Andrew Binns Independent Financial Adviser

16/03/2026

💡😼 The Panthers Business Club is an exciting platform designed to connect companies across the Nottingham Panthers network. This week's spotlight is on Wren Sterling ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/bdffxmz9

19/12/2025

Its the time off the year when we all start to look at some rest, family time and then reflect on the year. Also a perfect opportunity to update your income and expenditure, a key foundation point to all financial planning.

Why an Income vs Expenditure review matters 🎄📊

Doing a simple income vs expenditure review is one of the most powerful financial habits you can build.

Key benefits:

💡 Clarity – see exactly where your money comes from and where it goes

🎯 Control – identify overspending and cut unnecessary costs

💰 Savings potential – find money you didn’t realise you had

🧘 Peace of mind – reduce financial stress by planning ahead

🚀 Better decisions – set realistic goals for saving, investing, or debt reduction

Why Christmas is the perfect time 🎁 Christmas naturally highlights our most recent spending, making it easier to:

🏚Review real, up-to-date expenses

🎄Spot seasonal overspend and one-off costs

🎑Reset habits before they roll into the new year

As the year winds down, taking time to review income vs expenditure helps you draw a line under the past year and start the new one with confidence and intention.

A small bit of planning now can make a big difference all year long.

Wren Sterling

26/11/2025

After a good telling off, we saw Rachel Reeves deliver her most speculative budget ever.
Here are some more ✅ and ❌ points focused on the tax changes from today’s UK Budget (26 Nov 2025):

✅ Pros (Tax-side)

✅ More “fairness” for earned vs unearned income — income from savings, property and dividends sees tax raised to more closely match tax on wages.

✅ The changes mostly hit people with asset-income (savings, rental property, dividends), so many ordinary workers with only wage income may not see direct impact from these tax hikes.

✅ Maintains tax-free allowances/reliefs (e.g. for many savers and ISA holders) — interest/dividends from ISAs remain tax-free.

❌ Cons (Tax-side)

❌ Freeze on personal allowance and income-tax thresholds until 2031 — means over time more people will be dragged into higher tax bands simply because of inflation or wage rises (“fiscal drag”).

❌ Tax on savings income increased — from April 2027 savings will be taxed at basic 22 %, higher 42 % and additional 47 % on non-ISA savings.

❌ Dividend income tax increased — from April 2026 ordinary rate rises to 10.75 % (from 8.75 %), and upper rate to 35.75 %.

❌ Rental/property income tax higher — from April 2027 property income will face new rates: 22 % (basic), 42 % (higher), 47 % (additional), making buy-to-let less profitable.

❌ Reduced tax-incentive for savers — annual cash ISA contribution limit is cut (for under-65s), meaning tax-free savings room shrinks.

❌ More complexity & potential cost for those with mixed incomes — rules on how allowances/reliefs apply against savings, property and dividend income are changing, possibly reducing benefits for those combining different income types.

06/10/2025

Rather than buy me a drink, please donate so you can help me help others!!

In exactly a months time, November 6th, I spend the night under the stars sleeping out to raise awareness and funding for the CEO Sleepout UK in support for Emmanuel House Support Centre, Nottingham.

You do not need to gift alot, unless you would like too, but please remember to add the gift aid as then a £4 donation will become £5!!!

The Nottingham Shelter has recently received funding to operate all year round rather than just 6 months a year and this was delivered recently at a new announcement at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham , just around from the centre. Each year at Wren Sterling we do a food bank collection and I know alot of my networking colleagues from either the The Nottingham Panthers Business club and Rsvip Business Network Nottingham, as well as others, are in full support of this and some of them sleeping out as well.

I would really like to raise more than £1,000 this year and then continue fund raising through the coming year as well with more events.

Please donate to:

I'm joining compassionate people from across Nottingham for an unforgettable night beneath the stars. I will be sleeping out in Meadow Lane Stadium, raising funds for people facing adverse poverty and

03/10/2025

🃏♠️♥️♦️♣️🃏

We often hear the phrase “it’s not about the cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play them.”
And while there’s truth in that, I think there’s something equally important we sometimes overlook.

It’s not just about your own hand. It’s also about the people who sit at the table with you.

Family, colleagues, mentors, and friends — the ones who help you see the cards differently, who encourage you to take risks you might not otherwise take, and who quietly support you when the hand feels weak. They’re the ones who remind us that success is rarely a solo effort.

In both life and business, the relationships we build and the time we spend with others shape the game far more than the cards themselves. It’s the guidance, the collaboration, and the shared experiences that truly turn challenges into opportunities.

At the end of the day, the legacy we create won’t just be about how well we played our hand — but about who we chose to play alongside, and how we lifted each other up along the way.

27/09/2025

✨ The Power of Networking ✨

One of the most valuable investments you can make in your business journey is surrounding yourself with the right people. A business club isn’t just about exchanging business cards – it’s about:

🤝 Building genuine relationships
💡 Sharing knowledge and ideas
🚀 Opening doors to new opportunities
🌱 Growing both professionally and personally

When you network with like-minded professionals, you gain more than contacts – you gain a community that inspires, challenges, and supports you.

Yesterday I had the privelige to represent Wren Sterling and attend the The Nottingham Panthers first business club of the season and it was a great event. Its great to meet with like minded people who share a common passion. I am already looking forward to the next meeting as well as booking in some 1-2-1s. Yesterday was about exploring what we each do, what we want, what we need and how we can each other develop.

If you’ve ever thought about joining a business club, take the leap. You never know which conversation could change the direction of your business (or your life!).

23/09/2025

At the The Loughborough Building Society in Long Eaton and Southwell, located inside Gascoines Estate Agents, we are excited to support UK Savings Week.

Discover our range of excellent saving options and connect with me for a chat about additional investment opportunities that Wren Sterling can offer.

12/09/2025

Great work for such a great cause

Last week, after seeing an urgent call from Emmanuel House, our Nemesis team rallied together to donate essential food items to support their incredible work.

Every contribution makes a difference - and we’re committed to keeping this momentum going. Whether it’s more donations or fundraising in other ways, we’ll keep showing up for them.

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Emmanuel House is a Nottingham-based charity that supports homeless, vulnerable, and isolated adults.
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27/08/2025

✅ Marriage Allowance – Key Benefits

Tax Savings – Allows one spouse/civil partner to transfer up to £1,260 of their Personal Allowance (2025/26 tax year) to the other, saving up to £252 per year.

Backdating – Can be backdated for up to 4 years, meaning couples could receive a lump sum of over £1,000 if they haven’t claimed before.

Simple & Free – Easy to apply online through HMRC, no cost.

Helps Low Earners – Particularly beneficial where one partner earns below the Personal Allowance threshold (£12,570).

Supports Couples – Provides financial relief for households where incomes are uneven.

Automatic Renewal – Once claimed, it renews each year unless circumstances change

If you want to know more, please reach out.

18/08/2025

Today's lunch, fruit juice and a lovely freshly made pork, stuffing and apple sauce cob. Thanks to the team at Stoppards Butchers today for this.
Whilst we waited, a farmer was also in there and we were discussing mead and fruit planting. Turned out she was a member of the bee keepers association as well. As we talked we could smell the food cooking and see the team working well to get ours made.

If your anywhere near Southwell Minster or Southwell Racecourse or even just on the area, pay this place a visit as just a few doors up from Gascoines Estate Agents , who have some great houses available!
Not only will your taste buds love you but you will be supporting the community through a local butchers 😄😋

I'm back there next Thursday for more!!

14/08/2025

It is a great sense of achievement when clients take time to give a review, more so a great review.
Making sure the client journey ends well is just as important as all other stages. Positive reviews help build trust and confidence with others.
Wren Sterling

Chartered Independent Financial Planner

09/08/2025

❌ Disadvantages of Not Using a Financial Adviser

1. Struggle with Retirement Planning
You may not save enough or invest appropriately for retirement.

2. Face Unexpected Tax Bills
Without professional tax planning, you could pay more tax than necessary.

3. Fail to Protect Your Wealth
You might overlook insurance or estate planning that protects your family.

4. Lack Investment Knowledge
Limited understanding of investment options can lead to poor returns or unnecessary risk.

5. No Clear Financial Goals
Without guidance, it’s easy to lack a structured plan to achieve life goals.

6. Difficulty Handling Life Changes
Major events (inheritance, divorce, business sale) can become overwhelming without expert support.

7. Miss Out on Savings Opportunities
You could fail to take advantage of allowances, reliefs, or investment vehicles.

8. Emotional Financial Decisions
You might react emotionally to market movements, harming long-term outcomes.

9. Lack of Accountability and Discipline
No one is helping you stay on track and regularly review your plans.

10. Increased Stress and Uncertainty
Managing everything alone can create anxiety and uncertainty about the future.