Better than a safe bet

Horse racing enthusiast, Alistair Trow isn’t prepared to gamble his future

Racing enthusiast and print company managing director, Alistair Trow likes to back winners when it comes to financial planning. For the past six years he’s worked with Aspire to build a robust retirement plan, while releasing capital now to fund the education for his four children.

Working previously with advisors tied to a single financial service provider limited his investment options. With Aspire he’s free to play the field, and has seen his investments - and his current disposable income - grow significantly as a result.

Alistair took over leadership of his family’s printing business 20 years ago and, today, combines that demanding job with an interest in horse racing - his partnership has had notable successes with a number of horses - ferrying his four children from A to B!

And it’s his children – most particularly their education – that make the biggest demands on his income right now. “Like most parents I believe a good education is the best start in life you can offer your children, but, with a large family the cost is considerable, particularly so because it has to be funded from income that’s already been taxed,” explains Alistair. “Aspire was able to find a way to finance their schooling without breaking the bank.”

Alistair’s capital portfolio has been redesigned with the primary objective of providing a higher net income. This now covers the lion’s share of the school fees for his four children as well as the payments on his interest only mortgage. It also promises a substantial lump sum on maturity which, Alistair plans, will pay off the capital outstanding at the end of his mortgage term.

“All of this means I can balance today’s finances, while continuing to build an investment portfolio that will allow me to hit my retirement age target of 55,” explains Alistair. “No one can guarantee the future absolutely, but I’m confident we’ve done as much as we can to make the plan watertight.”

Before working with Aspire Alistair relied upon advice from another financial advisor. Though the advice was sound enough, he found his investment potential was limited, since the advisor was tied to a single financial provider who could only offer products from their own company. “Though I didn’t really realise it at the time this was seriously restricting my options,” says Alistair.

Acting on advice from Aspire’s founder and Managing Director, Paul Reynolds, Alistair swapped his tied pension arrangements for a Small Self Administered Scheme Pension (SSAS), which gives him greater freedom to diversify his investments. “As well as more traditional pension policies within the SAP I’ve opted for some shorter term, high return investments in offshore property,” he explains.

When he isn’t working – or playing taxi driver to his children – Alistair likes to spend his time watching rugby or at the races. “Horse racing is an exhilarating game, but it’s packed with uncertainty. It’s good to know my finances are at least a little more likely to maintain a winning streak!”

Find out how Aspire can help you identify sure fire winners. Telephone 01905 622 180 or email info@aspirepersonalfinance.com