Fluent in Finance
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today
because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Warren Buffett
Financial seminars and lectures for students at Bryanston school in Dorset
Summer Term 2025
Fluent in Finance
In the Summer Term 2025 Montgomery Associates are holding several Fluent in Finance workshops for 150 students at Bryanston school.
If you attended one of our sessions you can recap on the topics we discussed and see extracts from the slides we presented below. If you want to ask questions about anything you have learnt or would like to find out more, you can contact us here. We would love to hear from you.
About the speakers
James Montgomery
James is the MD and second generation of Montgomery Associates, a 50-year family wealth management business specialising in investments and financial advice, managing £100 million for clients in Wiltshire and Dorset. James and the team are working hard behind the scenes on a pioneering new service dedicated to children of clients, young investors and those new to finance. Coming in 2025, or read more here:
Seb Johnston-Brown
Seb is an Associate Wealth Manager. He advises clients on investments and financial planning, and is a member of the Investment Committee. He is involved in our responsible investment strategy and the evolution of our new digital investment service for the next generation of clients.
What did we learn?
Our sessions covered much of the basics of finance in the real world; what different bank accounts do, the discipline and patience needed to look after and grow your money, how compound interest can supercharge your savings, and the practicalities of how to invest. Revisit some of the content we showed in our presentation below and feel free to contact us to ask a question about anything you learnt.
If we mentioned a financial term you’re not familiar with, visit our Glossary for quick and easy definitions.
Tip of the Iceberg
On the surface, you might assume that wealth is created either by getting a well-paid job, investing in property or playing the stock market. While this can be true, in reality these avenues rarely yield success without a great deal of patience, sacrifice and discipline. Building good financial habits from an early age can have a lasting positive impact.
Warren Buffett is famously quoted as having said:
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today
because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
You can read more about Warren Buffett, his legendary career and the timing of his retirement announcement in our May 2025 Market Update article (4 min read).
The Power of Compound Interest
Compound interest is when you earn interest on your money and on the interest you've already earned. This has a snowball effect over time where interest grows on interest.
Simple example:
You save £100 that pays 10% interest per year. After 1 year you earn £10 interest so you now have £110. In the second year, you earn a further 10% interest on £110 (not just the original £100). Your 10% interest in year 2 is therefore £11, so you now have £121.
Each year your interest payments build substantially over time because you are earning interest on a larger amount as each year passes.
Golden Rules
Having invested for clients and advised multi-generational families for more than 50 years, we at Montgomery Associates have become well-versed in the pitfalls to look out for and how to handle the delicate topic of family finances.
Don’t expect a penny - instead of waiting for something to happen make sure you get your own finances in order; a job you enjoy, saving regularly, keep a rainy day fund for emergencies, use your ISA allowance and consider contributing to a pension are all worthwhile financial habits.
Make hay while the sun shines - if you are lucky enough to receive a gift, make it count. Before you spend it, consider what the gift could be used for and how you could make your money work for you. Interest rates and investment returns can vary over time, so think carefully about your attitude to risk. Always seek professional advice if you are unsure.
Sleep at night - if you are battling a financial dilemma don’t let it keep you up at night. Get advice, share the problem and research possible solutions. There are plenty of resources available online such as www.moneyhelper.org.uk, www.boringmoney.co.uk or www.moneysavingexpert.com.
It’s good to talk - we have seen families benefitting hugely when children and grandchildren are included in financial discussions. Talking about your finances together can help to educate those with less experience and create an atmosphere of trust. Most importantly this can be a key step in helping to share and preserve wealth from generation to generation.
Play the long game - if you are thinking of investing, remember that all investments carry a degree of risk and you may not receive back all of your initial investment. Consider your time horizon when putting your capital at risk by investing. Are you prepared to leave your money invested for five years, ten years, or longer? Compounding is one of the most powerful ways of growing your wealth over the long term.
Montgomery Wealth
Coming in 2025: forward-thinking investments and practical advice.
Dedicated to young clients building their career, growing a business, climbing the property ladder or raising their family.
Disclaimer
The Fluent in Finance presentations for Bryanston school students, their content, this web page, and other web pages on www.MontgomeryAssociates.co.uk or www.MontgomeryWealth.co.uk does not constitute an offer or invitation in respect of investments described, nor should it be interpreted as advice or a recommendation. You should contact your financial adviser or accountant for advice relating to your circumstances, or contact us with any questions you may have. The opinions and information in the presentation have been prepared from sources believed to be reliable at the time and are given in good faith. The value of an investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.