Hello!
I'm Charlene Lock, founder and Director of Lock Financial Services.
As a Chartered Financial Planner, putting the client first has always been my priority. When I chose to launch my own financial advice firm, I had a few "non-negotiables" for how I wanted the business to look, feel, and operate - and giving clear, personal advice was top of the list.
Too many client's come away from meetings with financial advisers, feeling confused and bombarded with technical industry jargon. My goal is to make sure every client leaves our meeting with a clear plan, and understands each step to that plan - for a better financial future.
My Story
My career in financial services began back in 2009 in my hometown in Yorkshire. Over the years, I worked my way up from an Admin Assistant to Paraplanner, then Senior Paraplanner — and eventually to becoming a Financial Planner. Each step along the way helped shape who I am professionally and allowed me to build strong technical knowledge and experience.
I achieved my Chartered Financial Planner (APFS) status in 2021, which remains one of my proudest milestones. It reflects my commitment to doing things properly — upholding high standards, staying ethical, and always continuing to learn and grow.
I was also invited onto the Money Marketing Podcast, where I talked about how I got into financial services and my accreditation with the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA). It was a great opportunity to share my passion for helping clients navigate later‑life planning and more complex financial decisions.
In 2023, I relocated from Yorkshire to Cardiff after meeting a 'Welshman', getting engaged, and very quickly falling in love with South Wales as well as my husband! We were married in 2024, making the move an even bigger personal milestone. Professionally, it was also a fresh start — continuing to focus on delivering high‑quality advice in pensions, retirement planning, investments, and family financial matters. After many years of supporting individuals and families in building clear, confident financial plans, I felt ready for the next challenge: launching my own business, Lock Financial Services.
I’m often told that my approach to financial planning is warm, empathetic, and reassuring — something I take a lot of pride in. Building genuine, lasting relationships is at the heart of my work. My goal has always been simple: to help people make confident, informed decisions so their finances truly support the lives they want to live.
