Q & A with Thomas
When did you join Insight?
I joined Insight in 2020. I have worked in Financial Planning since 2014, following my graduation from the University of Kent with a degree in Economics.
I’ve always had a passion for numbers, analytical thinking and problem-solving, which naturally led me into a career in financial planning. I particularly enjoy the challenge of helping clients with a wide range of circumstances, creating tailored financial plans that bring clarity, confidence and direction to their financial future.
What are your area’s of expertise?
My areas of expertise include retirement planning and inheritance tax mitigation strategies. I enjoy helping clients simplify complex financial matters and turn their long-term aspirations into achievable plans.
Whether clients are building wealth, approaching retirement, or looking to pass assets efficiently to the next generation, I focus on providing clear, practical advice that helps them make informed decisions with confidence. My goal is to give clients clarity about their financial future and the reassurance that comes from having a well-structured plan in place.
What do you love helping clients with?
I enjoy helping clients build clear, logical financial plans that give them confidence about their future. Often, this empowers people to make important life decisions, whether that’s retiring earlier than they thought possible, spending more on memorable experiences, or supporting family members and causes that are close to their heart.
Seeing clients move from uncertainty to confidence, knowing they have a robust plan in place and a trusted adviser they can rely on, is the most rewarding part of my role.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever helped a client fund?
While I’ve helped clients fund some wonderful holidays and retirement dreams, one of the most memorable was helping grandparents set aside money to create a family adventure fund so they could make lasting memories with their children and grandchildren.
It reinforced for me that the best use of money is often creating experiences, not just accumulating wealth.
I wish more people understood that good financial planning doesn't start with money, investments or numbers. The first step is understanding what is truly important to you, your goals, priorities and aspirations for the future.
Tom makes it all feel safe and easy
My sister has been with Insight for a couple of decades I think. I had to take over as her attorney when she became impacted by dementia and couldn’t manage her own affairs anymore. This was all happening when Derek Howell, her long term Insight adviser was retiring and Tom Hawes took over. Tom helped to make sense of a few muddles that had been created as she got more confused and we made sure that all of her money was safe and working for her, according to her previously expressed wishes. Tom has made it all feel safe and easy. He’s a delight to deal with. Sometimes I mention Tom to my sister and she says ‘Who’s Tom?’. I tell her that Tom is her new Derek, then she knows that everything is fine.
More about Thomas
Tell us about how you support your colleagues at Insight?
As a mentor at Insight, I support fellow advisers with their client cases and enjoy bringing a fresh perspective to complex planning challenges. I find it rewarding to share my knowledge and experience, helping colleagues develop their confidence and identify effective solutions for their clients.
If you could give your younger self one piece of financial advice, what would it be?
Invest heavily in yourself. Education, professional training, personal development, physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills can all seem expensive when you’re in your twenties and disposable income is limited.
However, these investments often provide some of the greatest long-term returns. The knowledge, skills, habits and experiences you develop when you’re younger can shape the opportunities available to you for decades to come. Looking back, I firmly believe that money spent on personal growth is money well spent.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever spent money on and a luxury item you would never give up?
My ticket for Charlton Athletic v Sunderland in the 2019 league one play-off final! I couldn’t give up a good takeaway on a Friday night. After a busy week, there’s something wonderful about putting the cooking aside and spending quality time with the family. Sometimes the simple luxuries are the best ones.
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be not to be afraid of investing heavily in yourself. Education, professional training, personal development, physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills can all seem expensive when you're in your twenties and disposable income is limited.