Get to know your coach…

Having been somewhat of a personal finance geek for many years I now take great pride in being a Financial Coach and part of the Octopus Money team, helping people from all walks of life do better with their finances. 

I have maintained a keen interest in all things personal finance since I helped my parents to get out of a tricky financial situation while I was studying at University. Since then I have kept a very close eye on my own finances and those of my family and friends – helping out with guidance whenever appropriate. 

I became aware of Octopus Money while helping my mother-in-law with her finances after the sad death of my father-in law. I stumbled across the Octopus Money website while researching something for her on Google and I was immediately struck by the mission Octopus Money are on: to provide accessible, affordable, straightforward financial services to millions of people across the UK. Having delved a bit deeper I decided this was something I absolutely had to become a part of, hence here I am! 

Prior to starting my new career as a Financial Coach I spent around 14 years working in highly technical roles within the UK Sonar Industry – including software and system design and consultancy and technical leadership, putting my Master of Physics degree to good use! I then decided to start my own company to do something completely different, initially offering Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing services to local businesses before moving onto a number of e-commerce projects.

When I’m not helping people with their finances you’ll typically find me trying to keep up with my [now grown up] 2 sons, either out in the North Devon or Cornwall surf, camping, or hiking up a [big] hill somewhere. You may also find me puffing and panting my way around a touch rugby pitch, or tinkering with my [rapidly rusting] 1980s VW camper.