In a world where financial guidance often comes with fine print, hidden fees, or intimidating jargon, one man is on a mission to change the narrative. Phil Sole, a Chartered Financial Planner with over a decade of experience in the UK’s financial services industry, is the founder of Untraditional Finance; a platform dedicated to reshaping how people understand and engage with their money.
After spending years advising on hundreds of millions of pounds in assets and guiding thousands of individuals through life’s financial milestones, Phil came to a sobering realisation: too many people, especially younger generations, were struggling with even the basics of personal finance. Despite the proliferation of financial services and digital tools, something fundamental was still missing: clear, accessible financial education.
“I noticed a real shortfall in financial knowledge, particularly among younger people,” Phil explains. “That’s when I decided to do something about it. I wanted to help bridge that gap and give people the tools they need to make confident, informed decisions.”
Redefining the Rules of Engagement
Unlike many platforms that centre around selling financial products, Untraditional Finance takes an education-first approach. It’s not about telling people what to do with their money, it’s about helping them understand why certain decisions matter and how financial literacy can transform their lives.
“There’s no agenda to push products or promote complicated solutions,” Phil says. “Whether it’s through social media, the website, or coaching sessions, I focus on breaking down money matters in a way that’s easy to understand and genuinely helpful.”
Phil’s content is refreshingly free of jargon and steeped in practicality. From budgeting and saving tips to insights on retirement planning, he tailors his message to people at every stage of their financial journey. This human-centred approach has already struck a chord with a growing online audience.
Financial Empowerment, One Lesson at a Time
At the heart of Untraditional Finance is a clear vision: to create a more financially empowered society. For Phil, this means challenging the idea that financial literacy is reserved for the wealthy or well-connected.
“Financial freedom shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be something everyone can achieve. When people feel informed and in control of their money, they’re less stressed and better equipped to focus on the things that really matter in life.”
Phil defines financial empowerment as the ability to make informed choices, whether that’s planning for the long-term or simply managing day-to-day spending. It’s about knowledge, tools, and confidence.
A Personal Mission With a Wider Impact
Phil’s commitment to financial education isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal. Having witnessed both the benefits of solid financial advice and the consequences of poor guidance, he’s become a vocal critic of the wave of “finfluencers” peddling risky investments online without proper expertise.
“There’s so much noise out there, especially on social media. I wanted to create a space where people could learn without fear or confusion; a place that’s approachable and trustworthy.”
But launching a business from scratch hasn’t come without challenges. Transitioning from a structured career to entrepreneurship has tested Phil’s resilience in unexpected ways.
“It’s been a huge learning curve. Some days I question myself, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about going back to the corporate world. But then I get a message from someone saying a post helped them — and it reminds me why I started this.”
Looking Ahead
Despite being in its early stages, Untraditional Finance is already building momentum. Phil hopes that in five years’ time, it will be a go-to resource for individuals and businesses seeking financial clarity and confidence. Plans are already in motion to expand into online courses, workplace wellbeing programmes, and larger community initiatives.
“I want to build a community. People who feel better equipped to manage their money and pass those lessons on to future generations.”
Changing the Conversation Around Money
If there’s one belief Phil wishes more people shared, it’s that money shouldn’t be feared. Too often, he says, people avoid dealing with their finances because they feel overwhelmed or unqualified, which is a mindset he’s determined to change.
“Managing money doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about small, consistent steps. Whether that’s saving a little each month or setting a budget, every action counts — and it’s never too late to start.”
At its core, Untraditional Finance isn’t just a brand or a business. It’s a movement; one that seeks to rewrite the story many people have been told about money, success, and who deserves to feel financially secure.
Phil Sole is proof that with the right guidance, finance doesn’t have to feel unapproachable. It can be empowering, engaging, and yes, even a little untraditional.