Max Gerstein Independant Financial Advisor

  It genuinely breaks my heart that 1 in 4 young adults are deciding not to have children because they feel financially trapped. I can't help but feel frustrated and helpless knowing that so many people believe they are in a situation where starting a family feels out of reach, when the truth is, I can help them. It's what I do—I help people build the kind of financial framework that would make these life decisions easier. And yet, so many people don't reach out. I feel upset knowing that financial concerns are holding people back from experiencing one of the most beautiful things in life. The worst part is, these worries often stem from a lack of guidance, a lack of knowledge that there are solutions out there. It frustrates me deeply because I've seen firsthand how just one conversation can open up possibilities, how it can shift someone’s entire perspective from 'I can't' to 'I can.' The fact that 1 in 4 young adults feel they can't afford to ...

  The UK property market, particularly in Manchester and Birmingham, is showing robust growth, making these cities prime investment hotspots. Backed by strong economic fundamentals, significant regeneration projects, and rising demand, these cities are poised for continued growth over the coming years. 1. House Price Growth According to Savills, Manchester and Birmingham are expected to experience some of the highest house price growth in the UK over the next five years. These cities are forecast to outpace the national average, driven by increased business activity, population growth, and regeneration efforts. City Forecast House Price Growth (2023-2027) Current Average House Price (2024) Manchester 24.3% £234,867 Birmingham 19.2% £209,960 London 8.2% £523,376 UK National Avg. 17.4% £295,903 2. Rental Yields and Void Periods Both cities offer attractive rental yields, making them ideal for buy-to-let investors. Manchester has been particularly strong, with areas like Fallowfield a...

  The Power of a Financial Plan: Freedom to Spend Without Limits Now that I’ve got your attention with the idea of limitless spending, here’s the catch: achieving that kind of freedom takes groundwork. It’s not about restriction; it’s about setting a solid foundation that gives you the freedom to spend confidently, knowing you’re covered for the future. When my client and I work together to build a comprehensive financial plan, we’re not just setting money aside—we’re designing a life. Together, we determine how much you need to save regularly to reach the income you’ll want when you decide to stop working. Once that’s set, any savings beyond this plan are yours to spend freely. Imagine guilt-free spending, knowing you’ve secured your future. This is the true power of a plan and a well-structured budget: it doesn’t just restrict; it empowers. It gives you the confidence to enjoy today’s luxuries while ensuring tomorrow’s comfort. So, go ahead—plan for the life you want, and enjoy ...

  When people think of financial advice, they often picture complex strategies, hefty fees, and intimidating jargon. But sometimes, advice can be as simple as, “Next time you transfer money internationally, let me help you save at least AED 100—completely free.” It’s not rocket science; it’s about being smart with your money and avoiding unnecessary costs. The Hidden Costs of Banking Transfers Banks are the go-to for most people when transferring money internationally or exchanging currencies. Why? Convenience. But what many don’t realize is that this convenience often comes at a steep price. Transfer Fees: Most UAE banks charge anywhere from AED 50 to AED 200 for international transfers, not including intermediary bank fees that can eat into your transfer amount. Currency Exchange Spreads: Banks add a markup—often between 1-3%—to the exchange rate you see online. This is on top of the transfer fee. That small percentage can mean hundreds, if not thousands, of dirhams lost, dep...