gap, even if you choose to take a career break." In these moments is where an experienced adviser can help close those gaps 

. To explore our conversation with Megan in greater depth, please see 

"Empowering Women Through Investment: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Financial Independence"

The gender pensions gap - can it be closed?

Key Standards for Retirement Living in the UK

Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

 (PLSA) has developed three retirement living standards to guide planning: 

. These benchmarks outline the income needed to cover essentials, some discretionary spending, or a more flexible lifestyle in retirement. Including these standards in your planning helps align savings and investments with the lifestyle you want to achieve 

Analysis of Future Pension Incomes 2025

The Role of a Wealth Manager in Early Retirement

A wealth manager offers comprehensive financial services that go beyond simple investment advice. They provide a holistic view of your financial health and future goals, which includes 

How wealth management makes a positive difference to legacy and lifestyles

 Wealth managers conduct a thorough analysis of your current financial status, including assets, liabilities, income, and expenditures. This assessment helps determine how much you need to save for early retirement.

They develop a customised financial plan that aligns with your retirement goals. This plan includes investment strategies, 

 highlights, having a structured plan can significantly enhance your ability to retire early by ensuring you are on track with your savings and investments.

Planning and Preparing for Later Life

 A key aspect of early retirement is having a robust investment portfolio. Wealth managers help select the right mix of investments that balance risk and return. By diversifying your portfolio, they can mitigate risks and maximise returns, which is essential for building the wealth needed for early retirement.

 Effective tax planning is another critical area where wealth managers provide value. They utilise various tax-efficient strategies to reduce the tax burden on your investments and savings, ensuring more of your money works for you.

Steps to Boost Your Chances of Early Retirement

To increase your chances of retiring early, consider the following steps that a wealth manager might recommend:

 The earlier you start planning and saving, the more time your investments have to grow. Compounding interest plays a significant role in building wealth over time.

 Financial plans need to be dynamic. Regular reviews with your wealth manager can help adjust strategies based on changes in the market or your personal circumstances.

 Managing your expenditures and avoiding unnecessary debt can significantly impact your ability to save more aggressively for retirement.

Taking full advantage of pension schemes and employer contributions can provide a substantial boost to your retirement savings. As Brewin Dolphin states, contributing more to your pension can significantly enhance your retirement funds.

 Wealth managers often recommend diversifying into alternative investments like real estate or private equity, which can offer higher returns but come with their own risks 

Assessing the UK Retirement Income Market

The Psychological Aspect of Early Retirement

Beyond financial strategies, wealth managers also help clients prepare for the psychological transition to retirement. Early retirement can bring about significant lifestyle changes, and being mentally prepared is just as important as being financially ready. Engaging with a wealth manager can provide the reassurance and confidence needed to embrace this new phase of life.

Retiring early is an attainable goal with the right planning and professional advice. Wealth managers play a pivotal role in guiding individuals through the complexities of financial planning, investment management, and tax efficiency. Their expertise not only enhances the chances of achieving early retirement but also ensures a secure and fulfilling retirement life. As demonstrated by the positive experiences of those who sought professional advice, the path to early retirement is clearer and more achievable with a wealth manager by your side.

Retirement planning can be complex and time consuming.

 Compare Wealth Managers offers a free service to help you find a wealth advisor/manager suited to your needs. Simply click the orange "start comparing" button to get started or checkout out our 5* reviews from 

Early retirement requires proactive planning

 – Retiring before 65 needs disciplined saving, wealth protection, and expert financial advice tailored to individual goals.

Wealth managers provide tailored strategies

 – Advisers optimise retirement savings through tax planning, investment diversification, and risk management.

Income planning underpins retirement goals

 – Targeting 50–70% of pre-retirement salary helps maintain lifestyle and prepare for rising healthcare and living costs.

 – Career breaks and lower earnings widen the savings gap, making regular reviews and professional guidance essential.

Diversification strengthens financial security

 – Spreading investments across pensions, equities, property, and alternatives balances risk and drives long-term growth.

Tax efficiency protects retirement wealth

 – Pension contributions and structured withdrawals minimise tax liabilities and preserve capital for later years.

 – Preparing emotionally for lifestyle changes ensures early retirement is both financially sustainable and personally fulfilling.

Could a Wealth Manager Help You Retire Early?

Head of content writing at Compare Wealth Managers.

Mariel Diez

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Articles from author

Love and Finances: How to build a strong financial foundation

Top Ten Wealth Management Firms in the UK

Could a Wealth Manager Help You Retire Early?

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Mariel Diez

Bio

Articles from author

Love and Finances: How to build a strong financial foundation

Top Ten Wealth Management Firms in the UK

Could a Wealth Manager Help You Retire Early?

Start your journey to your Financial well-being

FIND OUT MORE

LEGAL

CONTACT US

Start your journey to your
Financial well-being