In the spotlight: Ed Blackett, RockWealth Cheltenham

RockWealth Cheltenham is pleased to announce a new addition to the team — financial planner Ed Blackett. We catch up with Ed to learn more about his approach to lifestyle financial planning, his future ambitions, and what he gets up to out of the office. What is your background, can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a financial planner? I graduated from Sheffield University in 2003 and quickly became absorbed in the world of finance. After working for some of the larger financial institutions I realised my qualities lay in a role which focused more on people. I joined a local financial adviser firm in Cheltenham and learned my trade with them. My early background was in mortgages, but I soon moved on to work I find much more rewarding and engaging in the form of pensions and investments and, over time, genuine financial planning. What attracted you to RockWealth? RockWealth’s approach to financial planning was key for me. RockWealth focus on clients and service, and embrace technology when it helps clients to engage with everything we do. Everyone has a deep-rooted desire to help people. Primarily, they think for themselves and don’t follow the herd. Do you have a specialist area, or is there a particular aspect of financial planning that you most enjoy? Making a difference to peoples’ lives is the most rewarding part of what I do. I have naturally gravitated to focus on retirement planning, which is so often a key cornerstone in any person’s life. I enjoy providing confidence to clients to help them make decisions. Helping them to live the lifestyle they desire or explaining to someone “you can retire, and this is how you do it!” is what it’s all about. What about your job do you find most rewarding? Helping my clients to live the lifestyle they desire or explaining to someone “you can retire, and this is how you do it!” What's your main focus right now and what are you most excited about for 2022? Being part of the RockWealth team and building relationships with existing and new clients. I’m also busy working towards gaining my Chartered status. The quick-fire round When I'm not at work... I have two girls aged eight and five and they seem to keep me busy enough. When I can, I enjoy a visit to the gym to let off steam. A good walk in the Cotswolds (and always a stop off in a pub if possible) is always a weekend favourite. Favourite food? Something spicy or a good ribeye steak for me! Top of your reading list? Unfortunately, reading seems taken up by professional textbooks and children’s bedtime stories these days! Top of your bucket list? I have always wanted to travel to Canada and also like the sound of a train trip to Bruges to take in the sights and, of course, the beers! What are you listening to right now? I’m a typical 90s stereotype; Oasis, rather than Blur. A bit of 60s soul is often on in my house, and to bring things up to date, Courteeners or DMAs. What makes you laugh? I always struggle to turn off Only Fools and Horses. And I also love The Office and Extras. If you’d like to talk to Ed and learn more about proper financial life planning, and what it can do for you and your loved one, email info@rock-wealth.co.uk or call 01242 505 505.