FAQs
About Kate.
What roles in retail did Kate have?
Kate started her career in retail. She began in the Argos procurement team, then moved into supply chain with Argos and Sainsbury’s. Her final role, before retraining as a financial planner, was in cost transformation at Sainsbury’s, working on efficiencies across logistics and property.
What happens if I have a query when Kate is away on holiday?
Unless Kate is trekking across the Andes or hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro, she’ll always answer urgent queries. If she’s not available, she has an arrangement in place with a trusted financial planner who can step in until she’s back.
What are the benefits of working with a female financial planner?
The obvious answer is empathy for the problems and challenges other women face in their careers and life, such as the menopause, hormones, balancing work with family life, and so on.
However, the benefits of working with a female planner don’t only apply to women. Kate’s male clients like her directness, practicality and proactivity.
It’s a shame that only 18% of financial planners are female, and even fewer are Chartered. Kate is proud to tick both boxes.
What are the benefits of working with a younger financial planner?
Age is relative. At nearly 40, Kate wouldn’t call herself young; however, she is much younger than the average financial planner.
That means when you retire, she will still be working for you. There’s no threat of her waltzing off into the sunset as you make possibly the most important transition of your life.
Why is it important to work with a specialist planner who understands the retail space?
As a senior retail leader, you face unique financial challenges that are very different to other professions. Working with a specialist means having a partner who understands those challenges, along with the technical detail of retailer pension and share schemes.
What’s the minimum income or wealth level to work with Exhale?
£200,000 of assets split across pensions, savings and shares, but excluding property.
Is Kate a Chartered financial planner?
Yes. Kate is proud to be a Chartered financial planner, the highest level of professional qualification in the industry. Fewer than one in five financial planners achieve it, and even fewer are women.
About Exhale.
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Is Exhale Financial Planning regulated?
Yes, and you should never work with a financial adviser who isn’t.
Exhale Financial Planning is an appointed representative of Sense Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Does Exhale Financial Planning only work with senior retail leaders?
Yes. That’s Kate’s specialism. She’s been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. Having worked in retail herself, she knows first-hand what the pace is like: fast, stressful, and relentless. Most senior retail leaders simply don’t have the time or headspace to sort their finances properly. Kate saw it herself when she was in the industry, and she sees it now with the clients she works with.
Her mission with Exhale is simple: to help retail professionals finally breathe easy about money. That way, you don’t have to carry the constant weight of financial worry, and you get to focus on what really matters – your career, your family, and your life outside of work.
Which retailers do Exhale Financial Planning clients tend to work for?
Typically, senior retail leaders move from role to role and retailer to retailer during their careers. So she has experience of working with people employed by the larger retailers, including Sainsbury’s, M&S, Tesco, Co-op, Morrisons, Waitrose and so on.
How does Exhale keep my information secure?
Your information is handled through a secure, encrypted online portal with two-factor authentication. Exhale is also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), so you can be confident your data is properly protected.
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How do you make financial planning enjoyable rather than overwhelming?
Firstly, there’s no judgement. Many people worry about what I’ll think of their past financial decisions, but the fact that you’re taking control puts you ahead of most. Secondly, your financial plan is about your life, so our conversations are naturally engaging. One of the best parts of Kate’s job is showing you how you can spend more, now and in the future, because money is there to be enjoyed, not just stored away.
Why are meetings only held remotely?
Two reasons.
Firstly, working in retail means you’re probably very busy, so you don’t have time to take out of your calendar to travel to a meeting.
Secondly, Kate’s specialism means she works with people throughout the UK, making remote meetings more convenient for both her and her clients.
How do remote meetings work in practice?
Remote meetings are just as effective as face to face, and far easier to fit around a busy retail schedule. We use Microsoft Teams to talk, share screens, and walk through your plan without the need to travel.
Can my partner or family join meetings?
Yes. In fact, it’s encouraged. Financial planning works best when you’re both aligned on goals and objectives, so we prefer couples to be involved together. If you’d feel more comfortable with family present, we welcome that too.
How long does it take to build a financial plan?
To get from our first chat through to a finalised plan usually takes two to three months. Within two to four weeks, though, you’ll already have a clear idea of the direction we’re heading. The first meeting is all about you and your goals. The second meeting is where we present the plan back. At that stage, it’s based on the information you’ve shared, and once you’re happy to move forward, we’ll validate everything with providers and deliver a fully accurate plan as soon as the details come in.
What happens once my financial plan is complete?
That’s just the beginning. Think of your plan as a shopping list; it only works if you use it. We’ll check in regularly to make sure the strategy is working and, more importantly, that you’re following it. Life rarely sticks to a neat script, so we’ll meet regularly to adjust and keep everything relevant and on track.
How often will I meet with Kate after my plan is in place?
For most clients, we’ll meet twice a year; once for our annual review and again for a tax year-end check-in. However, if meeting less frequently is appropriate, we’ll tell you.
Aside from those meetings, you’ll get as much support as you need on the phone, by email or at additional meetings when things at your end change. For example, if you’re promoted, offered a new package, face redundancy and so on.
Are ongoing fees transparent?
Yes. Our fees are based on a percentage of assets under management, and we’re committed to making sure you get real value for what you pay. If we don’t think you need advice, we’ll tell you, because there’s nothing worse than paying for something you don’t need. There’s also no long-term commitment. If the value isn’t there, we’ll part ways as friends.
About our advice areas.
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Can Exhale help me if I’m facing redundancy from a retail role?
Yes. We’ll help you plan if redundancy is on the horizon, and make sure you’re prepared even if it never happens. Cost pressures and headcount cuts are common in retail, but with the right plan, redundancy doesn’t have to feel like a crisis. It can be a chance to reset, explore new options, and move forward with confidence.
Can you advise me on my employer’s share scheme?
Yes. While we can’t advise on whether to buy or sell a specific share, we can help you make the most of your employer’s scheme. That means creating strategies to manage risk, maximise benefits, and make sure it fits into your wider financial plan.
How can financial planning help me make the most of my employer’s share schemes?
Holding too much in one company is risky; we’ve all seen what happens when retailers like Woolworths or Blockbuster collapse. Financial planning helps reduce that risk, balance your portfolio, and make sure your shares support your long-term goals rather than holding you back. So, we’ll review your share schemes in the context of your wider finances.
Can you advise on using annual bonuses more effectively?
Yes. Many senior retail leaders don’t have a strategy for their bonus, even though it can be a big part of their earnings. Too often it sits in cash or gets spent without a plan. We’ll help you put a strategy in place that balances the future with the present, so part of your bonus works for tomorrow, while you still enjoy some of it today.
Can you help me bring together pensions from different retail employers?
Yes. This is a common situation for people who’ve built their career in retail. Having several pensions is a sign of your success, but it can also be confusing and hard to manage. We’ll review how each pension is performing, whether the costs are competitive, and if the investment strategy is right for your goals. Most clients prefer the structure and simplicity of bringing pensions together; if that’s the right thing to do, we’ll do it. If it isn’t, we’ll explain why not.
Do you provide advice on mortgages and debt alongside pensions and investments?
No. That’s not an area of specialism for us. However, we know how valuable high-quality mortgage advice can be, so if that’s what you need, we’ll be happy to recommend someone to you.
Can financial planning show me if I can afford to retire early from retail?
Yes. Increasingly, we find that senior retail leaders are less focused on the traditional retirement age and more interested in financial freedom; the point where you can afford to stop working if you choose to. That freedom gives you options: leaving retail behind, working part-time, taking on a non-executive role, or even setting up your own consultancy. Financial planning helps you understand when that point might be, so you can make confident choices about what comes next.
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What is the difference between a financial adviser and a financial planner?
Some people argue there’s a difference. Kate’s straight-talking pragmatism means she believes it’s better to focus on what’s inside the tin and not what it says on the outside.
Kate believes it’s more important to focus on the skills, experience and specialism of the adviser or planner than their title. For example, does the person you work with focus on you, rather than products? Are you getting the ongoing advice you need? Are they Chartered and independent? Do you understand their fees, and so on?
What is Sense Network, and what is your relationship with them?
Exhale Financial Planning is an appointed representative of Sense Network, which means they support me with the day-to-day running of an FCA-authorised business. It doesn’t affect the advice I give, or my status as an independent financial adviser. It just means I’ve got the right framework and backing in place to focus fully on clients.
How do I choose the right financial planner?
It’s a big decision, and you want to be sure they’ll deliver real value, not just hide behind jargon.
Look for someone who is independent, so they recommend what’s best for you rather than being tied to certain products or providers.
Check that they’re trusted by clients by reading reviews on sites like VouchedFor; top-rated planners have proven they deliver, not just promise. Chartered status is another marker of quality, showing extra training, higher standards, and a strong commitment to ethics.
Fees should always be clear and upfront, with no surprises or small print.
Finally, choose someone who understands your world. If you work in retail, that means finding a planner who knows the pace and pressure of the industry, and can build a plan that works for your life.