Simon

About Simon

Simon began his career in financial services in 1993 as a pension administrator for HMRC, focusing on SSAS pensions, and quickly progressed to a supervisory role. He later became a technical consultant at KPMG, advising small businesses and self-employed professionals. In 2003, he joined Grant Thornton as a financial planning manager.

In 2015, Simon founded The Lost Coin Financial Planning, which he sold to Cactus Financial Planning in March 2024. Now a senior financial planner, Simon specialises in self-administered pensions, commercial property investments, and sustainable investing, helping clients align their financial resources with their values.

When Simon isn’t working

When he’s not working, Simon likes to play the clarinet and read too much from the Guardian. He also attends a home group and church each week and runs the finances for the men’s group.

You’re likely to find Simon in Humphrey, his newly acquired campervan, on a walk in the country with his wife and their two Springer Spaniels or planning their next trip away.

Contact Simon

0345 222 0275

simon@cactusfp.co.uk

12 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QB

Keeping it official

Financial Advisers are authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and appear on the FCA Register.

You can view Simon’s entry on the FCA Register by clicking here.  The entry for Cactus Financial Planning can be found here.

Furthermore, all financial advisers and planners must hold a valid Statement of Professional Standing. This proves the adviser is qualified to the required standard and undertakes an appropriate amount of Continuous Professional Development each year to ensure his or her knowledge is kept up to date.

You can view Simon’s current SPS by clicking here.

A word of warning. In this era of financial scams, beware of taking financial advice from anyone who doesn’t appear on the FCA Register, or hold a valid SPS.

Qualifications

  • CertPFS (Financial Planning Certificate)
  • DipPFS (Diploma in Financial Planning)
  • Financial Planning Certificate
  • CF2 (Investment and Risk)
  • CF9 (Pensions Simplification)
  • G10 (Taxation and Trusts)
  • G60 (Pensions)
  • PMI Exam 1 (Pension Schemes & Social Security)
  • PMI Exam 2 (Law)
  • PMI Exam 3 (Taxation)
  • PMI Exam 4 (Scheme Design)
  • PMI Exam 5 (Scheme Constitution and Documentation)

What do our clients have to say?

We were particularly impressed with the support and guidance Ben provided on what to expect in the early years of retirement and how we should organise our finances. We highly recommend Ben, we know he gives us good well-informed information and advice. Lynn & Julian
We were keen to ensure that our retirement planning was on track and that when we retired, maintain our standard of living. The service we received was professional, suited to our requirements and, most importantly, easy to understand. We would highly recommend Cactus Financial Planning. Stephen & Rachael
We needed investment advice after we had received an inheritance. After discussions with Ben he put into place a strategy where we were able to use these investments to help supplement our retirement income. We have been able to use this money to help pay for holidays and even a house extension! We have always found Ben a friendly and approachable person who understands our needs and requirements. Roger
I have recently started working with Ben who provided some investment advice. He explains things in a clear and concise manner, and is approachable and proactive. I have been delighted in the advice and ongoing service provided. Les