Hello, my name is Sean Bruen, and I’m a financial advisor with Kith and Kin Financial Wellbeing. I’ve been working in this field for over 20 years, offering advice to individuals and organisations across Belfast and Scotland. At Kith and Kin, we operate as a social enterprise, which means all our profits are used for social good, such as delivering financial wellbeing sessions to youth groups across Northern Ireland.
Our approach to financial advice is salary-based, ensuring that the guidance we provide is always in the best interests of our clients—not driven by commissions or sales. Additionally, we offer fee-free financial advice, funded by organisations like the Public Health Agency, allowing individuals and employees to access high-quality advice without any cost.
What is Financial Wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing is about achieving a state of confidence, resilience, and empowerment in managing your finances. It means being able to:
- Manage your money effectively on a day-to-day basis.
- Prepare for unexpected financial challenges.
- Plan for a healthy financial future.
The importance of financial wellbeing extends beyond personal benefits. For organisations, employees with strong financial wellbeing are often happier, healthier, and more productive, reducing absenteeism and improving workplace morale.
The Financial Wellbeing Crisis
Today, many people are struggling with their finances:
- 22% of UK adults have less than £100 in savings.
- 17% frequently borrow money to cover basic needs like food or bills.
- 52% lack a financial plan for retirement.
This widespread financial stress has significant knock-on effects on mental and physical health, productivity, and even organisational performance. For example:
- Financial stress accounts for an estimated 13 million lost workdays annually in the UK.
- 59% of employees report that financial concerns prevent them from performing at their best.
This highlights the importance of fostering financial wellbeing—for individuals, organisations, and communities.
What Kith & Kin offers
At K and Kin, we provide access to professional financial advice across a wide range of areas, including:
- Mortgages
- Insurance and life cover
- Savings and investments
- Pensions
- Wills and trusts
- Debt management
While we specialise in areas like mortgages and insurance, we also partner with external organisations and solicitors to offer advice in other areas, such as pensions and estate planning. Importantly, our partners adhere to the same principle: the initial consultation is always free. Clients only incur costs if they choose to proceed with specific services, and all fees are explained upfront.
The Importance of Access
Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of income or background, has access to the advice they need to make informed financial decisions. For instance:
- We frequently help first-time buyers navigate the complexities of mortgages and shared ownership schemes.
- For individuals over 55, we provide guidance on equity release and schemes to assist with home purchases later in life.
- We also offer advice on rent-to-own schemes, helping individuals improve their financial standing to eventually buy their home.
Through these initiatives, we aim to break down financial barriers and empower individuals to achieve their financial goals.