Understand your money
See where you stand and understand what's working for you.
Financial coaching with a personal approach
Make sense of your money.
Make decisions with confidence.
Money is about more than numbers. I offer friendly, practical coaching to help you understand your finances, explore your options and make decisions that feel right for you.
One-to-one coaching. At your pace, without judgement.
What we can work on
Sometimes the hardest part isn't the numbers.
Perhaps something about money is worrying you. Maybe you've got a decision to make but aren't sure where to start. Or perhaps you'd simply like to feel more organised. We can work through it together.
Explore your options
Work through questions and decisions without feeling rushed.
Build confidence
Build your knowledge and take practical steps towards your goals.
Understanding your options
Financial coaching or financial advice?
Different approaches. Both have their place.
Financial advice
A regulated financial adviser considers your circumstances and makes personal recommendations.
This can include pensions, investments, protection or retirement planning. An adviser can also help you put recommendations into practice.
Personal recommendations, with regulatory responsibilities and protections.
Financial coaching
Financial coaching starts with you.
What's worrying you about money? Is there a decision you've been putting off, or something that just doesn't make sense?
We work together to understand what's going on, explore your options and build the confidence to make your own informed decisions.
Which one do I need?
It doesn't have to be one or the other. Coaching can help you get organised, understand your priorities and work through your questions.
If you're considering financial advice, I can also help you understand financial concepts and prepare for a meeting, so you feel clearer about what matters to you and what you'd like to ask.
And when you need specific recommendations about financial products, that's where regulated financial advice comes in.
The person behind Thistle & Oak
Hello, I'm Michael.
I'm based in Callander. I've worked across accounts, finance and regulated financial advice for over 15 years.
But what has always interested me most isn't simply the numbers. It's how people think about money, the decisions they make and the things that matter to them.
I'm also the author of Cycles, a book exploring money, behaviour and financial decision-making. Those ideas shape my approach to coaching: practical, personal and free from judgement.
I'm here to help you understand your options, ask useful questions and work out what makes sense for you.
Get in touchKeeping it simple
What happens next?
There's no need to have everything figured out before you get in touch.
- 01
Say hello
Drop me a message or get in touch on WhatsApp. A few lines is plenty.
- 02
Talk it through
We'll start with what's on your mind and what you'd like help with.
- 03
Find your next steps
We'll work through the questions that matter and focus on practical ways forward.
No need to have it all figured out
Let's talk about what's on your mind.
You don't need a perfect plan or all the answers. Just let me know what's going on, and we'll see how I can help.