For decades, buying a UK home seemed like a no-brainer. But with house prices barely outpacing inflation, mortgage rates at 5-6%, and transaction costs eating 3-5% of value, the financial case has weakened dramatically. Yet millions still buy—not for returns, but for security, stability, and peace of mind. The question isn't whether buying beats renting on paper. It's whether it's right for you.

Financial independence isn't about hitting a number and opting out—it's about making decisions without being forced by short-term pressure. AI is making careers less linear and income more uneven. The real shift isn't unemployment, it's planning a life when earnings fluctuate but expenses don't. Security now comes from your ability to absorb change, not from where you work. Financial independence lets you participate in uncertainty actively, not defensively

When productivity rises, each hour of work produces more value. That extra value can show up as higher pay, higher returns to capital, or lower prices. With AI, the multiplier is larger but unevenly distributed. The people who navigate this best won't predict the future perfectly—they'll understand their current position well enough to adapt. Financial clarity compounds when productivity acts as a multiplier.

As Chief Investment Officer at Plancorp, Lazaroff has spent decades watching people succeed and fail financially. His conclusion? The difference rarely comes down to investment selection. It comes down to behaviour. Lazaroff's philosophy is clear: sustainable wealth comes from mastering core principles, not chasing sophisticated strategies. The challenge? Most of us struggle with the behavioral side. Staying consistent through volatility, aligning spending with values, buildi

Good financial planning isn't about rigid resolutions — it's about anticipating decision points before life forces them on you. The UK tax year ends April 5th, shaping ISA allowances, pension contributions, and capital gains planning. Don't leave tax efficiency to March panic. Flag February–March early as decision months, not admin months. A well-planned year doesn't mean fewer surprises. It means fewer expensive ones.

As the calendar turns and a new year begins, millions of people worldwide experience a familiar surge of motivation to improve their lives. This phenomenon extends far beyond mere tradition; it represents a powerful psychological mechanism that behavioural scientists call the "fresh start effect."