Marlow has long been synonymous with rowing. For many residents, the sight of eights gliding along the Thames is simply part of everyday life. For me, however, rowing became much more than a local pastime. Several years ago, I made the decision to step away from my career in financial services and commit fully to rowing for Leander Club. For three years, my life revolved around training, racing and pursuing performance at the highest level possible. People often ask whether m

The concept of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has attracted growing attention in recent years. While the idea of leaving work decades before the traditional retirement age sounds appealing, FIRE is really about something much more valuable: having choices. Financial independence means reaching a point where your investments, pensions and savings can support your lifestyle without you being entirely dependent on employment income. For some, that may mean retiring

If you own a property in Marlow, there’s an increasing chance that your estate could be exposed to inheritance tax (IHT) in the not-too-distant future. With high local property values and recent legislative changes, the total value of your estate may be significantly higher than you realise. Sian Hinton-Woodier FPFS Two factors are now especially important. The first is the £2 million threshold, where valuable tax allowances begin to reduce. The second is the upcoming inclusi

By Sian Hinton-Woodier FPFS, Amber River Premier Most people do not make bad financial decisions. In fact, the biggest issue is often something much quieter. Putting things off. Whether it is reviewing pensions, sorting savings, or making important financial decisions, it is very common to think: “I’ll deal with it later.” At the time, it feels harmless. Life is busy, there are always more immediate priorities, and finances can often feel complex or overwhelming. But over tim

Answered by Sian Hinton-Woodier FPFS, Amber River Premier Q: I feel like I should be doing more with my money—where do I start? A: This is very common, and the key is not to try to do everything at once. Start with the basics: understand your income and outgoings, build some accessible savings, and then look at longer-term goals like pensions or investing. Small, consistent steps are far more effective than trying to make big changes all at once. Q: How much should I have in

By Sian Hinton-Woodier FPFS, Amber River Premier As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s a natural opportunity to pause and take stock of where you are financially. Life rarely stands still—spending habits shift, priorities evolve, and external factors such as inflation or market movements can all have an impact. A mid-year review doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated. In fact, even a brief check-in can help you identify what’s working well, highlight any areas