Q & A with Carla

How did you get into financial services?

I somewhat fell into financial services by chance. After graduating with a degree in Spanish and Business Management, I had dreams of joining a large international company in a sales or marketing role – ideally one that would allow me to travel and use my language skills.

While I was searching for the right graduate opportunity, my partner spotted that a High Street bank was recruiting trainee Financial Planners and suggested I apply. I was accepted, flew through the required exams and, less than six months later, I was working as a Financial Planner.

What started as a slightly unexpected career move turned out to be absolutely the right one – more than 20 years later, I’m still here and still love what I do. I joined Insight in September 2019.

What are your areas of expertise?

Retirement planning, pensions, investment management, inheritance tax planning, protection, financial planning for business owners and professionals, and working with professional athletes and their families to build long-term financial security.

What do you love helping clients with?

I love helping clients feel more confident and in control of their money, particularly when good financial planning can make a meaningful difference to their future.

The work I find most purposeful, though, is financial education – especially working with young people and young professional sportspeople. Many begin earning significant amounts of money at a very young age, often without ever having been taught how to manage it, protect it or plan for life beyond their sporting career.

Being able to give them the knowledge, confidence and financial habits they need early on – and hopefully help them avoid some of the mistakes that can have lifelong consequences – is an area of my work that I find incredibly rewarding.

More about Carla

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever helped a client fund?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is helping clients use their wealth to achieve personal goals rather than simply accumulate money. I’ve helped clients fund everything from dream retirements abroad and property portfolios to supporting children onto the property ladder and creating lasting legacies for future generations.

What’s your personal financial freedom dream?

Financial freedom, to me, means having choices. I’d love to continue doing work I genuinely enjoy while having the flexibility to travel more with my family and spend quality time with my three boys and continue helping educate young people and athletes about money. My 5 year goal is in have a holiday home in Spain, and be able to work from there during the holidays.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent money on?

Experiences with my family. Holidays create memories that last far longer than possessions ever do.

What’s the one luxury you could never give up?

A really good holiday. I love exploring new places and switching off and creating memories with my family – it helps me come back refreshed and ready to give my clients my very best.