22 January 2026
general
A very happy new year from all of us at J Edward Sellars! We hope 2026 is full of joy and prosperity for you and your loved ones.
This year, we’re continuing our “in the spotlight” series, giving you a peek behind the curtain and the chance to learn more about the lovely people supporting you with your finances.
Next up is none other than Joe Chillingworth, one of our esteemed financial planners. Many of our clients may have got to know Joe quite well over the years, but do you know his number one pet peeve?
Read on to learn more about Joe, from his journey into financial planning to his plans for 2026.
How did you get into financial planning?
I first joined the J Edward Sellars team back in 2019, having previously worked in roles ranging from teacher to scuba diving instructor. Starting out as a trainee adviser, I qualified as a financial planner in 2020 with a CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I start every morning by joining our Investment Committee meeting, in which we review markets and portfolios to help ensure our advice is informed and up to date. Throughout the rest of the day, my calendar is usually full of calls and meetings with clients, supporting them to define and achieve their financial goals in a range of areas. Of course, I also spend a good chunk of time writing reports.
What do you love about your role?
I really enjoy the level of autonomy I’m given at J Edward Sellars. I’m fortunate to work with a supportive and trusting team, and I love being given the freedom to get the job done without being micromanaged.
Also, as a parent, I very much appreciate the flexibility of my role. It’s great to be able to support our clients while balancing responsibilities at home.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Look before you leap. This is particularly true when it comes to managing personal finances. Sometimes, it can be too easy to jump into a snap decision without proper consideration. In some cases, those decisions can be quite costly – so it’s often important to take that extra time for reflection.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role at J Edward Sellars?
It’s always a great feeling when you help someone achieve their goals. Some areas of finance can feel quite daunting, and it’s very rewarding to help people understand their finances better, create a plan that works for them, and ultimately achieve their goals.
What do you think sets J Edward Sellars apart from other financial planners?
Our team are committed to building close relationships with our clients. We always aim to speak face-to-face when possible and stay in regular contact with our clients. By taking the time to get to know our clients well, we help ensure our support is tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.
What do you like to do outside work?
Besides finance, one of my biggest passions is popular science. I’m particularly interested in quantum mechanics and have an MA in Philosophy of Science.
In my spare time, I enjoy eating out, visiting country pubs, and swimming. I’m an avid science fiction fan and enjoy franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Quick-fire questions
What’s your hidden talent? I have memorised the NATO phonetic alphabet.
What new skill would you love to learn? How to freedive.
What’s your pet peeve? Inconsiderate parking, i.e., one car taking up the space for two.
Which three people would be at your dream dinner party? My three best friends.
What are you most looking forward to in the next 12 months? Having recently moved house, I’m looking forward to furnishing and decorating it as I wish.
What’s your favourite film? Predator, Blade Runner, or Unforgiven, depending on how I feel.
Keep an eye out for our next spotlight feature so you can discover more about the team behind the scenes at J Edward Sellars.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for support in achieving your financial goals, get in touch with our friendly team. Email enquiries@jesellars.co.uk or call 01934 875 919 to find out more about how we can help you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
