Financial Planning Resources

“I know I should, but…”

Working at Yellowtail has taught me a lot, mainly that it’s never too early to start thinking about your future. But here’s the thing: I’ve lost count of the number of smart, capable, successful women I know who brush off their financial planning with a self-deprecating, “I’m hopeless with money,” or “I’ve not really done anything – I know I should…”

There’s something deeper going on here. In the past, many women didn’t see financial planning as something that was for them. And to be fair, the industry hasn’t always gone out of its way to make it feel that way. But things are shifting. More women are taking control of their finances, asking questions, and getting curious about their future. And that’s exactly the kind of momentum we want to encourage.

“Am I going to be okay?”

This is really the question at the heart of financial planning, and it’s the one we’re always working to answer with our clients.

It’s not about being an investment expert or maximising every last return. It’s about clarity. Confidence. And a plan that helps you understand whether you’re going to be okay, and what okay even means for you.

For some, that might be early retirement in the countryside. For others, it’s the freedom to support their children, travel regularly, or finally pursue something they’ve always wanted to do. The answer is always personal.

The numbers can be sobering

To bring it into perspective, the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association suggests that a single person in the UK would need around £43,100 a year to enjoy a comfortable retirement. That translates to a savings pot of approximately £530,000, assuming you qualify for the full state pension. For a couple, it’s more—£59,000 a year, or about £720,000 in retirement savings
(PLSA Retirement Living Standards – 2024, via Rest Less).

And yet:

• 20% of UK adults haven’t saved anything for retirement
• 39% aren’t currently contributing to a pension
  (Nucleus Financial, 2023)

When it comes to women, the gap is even wider. One recent study found that women retire with, on average, £130,000 less in their pension savings than men
(Scottish Widows Women & Retirement Report, 2024).

A series of gentle nudges

So this post is the first in a short series exploring how women approach financial planning—why it sometimes gets left behind, and what we can do to change that.

These won’t be technical pieces. No spreadsheets. No scary jargon. Just real thoughts, useful figures, and a few quiet questions that might help you reflect on what “being okay” looks like for you.

Because this isn’t about judgement. It’s about understanding what’s possible—and giving ourselves the best chance of getting there.

If this strikes a chord, feel free to follow the rest of the series or pass it along to someone who might find it useful.

ABOUT YELLOWTAIL

Founded by Dennis Hall, Yellowtail are the trusted financial planners who advise affluent individuals & families in the South West and across the UK. Yellowtail’s experts provide the clarity, control and confidence to guide you through financial planning, estate planning, pension transfers and investment management directing your journey towards a prosperous retirement and financial peace of mind.