Better today - better tomorrow

Adrian Murley strides out into a secure future

When Adrian Murley takes his dogs for their daily walk he strides out across his own little piece of England. In 2006, using money we released from his pension fund, he secured the five acre field that backs onto his much loved family home in a quiet rural village near Solihull.

And, because living well today – while planning for tomorrow – is important to Adrian, we’ve done more than just increase his landholding. We’ve created a life plan that’s boosted his current disposable income while creating a future that’s set to exceed his expectations.

After a childhood and youth spent travelling the world Adrian Murley returned to the UK in 1976 to join his father in the family’s Birmingham based engineering business. More than 20 years on he’s the company’s managing director and happily settled in a country home with his wife, Maxine and young son, Alex.

Adrian began working with Aspire in 2005, when his previous financial advisor started to wind down towards retirement. “Paul’s timing was perfect,” says Adrian. “My pension plans were delivering a lack lustre performance, my income was less than I would like it to be and I was heavily mortgaged. I loved the life I was living but felt that a little more money in my pocket would certainly improve things!”

Adrian’s capital portfolio has been rearranged to generate income now and growth for the future. The income has been used to reduce Adrian’s monthly mortgage payments and shorten his mortgage term from 16 years to 10.

“There’s also a little left over for family holidays, treats and to take care of Alex’s education. Coming to parenthood fairly late, as I did, it’s good to know that I’ll be able to support him well, even though I’ll be close to retirement age when Alex reaches 18.”

A range of other investments have followed, largely within a SSAS (Small Self Administered Scheme Pension), which Adrian is confident will deliver. “No one can guarantee the future, of course, but my pension funds have increased dramatically under Aspire’s management. It’s great to see my investments growing every time I receive my quarterly progress report.”

Adrian hasn’t yet set a firm date for retirement – he’s enjoying the work too much right now - but looks forward to being able to take a more leisurely approach in years to come. “I feel I now have the financial freedom to look forward with confidence. So many people worry about the future – I don’t have to!”

A place in the country

Adrian loves the quiet country life and, in 2006 was excited by an opportunity to buy the five acre field that borders his garden. However, its proximity to the house and its greenbelt status made it an expensive option. “I just couldn’t see how I could raise the cash,” says Adrian. “But Aspire spotted an opportunity that I – or most advisors, I’m sure – would never have thought of!”

Aspire used a timely change in pension law to allow Adrian to withdraw a cash lump sum from his pension savings while deferring the income until retirement. This money was used to finance the purchase of the land. The increased land holding has substantially increased the property’s value, creating a win-win situation. “It means I get what I want today without losing the future investment value,” says Adrian. “It’s exactly this level of creative thinking that sets Aspire apart from the crowd.”

Find out how Aspire can help you live better today and tomorrow. Telephone 01905 622 180 or email info@aspirepersonalfinance.com