Heartwood Wealth

11/06/2026

When you meet with us for the first time, one of the first things we'll talk to you about is your emergency fund.

In simple terms, this is a pot of cash held in an easy access account. It acts as a safety net for life’s unexpected costs, such as a sudden car repair or a broken boiler.

For many people, a sensible goal is to hold enough to cover three to six months of essential living costs. This helps you manage surprises without needing to touch your long-term investments.

Having this foundation in place means that you can focus on your future plans, knowing that your day-to-day needs are protected if things don't go to plan.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 19/05/2026

09/06/2026

Divorce can be an emotionally demanding time, and financial decisions don’t always feel like the immediate priority.

That being said, finances are closely linked to practical matters such as housing, income, savings and longer-term security. Having a clear understanding of what might need to be considered can help bring structure and reduce uncertainty as arrangements are reviewed and decisions are made.

Working with a financial planner can provide a calm environment to explore your options and help you feel more confident about your next steps.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 19/05/2026

04/06/2026

Laura Wood is the Financial Adviser at Heartwood Wealth, with nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and business owners.

Laura began her career in finance in 2006, following earlier work supporting adults with learning disabilities. She later moved into financial advice and has spent her career helping people make sense of their finances and feel more confident about the decisions they’re making.

Laura is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a qualification that reflects a high level of experience, knowledge and commitment to professional standards in financial planning.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys the theatre, baking and getting out for walks with her dog, Merlin.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 19/05/2026

02/06/2026

At Heartwood Wealth, we believe that financial planning should feel personal to you.

Our role is to help you understand your financial position and explore the options available for your future. This starts by taking the time to listen to what matters most to you and your family.

We focus on helping you make informed decisions. Whether you're thinking about your own retirement or looking at how to support the next generation, the process is built to help you feel in control of your financial journey.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 19/05/2026

29/05/2026

Working as a family means our conversations often naturally turn to the future of the people we care about.

Being a family-run practice influences how we view financial planning. We understand that wealth isn't just about the individual but also about the security and opportunities it provides for the generations that follow.

We’re passionate about helping other families and we witness first hand how clear communication and thoughtful preparation can bring parents, children, and grandchildren closer together.

We're here to help you build a legacy that reflects your family’s values and provides long-term confidence for those you love.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 22/04/2026

26/05/2026

Planning for the unexpected is a way to create certainty for your family today.

By organising the "what ifs" in life, you can focus on enjoying the now with the people who matter most. This involves making sure your home is secure and your family’s lifestyle is protected, regardless of what the future holds.

Having these arrangements in place acts as a gift to both yourself and your loved ones. It provides a foundation of security that allows you to be more present in your daily life.

When these important questions are answered, it is much easier to feel confident in your long-term plans.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 22/04/2026

22/05/2026

Planning for what happens to your wealth after you’re gone is about more than just writing a Will.

It involves looking at how your assets are structured today to help ensure they reach the right people in the future. Without a clear plan, a portion of what you’ve built could be subject to taxes or unintended costs.

Effective planning helps you understand how much you can comfortably pass on now, and what to retain for your own future. Having this clarity can be particularly helpful for families who want to support children or grandchildren during their own lifetimes.

Also, taking a structured approach means your family won't have to make difficult financial decisions during an emotional time.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

Trusts/Wills/LPAs are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 22/04/2026

20/05/2026

Intergenerational wealth planning looks at how your assets can support your family over time.

For many families, property, savings and pensions form a large part of what is passed on. Inheritance Tax may apply depending on the value of the estate and how those assets are held.

Without preparation, families can be left dealing with both practical decisions and a potential tax bill at the same time. In some cases, that tax needs to be paid before assets can be accessed, which can create added pressure.

Taking time to review how your estate is structured can help you understand what may be due, how it would be paid and what your family would need to deal with.

Read more on our website at: https://www.heartwoodwealth.net/services/intergenerational-wealth-planning

Taxation rules can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority).

SJP Approved 14/04/2026

Intergenerational wealth planning that supports your family now and in the future. Expert guidance on inheritance tax and estate planning.

18/05/2026

“Diversification” is a term you will often hear in financial planning.

In simple terms, it means not relying on one single investment, or one type of investment, to carry your future plans.

Instead, it involves spreading investments across different areas. These may respond differently to changes in markets or the wider economy.

The aim is to reduce the impact if one area does not perform as expected, while still allowing for growth over time.

Understanding terms like this can make it easier to follow financial conversations and feel more confident in the decisions you're making.

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select, and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 22/04/2026

14/05/2026

It’s common for self-employed business owners to feel that financial planning is something to think about later.

When income changes from month to month and the business needs your attention, it can feel like something to come back to once things have settled.

At the same time, you’re already making decisions about how you pay yourself, what you keep in the business and how you plan ahead personally. These choices might be being made separately, without a clear view of how they affect each other.

Taking time to look at them together can help you understand how your current decisions shape your longer-term plans, and where there may be gaps or trade-offs to consider.

Financial planning provides a structured way to work through this, so you have a clearer understanding of your position and the options available.

Heartwood Wealth is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority). The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

SJP Approved 22/04/2026