About Joe
Joe co-founded TrustEvo after working within financial services and seeing first-hand how confusing it can be for people trying to find the right financial adviser.
Many individuals know they could benefit from financial guidance but feel unsure where to begin. TrustEvo was created to make that first step clearer — helping connect people with suitable FCA-authorised advisers from both national advice networks and independent firms.
As Managing Director, Joe focuses primarily on the operational side of the business. He oversees business operations, platform development and the systems that support the TrustEvo website and adviser portal.
Joe also works across client and adviser relationships and contributes to the TrustEvo Insights platform, drawing on his experience working with professionals and business owners seeking greater clarity around their financial planning.
Why TrustEvo Was Created
While working within financial services, Joe saw first-hand how difficult it could be for people to navigate the world of financial advice.
Many individuals know they could benefit from guidance but struggle to identify which advisers may be right for them, or feel unsure where to even begin the conversation.
TrustEvo was created to help bridge this gap — making adviser introductions clearer, more transparent and easier to access for people across the UK.
The goal is to help more people start meaningful conversations about their financial future with qualified, FCA-authorised professionals.
Professional Experience
Co-Founder & Managing Director
TrustEvo
Leading TrustEvo's growth and operations, building the adviser network and helping more individuals access suitable FCA-authorised financial advisers.
Head of Commercial & Business Development
Fortura Financial Partners
Led commercial strategy and business development, working closely with financial professionals and expanding relationships across the adviser market.
Previous Experience
Financial Services (incl. St. James's Place network)
Joe has experience working within financial services including roles connected to St. James's Place, supporting individuals and families exploring financial planning options.
Education
University of Liverpool
BA Business Economics
Articles by Joe
Pensions & Retirement · Investing & Wealth · Inheritance & Estate Planning
Pensions & Retirement
View categoryRetirement Planning
View allRetirement Planning CalculatorAn interactive tool to estimate your projected retirement income based on your pension, contributions and savings.
How Much Do I Need to Retire in the UK?An overview of UK retirement income benchmarks, sustainable withdrawal rates and how to estimate your personal retirement number.
Pension vs ISA: Which Is Better for Retirement?This article compares pensions and ISAs for retirement saving, including tax relief, access age, employer contributions and how the two can work together.
Pension Consolidation & Transfers
View allCan I Transfer My Workplace Pension?This article explains how workplace pension transfers work and the key considerations involved.
Should I Combine My Pensions?The guarantees and protected benefits that can be lost on transfer, and how to check for them.
Is Pension Consolidation Worth It?The complete guide to pension consolidation: costs, benefits, the process and larger pension pots.
Multiple Pension Pots ExplainedHow to track, trace and manage pensions held with several providers.
Managing a Pension
View allHow Often Should You Review Your Pension?This article explains why reviewing your pension regularly matters and what a pension review typically involves.
Multiple Pension Pots ExplainedThis article explains how multiple pension pots work and how they may affect retirement planning.
When Should You Review Your Pension Contributions?This article explores when reviewing pension contributions may be appropriate and what to consider.
Pension Contributions for Company DirectorsThis article explains how company director pension contributions work, the tax advantages, the annual allowance and the 'wholly and exclusively' rule.
Pensions for the Self-Employed ExplainedThis article explains how pension saving works for the self-employed, including tax relief, irregular income, National Insurance and the State Pension.
SSAS Pensions ExplainedThis article explains how a SSAS is structured, the HMRC conditions on loans to the company and commercial property, what it cannot hold, and how it differs from a SIPP.
Workplace Pensions
View allWhat Happens To Your Pension When You Change Jobs?This article explains how workplace pensions are affected when an employee changes employer.
Pensions From Previous EmployersThis article explains how pensions from previous employers work and how they may be managed.
Workplace Pensions Explained: How Auto-Enrolment WorksThis article explains how workplace auto-enrolment works and how employer pension contributions are structured.
SIPP vs Personal Pension ExplainedThis article explains how SIPPs and personal pensions compare in terms of investment choice, charges, and who each tends to suit.
Defined Benefit vs Defined Contribution Pensions ExplainedThis article explains how defined benefit and defined contribution pensions differ, who carries the risk, and the rules around transferring a defined benefit pension.
Defined Benefit Pension Transfers ExplainedThis article explains what a defined benefit transfer involves, how CETVs are calculated, the legal requirement to take advice, and the trade-offs to weigh before deciding.
State Pension
View allState Pension Explained: How The UK State Pension WorksThis article explains how the UK State Pension works, eligibility criteria and how much may be received.
When Can You Claim the UK State Pension?This article explains the State Pension age and when eligible individuals may begin claiming their State Pension.
Voluntary National Insurance Contributions ExplainedThis article explains how voluntary NI contributions work, how to check your record, and whether filling gaps may be financially worthwhile.
Should You Defer Your State Pension?This article explains how State Pension deferral works, how much extra income it can generate, and the key factors to consider.
Taking Pension Income
View allHow To Take Pension Income In RetirementThis article explains the main ways people may access pension income in retirement, including drawdown and annuities.
Pension Drawdown ExplainedThis article explains how pension drawdown works and the key considerations when accessing pension income flexibly.
How Pension Withdrawals Are Taxed in the UKThis article explains how pension withdrawals are taxed and how this may affect retirement income planning.
Pension Tax-Free Cash Explained: Should You Take Your 25%?This article explains how pension tax-free cash (PCLS) works, the limits that apply, and the key factors to consider when deciding whether and when to take it.
Annuity vs Drawdown ExplainedThis article explains the key differences between a pension annuity and drawdown, how each works, and how to decide which is right for your circumstances.
Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) ExplainedThis article explains what the MPAA is, what triggers it, how it affects future pension contributions, and the key points to consider before drawing taxable income.
UFPLS Explained: Taking Your Pension as Lump SumsThis article explains how UFPLS works, how each payment is taxed, the MPAA trigger, emergency tax, and when UFPLS may or may not be appropriate.
The Small Pots Rule Explained: Cashing In Small Pension PotsThis article explains how the small pots rule works, the £10,000 limit, the three-pot cap on personal pensions, and why it does not trigger the MPAA.
Sequence of Returns Risk in Retirement ExplainedThis article explains what sequence of returns risk is, why the first decade of retirement matters so much, and the practical strategies used to manage it.
Equity Release Explained: Lifetime Mortgages and Later-Life BorrowingThis article explains how equity release works, the difference between a lifetime mortgage and home reversion, compound interest, the no negative equity guarantee, and the key trade-offs.
Pension Tax-Free Cash Recycling Rules ExplainedThis article explains the recycling rule, the six conditions that must all be met, the £7,500 threshold, the 30% test and the charges that follow.
Pensions on Divorce
View allOverseas & Expat Pensions
View allQROPS Explained: Transferring a UK Pension OverseasThis article explains what a QROPS is, the 25% Overseas Transfer Charge since October 2024, the Overseas Transfer Allowance, the 10-year rule, and when a QROPS may or may not be suitable.
Transferring a QROPS Back to the UKThis article explains how to bring an overseas pension back to a UK SIPP, the benefits and trade-offs, International SIPPs, and the practical steps and advice requirements.
Tax on Overseas Pensions in the UK ExplainedThis article explains how foreign pension income is taxed in the UK, double taxation agreements, Foreign Tax Credit Relief, and reporting to HMRC.
Investing & Wealth
View categoryInvesting a Lump Sum
View allInvesting a Lump Sum: Key ConsiderationsThis article explains the key considerations when investing a lump sum, including timing, strategy and tax efficiency.
Lump Sum vs Drip-Feeding: Which Is Better?This article compares investing a lump sum all at once versus drip-feeding into the market over time.
What Should I Do With £100k?This article explores the key considerations when deciding what to do with a large cash sum such as £100,000.
What To Do With an InheritanceThis article explores the key financial considerations when receiving an inheritance, including tax, timing and investment options.
Investment Basics
View allInvestment Basics Explained: How Investing Works in the UKThis article explains the fundamentals of investing, how returns are generated and how different investment types work.
Stocks vs Funds Explained: Understanding Investment TypesThis article explains the difference between individual stocks and investment funds and how each works.
Investment Risk Explained: Understanding Risk and ReturnThis article explains how investment risk works, how it relates to potential returns and how risk may be managed.
Market Volatility Explained: Why Investment Values FluctuateThis article explains why investment values fluctuate and how market volatility may affect long-term investment strategies.
Stocks and Shares ISA ExplainedThis article explains how stocks and shares ISAs work, the tax advantages they offer and the key considerations for long-term investors.
ETFs Explained: A UK Investor's GuideThis article explains what ETFs are, how they work, how they are taxed inside and outside wrappers, and the key points to consider before investing.
Tax Efficient Investing
View allTax Efficient Investing in the UK: ISAs, Pensions and Allowances ExplainedThis article explains how ISAs, pensions and other tax-advantaged accounts can be used to invest more efficiently.
General Investment Account vs ISA ExplainedThis article explains the differences between a General Investment Account and an ISA and how each is taxed.
Investment Bonds ExplainedThis article explains how investment bonds work, the 5% withdrawal rule, chargeable events, top-slicing relief, and when a bond may sit alongside ISAs and pensions.
Gilts Explained: Investing in UK Government BondsThis article explains how gilts work, the capital gains tax exemption, why low-coupon gilts appeal to higher-rate taxpayers, and the risks to consider.
Are Premium Bonds Worth It? Premium Bonds ExplainedThis article explains how Premium Bonds work, the prize fund rate and odds, the tax position, and how they compare with savings accounts and ISAs.
Cash ISA vs Stocks and Shares ISA ExplainedThis article explains the key differences between a Cash ISA and a Stocks and Shares ISA, including risk, returns, tax treatment and the April 2027 Cash ISA changes.
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) ExplainedThis article explains how VCTs work, the 20% income tax relief from April 2026, the five-year holding period, tax-free dividends, and the risks to consider.
Lifetime ISA Explained: How the LISA Works and Who It SuitsThis article explains how the Lifetime ISA works, the 25% government bonus, eligibility, the first home and retirement rules, and the 25% withdrawal charge.
Junior ISA Explained: How the JISA Works and Who It SuitsThis article explains how the Junior ISA works, the £9,000 allowance, the cash and stocks and shares types, who can contribute, the parental settlement rule, and what happens at 18.
Building Wealth
View allBuilding Wealth Over Time: Long-Term Financial Planning PrinciplesThis article explains the principles of long-term wealth building through saving, investing and financial planning.
Asset Allocation Explained: How Investment Portfolios Are StructuredThis article explains what asset allocation means and how portfolios may be structured to balance risk and return.
Long-Term Investing Explained: Why Time Horizons MatterThis article explains why investing over a longer time period may affect investment outcomes.
Portfolio Rebalancing ExplainedThis article explains what portfolio rebalancing is, the two main approaches, the tax considerations for 2026/27, and how natural rebalancing using new contributions works.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?This article compares overpaying your mortgage with investing spare money, covering guaranteed returns, investment potential, tax wrappers and a sensible order of priorities.
Emergency Funds Explained: How Much Cash Should You Hold?This article explains how much cash to hold in an emergency fund, where to keep it, FSCS protection, and how a cash buffer fits with investing and paying down debt.
Inheritance & Estate Planning
View categoryInheritance Tax
View allInheritance Tax ExplainedThis article explains what inheritance tax is, how it works and the key thresholds that may apply.
What Is the Inheritance Tax Threshold in the UK?This article explains the inheritance tax threshold and how the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band work.
How to Reduce Inheritance Tax Legally in the UKThis article explores legitimate approaches that may reduce an estate's inheritance tax liability.
Who Pays Inheritance Tax in the UK?This article explains who is responsible for paying inheritance tax when an estate is above the threshold.
Inheritance Tax on Property Explained (UK)This article explains how inheritance tax may apply to property, including the family home.
Spouse Exemption for Inheritance Tax ExplainedThis article explains how the spouse exemption works, the transferable nil-rate band, the 2026/27 thresholds and the April 2025 changes for international couples.
Business Relief for Inheritance Tax ExplainedThis article explains how Business Relief works, the new £2.5 million allowance from April 2026, the changes to AIM shares, and the two-year ownership rule.
Estate Planning
View allWhat Happens To Your Pension When You Die?This article explains how pensions are treated on death and who may receive pension assets.
Do Pensions Count Towards Inheritance Tax?This article explains how pensions interact with inheritance tax and when pension assets may form part of an estate.
Estate Planning Explained: Wills, Trusts and Financial PlanningThis article explains what estate planning involves, including the role of wills, trusts and inheritance tax.
What Happens to Your ISA When You Die?This article explains how ISAs are treated on death, the additional permitted subscription rules for spouses, and inheritance tax implications.
Lasting Power of Attorney ExplainedThis article explains how Lasting Powers of Attorney work, the two types available, how to make and register one, and the key points to consider.
Discretionary Trusts and Inheritance Tax ExplainedThis article explains what a discretionary trust is, how it is taxed under the relevant property regime, the 10-year periodic charge, exit charges, and when a discretionary trust may be useful.
What Is Probate? A Guide to Applying for Probate in England and WalesThis article explains what probate is, when it is and isn't needed, the executor's role, how to apply, the 2026/27 fees, and how probate relates to Inheritance Tax.
Deed of Variation ExplainedThis article explains how a deed of variation works, the two-year rule, the inheritance tax reading-back effect, and when redirecting an inheritance can help.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Intestacy Rules ExplainedThis article explains the intestacy rules, the statutory legacy, what happens when there are children, and why making a will matters.
Paying for Care in Later Life ExplainedThis article explains the care means test in England, the £23,250 capital limit, what happens to the family home, and the deprivation of assets rules.
Bare Trusts ExplainedThis article explains how bare trusts work, how they are taxed for inheritance tax, income tax and capital gains tax, the parental settlement rule, and how they compare with discretionary trusts.
The Residence Nil Rate Band Taper on Estates Over £2 MillionThis article explains how the residence nil rate band taper withdraws £1 of relief for every £2 of estate value above £2 million, the effective 60% marginal rate, the downsizing addition, and the impact of the 2027 pension changes.
Pre-Owned Assets Tax ExplainedThis article explains the pre-owned assets income tax charge, the three categories of asset, how the chargeable amount is worked out, the £5,000 exemption, the exclusions and the IHT500 election.
Gifting Money
View allGifting Money to Family: UK Tax Rules and Financial Planning ConsiderationsThis article explains the UK rules around gifting money to family members and how gifts may affect inheritance tax.
The Seven-Year Rule for Gifts Explained (UK)This article explains the seven-year rule and how gifts made during a lifetime may be treated for inheritance tax purposes.
Annual Gift Allowance ExplainedThis article explains the £3,000 annual gift exemption, how carry-forward works, and other IHT gifting exemptions including wedding gifts and gifts from income.
Gifts From Surplus Income ExplainedThis article explains how the normal expenditure out of income IHT exemption works, the three HMRC conditions, and why documentation matters.
Gifts With Reservation Of Benefit ExplainedThis article explains how the gift with reservation of benefit rule works, why the seven year rule offers no protection while a reservation continues, the family home, full market rent, the pre-owned assets charge, and what executors need to identify.
Passing Down Wealth
View allPassing Down Wealth: Estate Planning Principles ExplainedThis article explains the principles of passing wealth to the next generation through estate planning.
How Wealth Is Passed Down Between GenerationsThis article explains how wealth is typically transferred between generations through inheritance and gifting.
Pensions and Inheritance Tax: What the 2027 Changes Mean for YouThis article explains what the April 2027 pension IHT changes mean for estates, the double tax risk, and what steps to consider now.
Trusts
View allDiscretionary Trusts and Inheritance Tax ExplainedThis article explains what a discretionary trust is, how it is taxed under the relevant property regime, the 10-year periodic charge, exit charges, and when a discretionary trust may be useful.
Bare Trusts ExplainedThis article explains how bare trusts work, how they are taxed for inheritance tax, income tax and capital gains tax, the parental settlement rule, and how they compare with discretionary trusts.
Excluded Property Trusts ExplainedThis article explains what an excluded property trust is, how the long-term UK residence test works from April 2025, what happens when someone becomes long-term resident, and the run-off rules on leaving the UK.
Do You Need to Register Your Trust With HMRC?This article explains which trusts must register on HMRC's Trust Registration Service, the exclusions, the deadlines that apply, keeping the register up to date, and the penalty for failing to register.