When his uncle and grandmother passed, they left him an inheritance of around £600,000. For almost ten years, he had avoided doing anything with the money, unsure of how to make the most of it and feeling the weight of the responsibility it entailed.

My family made it clear how serious and significant a privilege it was to inherit this money.

At times, it was a bit overwhelming. I used to feel almost guilty about having it—I hadn’t earned it myself. My previous response was to pretend as much as possible that I didn’t have it.

Though his initial reaction was to leave the money as it was, he eventually found himself asking a more intentional question: How could this money be used for good? An advocate for sustainability in both his personal and professional life, he wanted to ensure the funds would contribute positively to the planet and future generations.

He searched for ethical financial advisers online and discovered Path Financial. In 2023, he and his father met with an advisor from Path, which proved to be a turning point.

Meeting with Path felt like the right step. I liked that they could help me consolidate my funds and align my investments with my values,

He explains:

I’ve always tried to lead an ethical lifestyle—cycling everywhere, eating a vegetarian diet, and supporting climate-based charities. It felt natural to bring my finances in line with the same values.

Unlike many people in their 20s and 30s, he acknowledges that not everyone has the financial resources to seek out investment advice.

For most people my age, finances are about making ends meet, not long-term investments, and many are living pay cheque to pay cheque.

But for those with multigenerational wealth, there’s a real opportunity—and responsibility—to think about where that money goes.

As a teacher, he witnesses firsthand the evolving perspectives of younger generations toward issues of sustainability, inequality, and social justice.

Students today are so much more aware and concerned about big-picture issues like climate change, race, gender, and neurodiversity.

They’re passionate about changing the world. We have a Sustainability Team at school, but I think the conversations could be much more impactful. Most students don’t think about ethical investments because it’s not on their radar, but that’s something we can help change by leading by example.

His decision to work with Path Financial didn’t go without some resistance from older family members who were initially “quizzical” about the changes he was making. 

They were very proud of the original investments my relatives had made and questioned whether any changes were really needed.

But ultimately, I felt it was important to move forward with what felt right for me and my values.

Now, he feels a sense of pride in how his inheritance is being used.

Previously, I’d try to ignore the fact I even had the money; I just pretended it wasn’t there. But now, I feel proud knowing it’s invested in a way that aligns with who I am. Path has helped me feel more secure in my long-term financial goals, and it feels good to know that I’m making a positive impact.

When asked what advice he’d give to other young people thinking about ethical investing, he is clear:

Start by self-reflecting on your values and purpose. Some people may prioritise family security, and that’s fine. But if your goals are around impact and change, aligning your finances is a powerful way to achieve that. And there’s no harm in setting up an introductory call. Path was incredibly well-prepared and gave me the tools I needed to make an informed decision.

This Maths teacher is one of many individuals transforming the way they approach finance, using their resources to drive change and align with their values. With the guidance of Path Financial, he has found a way to not only safeguard his future but also contribute to a better, more sustainable world.