With AI, YouTube and endless financial content online, it's never been easier to manage your own finances. But does that mean you should? In this article, I explore when a financial planner adds value, who might be better managing their own finances, and why a personalised financial plan is about much more than choosing investments.

“My USS pension age is 66… but I don’t want to work until 66.”

I hear this from university staff all the time.

The good news?

Your USS Normal Pension Age is not necessarily the age you have to retire.

Depending on your wider financial position, there may be options to retire earlier by bridging the gap with:

• ISAs
• Other pensions
• Additional savings/investments
• Phased retirement planning

Retiring early usually comes with trade-offs, so the key question is not just:

“Can I retire early?”

It’s:

“Can I afford the lifestyle I want if I retire early?”

That’s where proper planning matters.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

What do 58% of the population have in common?