Financial Planning Lessons I Learned from My Grandfather

When reflecting on the origins of my career in financial services, I am always drawn back to the influence of my grandfather, Courtney William Jones. He was a skilled carpenter and a veteran of the British Army, having served during the Second World War. His work included the construction of the Mulberry Harbours and the PLUTO (Pipeline Under The Ocean) following D-Day, projects which demanded dedication, ingenuity and resilience.

What truly shaped me, however, were not only his professional accomplishments, but also the personal values he embodied. Patience, resilience, empathy and a continuous thirst for learning were hallmarks of his character. These qualities have become the foundation of my approach to financial planning, influencing every interaction with clients and every decision I make.

The Value of Patience

After the loss of my mother at a young age, my grandparents became my guiding lights. My grandfather’s unwavering presence taught me the importance of patience. He reminded me time and again that good things take time to achieve, and that patience leads to wiser decisions. This lesson has become central to my work, especially when helping clients pursue their long-term financial goals with both confidence and care.

Resilience Through Life's Challenges

Resilience was another of my grandfather’s quiet but powerful virtues. He often said that life inevitably brings challenges, but it is our response, how we pause, reflect and adapt, that defines us. This perspective has stayed with me throughout my career and is integral to how I support clients facing financial uncertainty. I encourage them to look beyond short-term difficulties and instead focus on the opportunities that change can present.

The Importance of Empathy

My grandfather taught me the importance of truly understanding others, teaching me to genuinely see life from another person’s perspective. In the context of financial planning, this means truly listening to clients and recognising the emotions that often accompany financial decisions. This approach fosters trust and allows me to craft solutions that genuinely reflect each client’s unique priorities and values.

A Commitment to Community

Perhaps what inspired me most was his dedication to community service. In the 1970s, together with my grandmother and father, he helped run a small Loan Club at the local church in Thornton Heath. This initiative supported local families in saving and borrowing responsibly for important occasions such as Christmas or family holidays, especially at a time when access to financial support was limited. Witnessing his genuine, compassionate support for others showed me the real impact of responsible finance and how it can improve communities.

This commitment to community is not just an abstract value but something I strive to put into practice every day in Burford and across the Cotswolds. Whether by supporting local initiatives, networking with local businesses, or offering financial education workshops, I have always believed that strong communities are built when individuals invest time, resources, and care into their surroundings.

The Foundation of My Career

This sense of purpose and commitment to others inspired me to embark on my own journey in financial services in the mid-1980s, starting at Coutts & Co. From the very beginning, my motivation was clear: to help people manage, save and grow their money so that they could create the futures they envisioned for themselves and their families.

Honouring a Legacy

When I founded Courtney Jones Financial, naming the business after my grandfather felt like the most fitting way to honour his legacy. His example is at the heart of everything we do, providing thoughtful, personal financial advice grounded in patience, understanding and long-term trust. The name serves as a daily reminder of the principles he instilled in me and the standards we aim to uphold.

Guiding Principles for Today and the Future

Even today, my grandfather’s influence guides my approach:

• Patience in assisting clients with long-term planning.
• Resilience in supporting clients through life’s inevitable changes.
• Empathy in every conversation and relationship.
• Lifelong learning to ensure we adapt in a constantly evolving world.

These timeless values are central not only to financial wellbeing, but to life itself. They form the foundation of our work at Courtney Jones Financial, enabling us to help clients throughout the Cotswolds and beyond to achieve confidence, clarity and security for the years ahead.

Important Information

The views expressed in this article are those of Tony Jones, reflecting personal experiences and values rather than specific financial advice.

If you would like to discuss your own financial goals or future plans, please get in touch to arrange a conversation.