Hi Everyone. My name is Jamie Lowe and my pronouns are he/him or they/them (take your pick). Some of you will recognise my name because we mix in the same circles – socially and professionally. Others are reading it for the first time. Whichever the case, I am a newcomer to Sahir House so I’m asking for a minute of your time to introduce myself.I am the Founder-Director of True Self Wealth and I specialise in helping members of the LGBTQ+ community. I was delighted to meet with Ant Hopkinson (Chief Executive, Sahir House) a short while back on LinkedIn, and we quickly realised that we shared a real passion for community empowerment.
I’ve always wanted to be a financial adviser, and I was already working as one when I came out as trans. My financial qualifications and career experience have really helped me to prepare for, and manage, my transition – but even I was unprepared for the financial cost of becoming the person I was always meant to be.
Transitioning is different for everyone. For some folx, it means name changes, hormones, treatments, surgeries and more. For other folx it’s more about relocation and starting life anew. For others it’s a mixture of these things.
The process of transitioning is very personal and idiosyncratic but there is one common element – it’s really expensive! There are lots of hidden and unanticipated costs – and unfortunately, our healthcare system doesn’t automatically cover most (or any) of the cost.
Transitioning has made me realise how much time and headspace it takes up. And how complicated an undertaking it is to manage financially.
When I think of typical financial advisers I think of an older, cis, white male. If I wasn’t in this line of work I’d imagine that approaching any professional service would be intimidating. I have two children, three mums and a trans dad. My partner and I are both non-binary too. Explaining my family situation means I have to ignore the look on people’s faces sometimes.
Navigating personal finances, tax, estate planning and pensions can be so much more complicated if you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. We know that there is a confidence gap when it comes to many queer folx and money matters.
Queer people generally have different life experiences and family dynamics than our cis-het counterparts, which means that we also have financial needs that often aren’t addressed in the mainstream money media.
Big banks design their services for a broad customer base, but in doing so, they can fall short of serving the needs of marginalised communities.
Finding a financial adviser who is both culturally and financially competent can help you identify and execute your financial and life goals.
To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact True Self Wealth Ltd on 07469 712299 or email Jamie.lowe@sjpp.co.uk
