Biography
About Mark Davies
Hi, I'm Mark. I head up the investing basics side of things here at Wise Pennies Academy. My job is to make sense of what can feel like a really complex world: your money. I've seen firsthand how confusing it all looks from the outside, and I built my part of the academy to cut through that noise. No fancy words, just clear steps.
For years, I worked in finance, but I always felt something was missing. The big banks and investment firms were great for those already in the know, but what about everyone else? I started Wise Pennies Academy with the idea that everyone, no matter their background or how much money they have right now, deserves to understand how to make their money work for them. It's not about getting rich quick; it's about being smart and steady.
My focus is on two main areas: understanding why we do what we do with money – what we call 'money psychology' – and then giving you the practical tools to start investing. We talk about things like why saving can be tough, how to get over that hump, and what simple investments actually mean for you. Think of it like learning to drive; you start with the basics, practice, and soon you're cruising.
Based right here in Leeds, I've spent a lot of time chatting with everyday people about their money worries. Many feel like investing is only for the wealthy or super-smart. That's just not true. My sessions are designed to break down those barriers. We cover everything from setting up a simple savings plan to understanding the difference between stocks and funds, all at your own pace.
You won't find any complicated spreadsheets or economic theories you need a degree to understand. We keep it real. We look at your goals – whether that's saving for a house, retirement, or just a rainy day fund – and work backward. My goal is to make sure you leave feeling more confident and capable, ready to take control of your financial future, one sensible step at a time.