Meet the team

What qualifies you to do this job?

I’ve worked in retail savings and investments since I started work, culminating in being the CFO of Aviva’s UK Retirement businesses.  Latterly, I’ve led various teams and business areas as an internal consultant.

Do you have a pearl of investing wisdom to share?

Invest with the aim of achieving the best scenario, but make sure you can withstand the worse-case scenario.

What do your shoes say about you?

They say I like colour in my life, that I’m energetic and I can deal with multi-terrain!

What one thing can't you live without?

My iPad. I do everything on it.  Literally everything.  When we recently moved house, my wife and I did every single thing to do with the move on the iPad. If I’m not using it, it’s attached to my hip.

What would your superpower be?

The superpower I would like would be the power of magic – all the creative things you could do would be really fun, and very helpful at times.

What qualifies you to do this job?

I left medical school to enter the world of investing, a long standing passion of mine. Since then, I've worked as a stockbroker and investment manager, speeding through the industry exams to earn the title of Chartered Wealth Manager.

What's the best investment lesson you've learnt?

When I was 11, I used all the savings I had to make my first investment – I bought shares in a high-risk, biotech company which subsequently crumbled along with my dreams of making millions! Lesson learnt – don't try to get rich quick, spread your risk and diversify.

What do your shoes say about you?

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

What gadget can't you live without?

My alarm clock.

What will your epitaph say?

Perhaps she just overslept…!

What qualifies you to do this job?

After gaining a first-class honours degree in Computer Science from Cardiff University, I joined Richard Theo and together we built ActiveQuote, an Award winning price comparison service and one of the fastest-growing companies in Wales.

What's the best investment you've ever made?

Saving up pocket money to build my very own PC at the age of 14, and teaching myself to code. It has paid me back in years of enjoyment (and the pocket money a few times over).

What do your shoes say about you?

This guy appreciates a good brogue - and a happy pair of socks. Tan leather brogues are the classiest of all footwear – fact!

What's the most useful App on your phone right now?

Gmail. Sometimes a curse, but having the power to check my emails at any time, night or day, saves me valuable time at the office.

Car or bike?

Car. Preferably one filled with as much tech as possible. And remotely controllable via an app - optional, but awesome.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

I’ve spent a long time dealing with Banks (and working for them) and I know that there is no such thing as a free lunch. I’ve also learned that diversifying your investments is a great thing!

What do your shoes say about you?

They say that I was born in the era where adidas daps were the fashion, and that some things never change.

What's the most useful App on your phone right now?

My short-term memory isn’t the greatest, so I am a heavy user of Notability. It is a great app that allows for my constant list making!

What thing can't you live without?

Aside from the obvious, I’d struggle to live without my stereo. In this age of Spotify and Tidal it is a bit of a throwback but the sound quality is so good that getting up to change albums doesn’t seem to be much of a chore.

What bit of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t worry about “it”, whatever “it” was.

Car or bike?

Theoretically this is an easy win for Bike, but, my creaking bones make sure that I choose the car!

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

When I got my first Saturday job, my mum told me to spend half, save half…if only I'd listened.

What do your shoes say about you?

There's no place like home.

What's the most useful App on your phone right now?

Headspace - 10 minutes to clear my mind, priceless.

What would your superpower be?

Nose wiggling, magical powers like Samantha from Bewitched

What the best investment lesson you've learnt?

Investors buy for the longer term, speculators hope

What do your shoes say about you?

Being open to contrarian thought, I'll wear brown in town

What gadget can't you live without?

My iPhone

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Duolingo. I've learnt more in a few months than I ever did at school

What would your super power be?

Babel. Being able to understand everyone, everywhere

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

If you aren’t thinking about owning investments for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.

What do your shoes say about you?

I never duck my responsibilities and do my best to help drive our plans in the right direction (sorry!).

What gadget can't you live without?

My rangefinder – it tells me how far away I am to reach my goals… or to make sure I don’t select the wrong golf club.

What will your epitaph say?

I knew this would happen, eventually.

What would your superpower be?

The power to control time, I can go back and experience different eras, see what the future holds, or simply extend the present.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

My father is a retired stockbroker and my mum is an expert at finding weird and wonderful companies to invest in, so conversations regularly turn to sharing stock tips.

What do your shoes say about you?

These boots are made for walking! They’ve taken me to the top of the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales. Nowadays I’m pleased if I get to the top of the stairs.

What gadget can't you live without?

As a new parent it has to be my Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep machine. It gives me a bottle of formula milk at exactly the right temperature in less than two minutes – no kettles involved. We even take it on holiday with us!

What will your epitaph say?

Well, I wasn’t expecting that!

What would your superpower be?

The ability to eat chocolate and crisps indefinitely, without putting on weight.

What do your shoes say about you?

A smarter pair than sandals, when I want to look stylish...and a bit taller.

What gadget can't you live without?

AirPods. I didn’t want to like them, just because they are wireless they shouldn’t cost that much! But now I can’t go anywhere without them.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Skyscanner. I’m always on the search for cheap flights.

What would your superpower be?

Endurance. I would choose to not get tired. Have the energy for endless hobbies after work!

What thing can't you live without?

Lip balm…nothing worse than dry lips!

What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?

My very first Apple Mac. I taught myself how to use QuarkXpress, Illustrator and Photoshop, which helped me get my first Graphic Design job.

What do your shoes say about you?

The classic desert boot – simple, stylish and not averse to cutting a few shapes on the northern soul dancefloor.

What’s the most useful App on your phone right now?

Code School – a fantastic little free app I can now use to learn all sorts of coding languages whilst simultaneously tickling the back of my 2-year-old son to get him to sleep in the evening.

What thing can’t you live without?

My running shoes. There’s no better way to clear your head after a busy day at work, or get the blood pumping first thing in the morning, than a quick run.

Car or bike?

A bike would ruin the hair

What would you tell your 18-year old self?

Be brave and ignore the critics – believe in yourself and you will achieve incredible things.

What do your shoes say about you?

That you can be sophisticated and classy, but with a bold and colourful twist!

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

The mindfulness and meditation app, Calm. The only problem is, I’m now addicted to Stephen Fry lulling me to sleep with his dulcet tones…

What's the best financial advice you've ever been given?

It’s taken longer than expected to have a more adult approach to spending, but I’ve finally learnt to resist impulse purchases. Always question and resist that initial urge – if you are still dreaming of something a few weeks later, go ahead treat yourself – but the likelihood is you’ll have forgotten.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

My boyfriend keeps repeating the same motto: ‘save £20 a week, and you’ll get £1000 over a year’

What gadget can't you live without?

My kindle – best way to escape the real world.

What will your epitaph say?

#myjobhereisdone

What's the most useful App on your phone right now?

Instagram, aka the world of #selfies and #avocadotoasts

What would your superpower be?

I’d freeze time, so I can get more sleep in the morning.

What's the best financial advice you've ever been given?

If something costs £100 and you will use it 100 times – then it’s worth the money.

What do your shoes say about you?

I can’t resist a heel, even though they hurt. My trainers would probably say ‘Please wear me’.

What will your epitaph say?

Finally, she is quiet.

What gadget can't you live without?

My iphone. It keeps me in touch with everyone and everything going on in the world, tells me the time, gets me up in the morning, entertains my kids and lets me listen to music. I love a good sing song!

What would your superpower be?

I’d be a witch, so that I could fly, levitate objects, become invisible, clean and cook without moving and go to Hogwarts. Wingardium Leviosa!!

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

My dad always said, “Buy cheap. Buy twice.” And he’s never been wrong!

What do your shoes say about you?

Everyone loves sliders- have you seen the ones on our calculator?

What's the most useful App on your phone right now?

What would your superpower be?

Car or bike?

Has to be the bike. In a car you’re never stuck in traffic – you are the traffic!

What do your shoes say about you?

I love the sun and summer! In the warmer months, out of the office I’m always in shorts and a pair of flip flops! Besides, no one is a fan of sock tan lines!

What is the most useful app on your phone right now?

Whatsapp! The ability to keep in touch and laugh with friends dotted around the globe in far reaching places in group chats is priceless!

What gadget can't you live without?

My phone! I take far too many pictures and love being creative with them. Plus having news and sport updates, keeping tabs of my teams scores, ordering taxis and food, shopping and online banking all in the palm of my hand?! Genius!

What would you tell your 18 year old self?

When buying your first house or flat, don’t waste money thinking you need to kit it out and make it perfect day 1! Be patient and figure out what look you want and think before you buy!

What would your superpower be?

To have the same metabolism now as I did when I was 16...ooh a biscuit? Yes please!

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Stop giving money away paying rent and buy your own place.

What do your shoes say about you?

Clean, well-mannered and shiny ☺

What would your superpower be?

Absorb all information I come into contact with instantly, after all, knowledge is power.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

That's easy – Squirrel. I love using FinTech as well as making it. It’s responsible for getting me on track with my savings and putting aside enough to invest.

What do your shoes say about you?

I love finding stuff, whether it's bugs in software or geocaches in a muddy field!

What would your superpower be?

Super-fast learning. I LOVE to learn new things but it's hard to find enough time to learn everything!

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Be patient.

What gadget can't you live without?

Does air conditioning count?

What's the best investment you've ever made?

University

What do your shoes say about you?

That I'm consistent

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Reddit!

What would your superpower be?

Captain Hindsight

What thing can't you live without?

My wife, and our cats!

What's the best investment you've ever made?

Bitcoin – if I’d sold them a week later!

What do your shoes say about you?

Calm, confident, comfortable.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Binance – waiting for a cryptocurrency resurgence!

What gadget can't you live without?

My computer, I’m a software developer after all.

What do your shoes say about you?

That I'm an avid team player willing to support my team mates through the thick and thin.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

WhatsApp is my most used app for keeping in touch with family and friends.

What would you tell your 18 year old self?

Travel more; The world is huge, go out and explore.

What would your superpower be?

Incredible strength just like the Hulk (Minus the rage). Who doesn’t want to be green and muscular?

What's the best investment advice you've ever been given?

Never pay full price for a Dominos. Ever.

What do your shoes say about you?

That like the Chelsea Boot, I'm reliable and versatile.

What gadget can't you live without?

My phone, of course.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Tasker. It allows me to automate almost anything right from my phone.

What would your superpower be?

Superpower? Just give me free Nandos for life and I'll be set.

What gadget can't you live without?

Music. A bit of Electric Light Orchestra can make any day better.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Without Monzo my finances would be utter chaos, but I have to give this one to my alarm app, Sleep as Android. Without it I definitely get fired.

What bit of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don't get your hopes up for Game of Thrones season 8.

What's the best investment you've ever made?

My Tesla (purchase pending)

What would your superpower be?

The other guys on the dev team call me Spiderman, but I just want to be able to teleport so I can stop getting the train.

What do your shoes say about you?

Not a lot... Maybe that I'm still in denial of the fact that I live in the wettest city in the UK...

What's the best investment advice you've ever been given?

Invest in yourself

What do your shoes say about you?

That I am always prepared for a challenge, no matter how hard the climb.

Car or bike?

Car, it rains too much in Wales!

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

My fridge app, so I can see what’s inside my fridge.

What advice would you give your 18-year old self?

Give programming another go.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to control time and space. Is there any other choice?

What qualifies you to do this job?

I’ve always been interested in art, being creative, computers and maths. My day-to-day involves all of these things.

Wha's the best investment lesson you've learnt?

Avoid credit.

What's the best investment you've ever made?

The ring that convinced my wife to marry me ;)

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Spotify and Overcast - I can’t be productive if someone isn’t talking, singing or playing into my ears.

What advice would you give your 18-year old self?

Play guitar daily so that you will be a musical god some day.

What do your shoes say about you?

They say that I'm reliable, formal when I need to be, and flat-footed.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

My dad told me to start paying into a pension when I was in my early 20’s. He’s a genius!

What thing can't you live without?

Thomas the Tank Engine. I’m trying to live without it, but my two young boys have other ideas…

What do your shoes say about you?

When you have size 13 feet, they say they are the only shoes that big the shop had!

What will your epitaph say?

“No, I don’t have two minutes to sign something off…”

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Hive, from British Gas.  Because it tells me when she’s at home and unnecessarily turned the heating up. Again.  Plus, I can use the app to turn it off. Again.

What bit of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Make sure you travel more before you settle down. I didn’t and wish I did.

Car or bike?

Car for transport.  Bike for garage wall-art.

What's the best investment you have ever made?

My Apple Music account. It allows me to keep my ever-changing playlists.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

“Never invest in a business you cannot understand.” – Warren Buffett

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Skyscanner: lets me check the cheapest flights. I love a thrifty bargain.

What do your shoes say about you?

There will always be jumps and bumps in life. You need the control and stability to land them.

What would your super power be?

The ability to shape-shift. Then you’d pretty much have all the powers you want.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Saving now means you can buy the things you really want in the future.

What do your shoes say about you?

Party on the outside, calm and comfortable on the inside.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to fly, the morning commute would never be an issue again. Would possibly have an issue with seagulls then though….

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

AirBNB! Some absolute bargains on there whenever you fancy a little break

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t rush things, pressure won’t help. Just work hard and see where life takes you.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Be patient, Stick it out, Believe in who is investing for you

What do your shoes say about you?

I’m an adventurer at heart who loves to try new things

What gadget can't you live without?

My phone, for many reasons. The main one being it has constant access to music!

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Spotify. Music is the key to joy

What bit of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Learn to drive as soon as possible. It’s a beautiful world, get exploring!

What do your shoes say about you?

That I have a sunny disposition (most of the time!) and I value style over comfort.

What gadget can't you live without?

My apple watch is so useful to track everything, it also makes me pick up my phone less which can only be a good thing.

What will your epitaph say?

She was a ferocious socialiser.

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Whatsapp allows me to be in touch with all of my family and friends – and there are a lot!

What would your superpower be?

I’d like to be able to teleport instantly to any place I choose. I have a lot of family who live all over the world and it would be good to see them more often and not have to spend 23 hours on a plane. 

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Never take a job, just because of the money. You also need to invest in yourself!

What do your shoes say about you?

That I always try to take a positive spin on life! I also have a warm heart with lots of energy - such a lovely colour too!

Car or bike?

Bike. Would like to never have to drive anywhere, ever again!

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Couch to 10K. Really helping in the current climate to get my daily exercise allowance in and regain fitness!

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Listen to your Mum - she’s going to be right, about everything!

What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?

I bought a piano for my wife as a wedding present; we are learning to play together and will one day teach our children!

What do your shoes say about you?

They would say (in perfect German) how glad they are to have a guy as cool as me on board.

What’s the most useful App on your phone right now?

The Audible App – listening to autobiographies narrated by the author is particularly enthralling.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to travel faster than the speed of light – I’d like to check out the other side of the universe to see what I’m missing.

What thing can’t you live without?

My phone: I try to not let it take over my life, but most of the time it does.

What's the best investment advice you've been given?

Start young and always focus on the long-term

What do your shoes say about you?

I’m part of a team that aims to be the best in its field.

What gadget can't you live without?

Satnav: it’s been great for discovering new places

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Spotify has come to my rescue on many a long journey!

What bit of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t sacrifice long term success for short term gains

What's the best investment you've ever made?

The train ticket to come for my Wealthify job interview, obviously!

What do your shoes say about you?

Not flashy, but efficient.

What bit of advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

There's never a 'right' time, so worry less and do more.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to control the laws of probability.

What will your epitaph say?

To be continued...

What do your shoes say about you?

Reminding me where I’m coming from and how much I love sea.

What gadget can't you live without?

My coffee machine, can’t function without coffee.

What will your epitaph say?

See you all later! #happyhunting

What's the most useful app on your phone right now?

Definitely the podcasts app, hours and hours of interesting conversations.

What would your superpower be?

I’d like to be invisible whenever I wanted to.