Born in South Africa and raised in Kenya, my early years were shaped by travel, adventure, resilience, and curiosity. Boarding school at Queens College in Queenstown, South Africa instilled independence and grit from a young age.
In 1978, I qualified in the Hospitality Industry, which was followed by six years in the United Arab Emirates, gaining invaluable experience in hospitality, leadership, and cross-cultural business. During this time, I was employed as Assistant Manager of the Abu Dhabi Club and later as Sales Manager for Middle East Food and Supply Company in Dubai. After my time in the Middle East, I returned to England in 1984 where, as a mature student, I studied for a degree in Hotel Management and Business & Finance, whilst working in hotel management for De Vere Hotels and Premier Inns until the early 90’s. Over the years, I have lived in four countries and travelled extensively—visiting over 60 countries worldwide.
Later, I transitioned into finance—first as a Debt Management Advisor, then as a Mortgage Broker running my own firm for eight years. I guided clients through complex financial decisions with clarity, care, and integrity.
My passion for consumer advocacy led me to create Talk Money Blog, where I shared practical financial insights and protection strategies. In 2014, I was invited to speak on BBC’s Sunday Breakfast show with Charlie Stayt and Susanna Reid, representing the voice of Talk Money Blog on issues affecting everyday people.
That journey laid the foundation for HonestPensioner.com—a mission-driven platform dedicated to shielding UK retirees from scams, rip-offs, and misinformation during retirement. Today, I combine decades of hands-on experience with a fierce commitment to truth, dignity, and survival.
HonestPensioner.com isn’t just advice—it’s a shield, a torch, and a community. It’s built to empower UK pensioners with honest financial guidance, scam alerts, and retirement survival strategies that protect what matters most.