The Real Secret to Financial Success Isn’t What You Think

//The Real Secret to Financial Success Isn’t What You Think

We’re often led to believe that financial health is all about numbers. The bigger the salary, the better the portfolio, the more letters after your name — the more “successful” you must be.

But here’s the truth:
Financial wellbeing isn’t determined by income, assets, education, age, or postcode.

According to compelling research, the most powerful predictor of someone’s financial health is actually this:
How in control they feel about their money.

Let that sink in. It’s not about how much you have — it’s about how much clarity and confidence you have around what you’ve got.

Control Creates Confidence

In my three decades of helping successful professionals and business owners plan for their futures, I’ve seen this play out time and again. Two clients with similar incomes and lifestyles can feel wildly different about their finances — simply because one feels in control, while the other feels unsure, overwhelmed, or reactive.  Now there’s a lot of behavioural psychology going on here that I may unpack in a different article but, for now, let me stick to my point…

Feeling in control means:

  • You know where you stand financially.

  • You’ve got a plan that makes sense.

  • You understand what’s working and what needs tweaking.

  • You’re not lying awake at night wondering what you’ve missed.

And here’s the beauty of it: control breeds calm. When you know your finances are structured, monitored, and guided by someone you trust, the result is more than just good money management.

What Clients Really Value Most

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been asking my clients two simple questions at the end of their annual financial reviews:

  1. What do you value most about our service?

  2. What could we improve?

The feedback has been incredibly consistent. What they value most, above all else, is this:

Peace of mind.

Not performance charts or tax projections (though those are essential too).
Not flashy portfolios or complex jargon.
Just knowing that someone with experience has their back.

Someone who will tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.
Someone who will spot the problems before they become problems.
Someone who will translate the financial world into plain English and guide them forward, step by step.

It’s about removing the burden of worry so they can focus on what really matters — business, family, travel, health, legacy… in other words, enjoying their life.

So if that sounds like you — if you’re looking for a long-term adviser who brings both clarity and calm — then we may be a great fit. We primarily serve high earners, business owners, and financially successful individuals who want more than just investment advice. They want an expert to help them step back, see the bigger picture, and feel truly in control of their financial future.

If you’d like to have a relaxed, no-pressure conversation about how we can help you feel more in control of your financial life, just get in touch.

We’re here when you’re ready.

PS You’re probably wondering what our clients said they think we can improve too?  Well apparently peace of mind is great, but it’s even better when delivered with a nice latte – so say hello to our new head of client happiness!

2025-08-06T12:43:00+01:00

About the Author:

Brian Butcher is a Director at Ideal Financial Management Ltd and has been giving financial advice for over 25 years. He is also the Author of ‘10 steps to Financial Success - how to get the best life you can with the money you’ve got’ Available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/10-Steps-Financial-Success-money-ebook/dp/B00DQYD5LS