Julia Williams: Financial guidance with a personal touch

Julia’s journey into financial planning began unexpectedly. After starting her working life in a whisky bottling factory right out of school, she quickly realised it wasn’t her calling. “Those two years taught me I wanted something different,” she recalls.

With encouragement from her mother, Julia applied to Bradford & Bingley Building Society and was hired as a customer service assistant in 1989. “I’ve always been good with figures and have a natural knack for saving and budgeting, so the building society felt like a perfect fit.”

Bradford & Bingley became Julia’s home for the next two decades, and it was here she earned her Financial Planning Certificate in 1994. Working at the building society gave her a solid grounding in financial services and instilled her commitment to putting clients first.

“I learned early on that financial advice isn’t just about numbers – it’s about helping people make sense of their options and empowering them to make informed decisions.”

In 2009, Julia’s career took an unexpected turn. Following the financial crisis, Bradford & Bingley were taken over, and Julia’s role was one of many made redundant.

“After 20 years, it was a shock to be let go,” she admits.

However, the setback opened new doors, and Julia quickly found a role with Campbell & McConnachie as an Independent Financial Adviser. Five years later, she took the leap to establish her own firm, Williams & Watt Financial Planning Ltd in 2014, moving to Julia Williams Financial Planning, in 2023.

“Setting up my own business was challenging but rewarding. I wanted to build a practice where clients felt valued and understood.”

Julia’s decision to join the Amber River Group in 2024 brought her closer to her vision of delivering accessible, family-focused financial advice to her community in Morayshire, Inverness, and Aberdeen.

“Being part of Amber River lets me focus on what I love, helping clients and building those personal connections, while still keeping my family as a priority.”

Julia’s approach to financial planning goes beyond offering advice – she’s a trusted partner to many families she serves.

Living in a small village, Julia’s client base initially grew through word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends. Over the years, her reputation has expanded, with many clients bringing their extended families into the fold.

“I’m now working with multiple generations in some families: parents, children, even grandchildren. It’s a privilege to support families over the long term and be there for them at different stages of life.”

One example close to her heart is a long-standing client, a lady now in care, who Julia has advised since her days at Bradford & Bingley.

“Her family trusts me completely to look after her finances,” Julia explains. “Her niece and nephew live three hours away, so they rely on me to make sure everything is managed properly. For me, it’s about more than just finances – it’s about supporting her quality of life and the family’s peace of mind.”

A significant part of Julia’s work revolves around retirement planning, a topic that can bring uncertainty for many clients.

“One of the biggest questions I get is: ‘Can I afford to retire?’” she says. “Many clients would love to retire early but don’t think they can. With cashflow modelling, I can often show them a path forward – even if it’s a flexible approach that allows them to gradually reduce hours while drawing on their pension.”

In times of market uncertainty, Julia’s steady, reassuring approach provides her clients with the confidence to stay on course.

“Investing is a long-term strategy, not a quick win,” she advises. “Markets will have their ups and downs, but history has shown us they tend to bounce back stronger. My role is to help clients stick to the plan and not get overwhelmed by short-term fluctuations.”

Julia’s advice is simple but effective: “Stay invested. Remember your goals and stay focused on the bigger picture. I’m here to support you through those tough times.”

For Julia, the most rewarding part of her job is finding solutions for her clients. “People come to me with a problem, and I love helping them fix it,” she shares. “It might take time, but together we’ll find a way to achieve their goals.”

Her commitment to her clients often goes beyond traditional financial advice, and many have become friends over the years. “I go the extra mile because it’s personal. I want my clients to know they can rely on me, especially when life gets challenging.”

Julia credits her success to the support of her family, especially her husband, who has been a constant source of encouragement.

“I couldn’t have built this career without him,” she says. “And my mum, who sadly passed away last year, was a huge inspiration. She was always the one pushing me to aim higher, even when I wasn’t sure myself.”

When she’s not working, Julia loves spending time with her family. An avid cyclist and walker, she enjoys taking family trips outdoors. Gardening is another passion, particularly as she settles into a new house that offers plenty of green space to cultivate. Recently, she welcomed a new puppy into the family, adding yet another joyful challenge to her busy life.

Reflecting on her journey, Julia shares: “As a professional woman and a mum, I know how hard it can be to juggle family and work. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Helping my clients while raising my family – it’s the balance I’ve always wanted.”