Retirement is the perfect medicine for former pharmacist

25 January 2019

A former North East pharmacist tells of how early retirement and receiving the right financial advice has dramatically improved his health, wellbeing and family life. For over twenty-four years, Adam Olsen worked at a community-based pharmacy in Ashington, where he enjoyed being on first name terms with his customers and was entrusted with their pharmaceutical needs. His role before retirement was pharmacist manager but the rigors and pressures of running a modern-day pharmacy took their toll, which helped to make Adam’s mind up before his retirement in January last year. “I have absolutely no regrets about retiring when I did. At the end of the day it was the best decision to make on behalf of myself and my family as my health and happiness ultimately has... (Read More)

Civil engineer makes radical career change and sets up bespoke design company

23 November 2018

A York-based former civil engineer had a eureka moment and decided to retire from a successful 27-year career in engineering to set up an independent design company specialising in making bespoke fine furniture. Richard Frost has gone back to the drawing board and swapped the vocational hustle and bustle for the more laid-back atmosphere of a carpentry workshop. Richard, aged 50, took inspiration from a conversation he had with friends during a short break in the Lakes, when they all answered the question “what would you do if you had the chance?” Richard had always been interested in art, aesthetics and carpentry so decided to combine all three and make the leap into self-employment. Richard, originally from Clitheroe in Lancashire, had the biggest deci... (Read More)

Does your pension cause you tension? (National Pension Awareness Day 2018)

12 September 2018

Ahead of National Pension Awareness Day taking place this coming Saturday (15th September), one of the region’s leading financial advisors shares eight of the most commonly asked questions they receive about pensions. Explore Wealth Management is a family-run firm of independent financial advisers based in Cramlington, Northumberland – who specialise in retirement planning, pensions advice and investment management. Here are the top eight questions on pensions: Am I too old or too young for a pension? Is there risk involved with pensions? Are pensions the only way to save for my retirement? What happens to my pension fund if I die? How much do I need to retire and when can I afford to do so? Why has my employer told me to join a pension scheme? Will havin... (Read More)

Planning your dream holiday doesn’t have to break the bank!

02 August 2018

It’s August and the holiday season is in full swing with the sun shining in the sky, bottles of wine chilling in the fridge and burgers simmering away on the BBQ. People are excitedly counting down to their vacations – that’s if they aren’t already basking on a sunbed abroad. We asked Stephen Sumner, Director of Explore Wealth Management based in Cramlington, to give his top ten tips for people planning their summer holidays (there’s actually eleven but we won’t argue amongst friends!). Top Ten Tips: 1). For cheaper holidays book early especially if you work in a small office and want to choose the best and cheapest dates first! 2). Organise your travel insurance cover as soon as possible. There’s nothing worse than having no cover if you have to cancel yo... (Read More)

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