August 14, 2025

Career Change in Your 40s? Here’s the Financial Playbook

Ian Richards

What Clients Ask:

  • Can I afford to change jobs-or start something new?
  • Should I cash in investments to bridge the gap?
  • What happens to my pension if I take a break?
  • Do we need to cut spending?
  • Will we be OK if this doesn’t work out?

Changing careers in your 40s isn’treckless-it’s often the smartest path to living well now.

But without a financial plan, it can feelterrifying.

Our client Mandy was in this exactposition. She and her husband Josh ran a consultancy and wanted to align theirfinances with their values. But they were unsure if they were saving enough, ifthey could travel more, or if stepping back from work would jeopardise theirfuture.

Through the AlignedLife process, we helpedthem:

  • Define their monthly Freedom Spend
  • Maximise pension contributions via their business
  • Build a flexible, tax-efficient portfolio
  • Simulate different income and lifestyle scenarios

Now they’re contributing £60k a year topensions and enjoying more freedom now-without anxiety.

Financial Moves for Career Changers:

  1. Run a 3-Year Cash Flow Forecast –     This shows if you can afford a transition and how long your buffer will     last.
  2. Keep Retirement in Motion – Use     ISAs, personal pensions, and carry forward rules to maintain momentum.
  3. Review Risk Tolerance – With less     income security, your portfolio may need adjusting.
  4. Review Protections – Income     protection and critical illness cover often get overlooked during     transitions.
  5. Set a Decision Review Date – Give     your new path a runway. Then review.

What’s the cost of not changing?
For many, it’s burnout, regret, or years lost to misalignment. With a plan,you’re not taking a leap-you’re making a smart pivot.

👉Considering a change? Download our Career Changer’s Financial Checklistor book a Clarity Call.

Ready to create a life that fits?

If you’ve built wealth but feel like the big picture is missing, now’s the time to pause, step back, and reset with intention.

Book a Free Clarity Call or take the Live Well Scorecard for your first step to more clarity.

Im Ian