Ethical Investing | Financial Advice

Your money has power. Use it for good.

Ethical investing means putting your capital into companies and funds that align with your values – whether that’s sustainability, social justice, or ethical governance.

Avoid industries that harm the planet or exploit people
Support companies creating positive social and environmental change
Achieve competitive financial returns with a clear conscience

FREE GUIDE: “Align Your Money With Your Values”

Discover how to start investing ethically – even if you’re new to it. Includes a checklist to assess your current investments.

Why Choose Us?
As a long-established financial adviser based in Stourbridge and a proud member of UKSIF, we specialise in ethical investments tailored to your unique goals.

Independent Advice

We work for you, not the product providers.

Ethical Expertise

We understand ESG, SRI, and how to balance purpose with performance.

Human Guidance

Speak with real advisers, not chatbots or robo-tools.

Proven Track Record

Trusted by families, professionals, and retirees for decades.

Our Customers

We’ve been privileged to provide our services to many different clients over the years. Here’s what just a few of them have said about working with KGJ.

You Have Honestly Been so Fabulous

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help, You have honestly been so fabulous and made the whole process so easy and so much less stressful. Thank you so much 🙂

Lois

Very Helpful

Caroline has always been very helpful when I have needed advice.

Sue Morris

I Will Have no Hesitation in Recommending KGJ and Anna

I would like to place on record my appreciation of Anna Burford’s efforts last Friday on my behalf. Due to pick up a new 1 litre Ford Fiesta from the dealers we called my insurer to do what we thought would be a simple task-change the car over. We were told that CIS could not insure the new car! They offered a ridiculously high price with another insurer. My husband called you and spoke to Anna who found out what we needed and quoted a much cheaper premium,which we accepted. I was able to drive my new car away safe in the knowledge I was covered. I now have my documents which are all OK. I will have no hesitation in recommending KGJ and Anna. Many thanks again.

I Trust You and Would Highly Recommend You to Others

Thank you for helping me out with my mortgage. I was in a very stressful situation but from the beginning you managed to make every decision an easy one. I seemed to bombard you with the simplest questions but you always had time for me and made it very easy to speak to you. You even went out your way to resolve any worries I had (I am a big worrier) and you kept me up to date at every stage. I trust you and I would highly recommend you to others (I already have). I can’t thank you enough. With sincere gratitude.

Dee

I'm Always Delighted with the Service

I’ve used KGJ as my insurance broker for over ten years, and I’m always delighted with the service they give. It’s so refreshing to be able to speak to a real person on the end of the phone who you feel does get to know you and your individual requirements over time. It may be a little more expensive than one of the Direct Line / Tesco / Compare the stuffed animal type of insurance companies… but it is worth every penny to have someone on your side when you need them.

Nicky

Jargon Free

My husband and I recently engaged the services of Jim Bodycote, KGJ’s financial advisor. As we requested, Jim undertook a full review of our pre-existing personal pensions. Having chatted about our future plans for our pension pots and carried out assesments to determine our acceptable level of investement risk, Jim went on to make sound recommednations for our pension plans going forward. We found Jim to be professional, knowlegeable in his field of expertise, friendly and very importanly, information was relayed to us jargon free. Follow up service has also been excellent. I would certainly recommend Jims services to others.

Gina

We have Received a Good Return on our Investments

Eight years ago we found ourselves in need of financial advice regarding investing our severance pay Jim Bodycote at KGJ was recommended by a friend . We find him very friendly, professional and approachable and he has given us sound advice always showing patience with our concerns and questions and we have received a good return on our investments.

Ian and Kim

Helpful, Knowledgeable, Thorough and Nothing is Ever Too Much

John is super professional and really trusted by our family who he has been advising for years. He is always very helpful, knowledgeable, thorough and nothing is ever too much of an ask. You know with John that he will give you the best possible advice and recommend what is most suited to your needs at the time. He along with the team at KGJ are brilliant!

Emma

Safe and Trustworthy

KGJ has looked after our business’s commercial insurance needs for many years. We have remained loyal to KGJ as we have always received a reliable service, good advice, and competitive products. We feel in safe and trustworthy hands with Stuart Pearson and all the team at KGJ.

Joanna

We Don't Know What we Would do Without Him...

John has been our adviser for many years, not just for general financial advice and support but on many and diverse areas such as wills, pensions, investments, insurance, mortgages etc. Both for us and other members of our family. We are amazed by the quick response to enquiries, the virtual counselling and family advice and Johns lovely humour. Nothing is too much trouble. We trust John and admire his confidentiality when he is dealing with other members of our family who he also advises. In fact we don’t know what we would do without him.

Simon and Janni

Down-to-earth

We were fortunate to find KGJ soon after our move to Stourbridge in 1999 and we have been pleased by their efficiency and the quality of their advice. Financial advice and planning from John Donnelly has, in particular, been exemplary. John brings clarity and a down-to-earth approach to the assistance he gives, not to mention a good sense of humour. We know he will always respond promptly to questions or concerns and we feel able to trust that he will always give the best advice he can. John also looked after the payroll and pensions for the charity we worked for.

Jane & Kevin

Patient, Kind and Super-Efficient

John has been our financial advisor for a number of years, in fact, not only finance but in other areas as well, such as retirement, will’s and insurance. He is knowledgeable in many areas, patient, kind, friendly and super-efficient. We would not hesitate to recommend his services to friends and colleagues (and have done so on many occasions).

Customer

What Are Savings and Investments?

Savings are funds that are set aside from your earnings and are not immediately spent. They are often held in a separate bank account such as a savings account. Savings are essential for financial peace of mind. Investments entail placing money into assets in the hope of making a profit over time. Investments can include stocks, bonds, property or business, but they are usually more volatile than cash.

Cash tends to decline in value with inflation, whilst usually attracting a certain amount of interest to balance that decline when left on deposit with a financial institution such as a bank. Investments represent value that is held in a market and the market values those investments when they are bought and sold. That makes the value of investments more volatile.

However, while savings are less volatile, they may not produce as much of a return. Based on your financial goals, attitude to risk and ideal timescales, it’s crucial to find a balance between saving cash and investing your cash for growth or income. Saving cash and investing can both help you develop your wealth, so it’s critical to plan and manage both effectively, based on your unique financial situation – which is where KGJ can help.

FAQs

What is the best way to start saving money?

Everybody is in a unique situation regarding their financial status, which is why the tailored advice of an expert is such an important consideration when you’re looking to save or invest. Starting to save money is a great financial habit that can help you achieve your financial goals and build a stable financial future. Here are ten top tips on the best ways to start saving money:

Create a Budget: Creating a budget is a great first step towards saving. It will help you understand your income, expenses and spending habits, and allows you to identify areas where you can cut back and save money.
Set Savings Goals: Setting specific savings goals can help you stay motivated and focused. Whether it's an emergency fund, a deposit for a house, or a holiday fund, having clear goals can help you prioritise your saving efforts.
Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your current account to a separate savings account each month. This way, you can save money before you have a chance to spend it. Try and resist the urge to ‘borrow’ it back.
Track Your Spending: Keeping track of your spending can help you become more aware of your spending habits and adjust as needed. You could use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your outgoings and find areas where you can save.
Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Look at all your expenses and find areas where you can cut back. This could include dining out less, cancelling subscriptions you don't use, or finding more affordable alternatives for your regular expenses. Set realistic goals and finds ways of rewarding yourself for achieving them – but don’t spend more on the reward than you saved…
Pay Yourself First: Treat saving money like a bill that needs to be paid. Set aside a portion of your income for savings before you start spending on other things. This way, you prioritise saving rather than saving what's left after spending.
Manage Your Debt: Minimise credit card usage and avoid taking on unnecessary debt, such as high-interest loans or impulse purchases on credit. High interest rates on debt can eat into your savings, so it's best to avoid them whenever possible. It may be helpful to talk to a financial adviser about how to re-organise your debts if they are complex.
Look to Increase Your Income: Depending on your lifestyle and circumstances, maybe consider taking up a side gig or some freelancing to increase your income. The extra money you earn can be put towards your savings goals.
Be Mindful of Your Spending: Before making a purchase, get into the habit of asking yourself if it's a need or a want. Practice mindful spending by only buying things that are essential or sit parallel with your savings aims.
Review and Adjust Regularly: Review your budget and savings progress regularly and adjust as needed. Life circumstances and financial goals may change over time, so it's important to revisit and revise your savings plan from time to time. Whilst it is often wise to choose pain in the short term for gain in the long term, it is important to get the balance right and not force yourself into short-term suffering.

Saving money is a habit that takes time and discipline to establish. Allow yourself time to action your plan and celebrate small milestones along the way. With consistency and determination, you can build a healthy savings habit and achieve your financial goals and may then wish to investigate investments that will possibly grow your savings even more. KGJ are here to help you when you do.

What percentage of my income should I be saving each month?

As a guide, it has been recommended to save at least 20% of your income each month, and this is sometimes part of a savings approach called the ‘50 30 20 rule’. This entails using 50% of each pay packet for essentials, 30% for living your life (the ‘disposable’ part of your income) and 20% on savings, repayments and pension contributions. It would be lovely if everybody was in the situation to follow this rule, but of course, the appropriate percentage will vary depending on your financial circumstances. Here are some more factors to consider:

Financial Goals: Your savings approach will likely depend on your short-term and long-term financial goals. For example, if you have specific goals such as buying a house, starting a business or saving for retirement, you may need to save a higher percentage of your income each month to meet those goals.
Expenses: Your monthly expenses, including essential costs like your rent, transportation costs and groceries, as well as ‘disposable’ spending like entertainment and dining out, will impact the amount you save. If your expenses are high, you may need to save a higher percentage of your income to ensure you're able to meet your savings goals.
Debt Payments: If you have debts such as student loans, credit card debts or a mortgage, you may need to allocate a portion of your income towards paying off those debts. This will impact the percentage of your income that you can save each month.
Emergency Fund: Your financial peace of mind would likely benefit from an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses such as car repairs or losing your job. Building an emergency fund should be a priority. Once you have built up an emergency fund, you can allocate a higher percentage of your income towards other savings goals.
Retirement Savings: Saving for retirement is crucial. Workplace pensions often take your contribution out of your wage (after you have opted in) and sometimes your employer will match or even exceed your monthly contribution.
Other Financial Priorities: You may have other financial aims such as saving for education, a deposit on a home or another major purchase like a new car. Consider these when determining the percentage of your income to save each month.

It’s a good idea to create a budget and track your expenses to ensure you're saving what you need to save each month to meet your financial goals. Consulting with an expert financial advisor will also help determine the right savings percentage based on your circumstances. KGJ is on hand to help you with bespoke financial advice.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when saving money?

When it comes to saving money, it's important to be mindful of potential mistakes that can hinder your progress. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid when you’re trying to save money:

Not Having a Budget: Budgeting is vital for managing your finances. Failing to create a budget makes it difficult to track your expenses. It's important to create a realistic budget that includes all your monthly expenses, debt payments and savings goals.
Not Paying Yourself First: Saving money should be a priority, and it's important to pay yourself first by setting aside a portion of your income. Avoid saving whatever is left over after your monthly spending, as this can result in low to no savings.
Neglecting Your Emergency Fund: Having an emergency fund is crucial to cover unexpected expenses like car repairs, losing your job or other sudden expenses. Failing here can leave you vulnerable to setbacks and may result in taking on debt or dipping into your savings.
Ignoring High-Interest Debt: High-interest debt, such as credit card debt or payday loans, can quickly accumulate and eat into your savings. Ignoring or only making minimum payments on high-interest debt can result in paying more in interest over time.
Not Shopping Around: Comparison shopping can help you save money on everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, insurance and other goods and services. Failing to compare prices and options can result in overspending and missing out on potential savings.
Impulsive Spending: Impulsive spending, such as unnecessary purchases or excessive spending on non-essential items, can quickly eat into your savings. Avoid impulsive spending with good self-control and always evaluate purchases based on their necessity. Don’t forget that spending money on a good offer is still spending money, and that an investment is only an investment if it is going to make money!
Not Investing: Simply saving money in a regular savings account may not be enough to grow your savings over the long term. Avoid the mistake of not investing in assets such as stocks, bonds or property if possible, which have the potential to generate higher returns.
Overlooking Recurring Expenses: Subscriptions and recurring expenses such as monthly memberships, subscription services or unused gym memberships, can add up over time. Regularly review and evaluate all your subscriptions and recurring payments.
Failing to Track Expenses: Not keeping track of your expenses can easily lead to overspending. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending and identify areas where you can reduce expenses and increase savings.
Not Seeking Professional Advice: Avoid the mistake of trying to navigate complex financial matters without proper guidance, as it can result in costly errors and hinder you. If you're unsure about how to manage your finances or need help with financial planning, get in touch with us here at KGJ and we can begin the process of helping you get the very best out of your money.

Being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them will help you build your savings and progress towards your financial goals. Building savings requires discipline, consistency, and a long-term perspective, so stay focused and committed to your savings plan, safe in the knowledge that you always have KJG at your side when you need us.

What are the different types of savings accounts?

If you’re looking to build up your savings in a bank account, there are several types of savings accounts that you can open with banks and building societies. Some common types of savings accounts include:

Instant Access Savings Account: This type of savings account allows you to deposit and withdraw your money at any time without notice. It offers flexibility and easy access to your savings but often comes with lower interest rates than other savings accounts.
Regular Savings Account: A regular savings account requires you to deposit a fixed amount of money each month for a set period. These accounts often offer higher interest rates compared to instant access savings accounts but have restrictions on withdrawals.
Fixed-Term Savings Account: With a fixed-term savings account, you deposit a lump sum for a fixed period, usually ranging from one to five years. The interest rate is fixed for the duration of the term, and there can be penalties for early withdrawals.
Cash ISA (Individual Savings Account): A cash ISA is a tax-efficient savings account that allows you to save a certain amount of money each tax year without paying tax on the interest earned. Like the above savings account, there are different types of cash ISAs, such as instant access cash ISAs, regular savings cash ISAs and fixed-term cash ISAs.

Always carefully consider your savings goals, financial needs and risk tolerance before choosing a savings account. Compare different options offered by various financial institutions to find the best savings account for your specific requirements, and don’t hesitate to take professional advice from a financial advisor - such as those at KGJ.

Is my money safe in a savings account?

Savings accounts in the United Kingdom are considered safe up to a point, due to regulatory protections provided by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). As of April 2023, the FSCS protects deposits (amounts) up to £85,000 per person, per authorised financial institution. This means that if the financial institution holding your savings account fails and is unable to repay your deposits, you may be eligible to receive compensation up to the £85,000 limit.

To ensure the safety of your money in a savings account, it's recommended to choose an authorised financial institution that is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and to keep your deposits within the FSCS protection limit. It's also advisable to seek advice from a qualified financial professional, such as those here at KGJ, before making any major financial decisions.

Is it better to save money as cash or in a savings account?

It is generally a better idea to save money in a savings account rather than as cash, and there are several good reasons for this:

Interest: Savings accounts typically offer interest on the deposited amount, allowing your money to grow over time. In contrast, cash does not generate any interest, meaning its value remains stagnant.
Security: Cash is vulnerable to theft, loss and even damage. Keeping large amounts of cash at home can be risky, whereas savings accounts are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). See the above question, ‘Is my money safe in a savings account?’, for more information.
Inflation: Inflation diminishes the purchasing power of money over time. Saving money in a savings account allows it to potentially keep up with or outpace inflation, helping to preserve its value.
Convenience: Savings accounts offer the convenience of online banking, easy access to funds through cashpoint withdrawals or bank transfers, and the ability to set up automated savings plans, making it easier to manage and track your savings.

As with anything relating to your financial wellbeing, it is vital to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best approach to your savings, based on your individual financial goals and circumstances. You can contact KGJ today to begin the process of making your savings work for you.

Other Main Services

Commercial

For over 50 years, KGJ has been providing businesses of all sizes with independent, unbiased and affordable commercial insurance solutions. With access to a wide variety of insurance products, KGJ will find the right policy to meet your needs.

Savings

Saving for the future can bring a great sense of stability and peace of mind to your financial security. Ensuring you obtain honest, professional and tailored advice when investing your money is an essential process that the experts at KGJ will provide.

Personal Insurance

KGJ provides individuals with personal insurance across a wide range of services. With a collective 100 years of experience across our dedicated personal insurance department, whatever cover you need, we will be by your side throughout.

Pensions

Timely pension planning is fundamental to a happy and fulfilling retirement. Choosing the right pension scheme from the bewildering number available is vital for your financial wellbeing – and KGJ is here to ensure you secure the right scheme for your specific needs.

Mortgages

Taking out a mortgage is probably one of the most significant financial decisions most of us will ever make. Ensuring you get the right mortgage is essential for your sense of financial wellbeing and peace of mind – and KGJ is here to help.

Invest in Good. Build Wealth with Purpose.

Discover ethical investments that align with your values - without compromising on performance.

Your money has power. Use it for good.

FREE GUIDE: “Align Your Money With Your Values”