Monica Bradley, founder and managing director of Surrey-based mortgage broker MB Associates, shares her festive plans and how she celebrates with her loved ones and colleagues.
Family Time
Christmas is a special occasion for me as it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Family is very important to me, and I love spending time with my nearest and dearest. This year however, things will feel different, as we sadly said goodbye to our last remaining Aunt, our beloved Aunt Rosaleen, earlier this year.
Rosaleen was in her early 90s and a feisty lady with a great sense of humor who often came to stay with me from Ireland. Many of my work colleagues met her and were impressed by how agile she was for her age. One house guest was once amazed to wake up early one morning and find Rosaleen “striding across the landing” in her pajamas without a walking stick or any kind of mobility aid. Not bad for a lady in her 90s.
I know many people will relate when I say that it’s always a struggle to fit everything in at Christmas and get to see everyone. While it can be hectic, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I know I’m extremely fortunate to have family members and loved ones in my life and be able to spend time with them.
Life is Precious
As a mortgage and protection adviser, one of the sad parts of my role is helping clients deal with the financial consequences of serious illnesses or bereavements. Over the last 18 months, there’s been an unprecedented rise in the number of fit and healthy clients becoming critically ill or passing away. The protection insurance we offer takes care of their financial commitments, but they still have to come to terms with illness or loss. It serves as a constant reminder that life is a precious gift.
Celebrating with Colleagues
As a company, we celebrate the festive season by going out for a meal and spending time socializing together. We enjoy each other’s company over good food and a few drinks, and there’s always a Secret Santa, so everyone gets into the Christmas spirit.
Rest and Reflect
Christmas is also a time for me to rest and reflect on the year. As we edge closer to the new year, I start to think about my plans for the year ahead and how I can continue to grow my business.
While many people enjoy having some time to relax and unwind, I find the festive season a good time to focus on business growth. I never switch off where my business is concerned, and I like to think about the future while it’s quiet and there are no distractions.
Reviewing the Year
December is the time to sit down and reflect on what went well throughout the year, and what I’ve learned. It’s also a chance to review my goals and set new ones. I usually focus on:
- My goals for the next year – I write them out and make sure they are specific and in line with how I want my business to grow.
- How I will achieve those goals – I think about any additional resources needed and how I can recruit more manpower within the business.
- How I will measure my goals – I use the SMART framework to make sure my goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and within a suitable timeframe. Goals are important in business as they give a business direction and align team members towards a common purpose.
- The wellbeing of my team – I know only too well that the wellbeing of my staff and colleagues is hugely important, both on a physical and mental level. I think about what support they have from me, what they might need in future, and how I can help them develop their career goals if they have ambitions to grow and improve.
Business Growth
As a business, MB Associates has enjoyed significant growth over the past two years, with the opening of our mortgage shop in Stonecot Hill last year and the recruitment of new mortgage advisers and paraplanners. I’m always looking to grow my business and make the most of every opportunity.
The month of December is usually a quiet time for the property market, with many people focusing on getting through Christmas before looking at buying a property. The property market usually picks up fairly quickly in January, with many people seeking to make a change in their lives in the new year, often by purchasing their first home or moving to a bigger property.
Fresh Start in January
Another common January theme I’ve witnessed on many occasions is people choosing to make a fresh start by ending relationships. January is frequently dubbed ‘Divorce Month’, with many people refusing to stay with their long-term partner if they’re unhappy.
There’s a trend among older people leaving long-term relationships after their children have moved out. They often think that age is a barrier to getting a mortgage, but it’s not necessarily true. I often help recently separated older borrowers secure a new property on their own. It’s always about looking at their personal situation and offering bespoke advice.
While it’s not been an easy year for the general public with higher living costs, I’m hoping that 2025 will bring a lower base rate and that the cost of borrowing will begin to fall. I can’t guarantee what the future will bring, but I am approaching the new year with cautious optimism.
More Information
Monica Bradley is the founder and owner of MB Associates, a multiple award-winning mortgage broker based in Cheam and Sutton. The company has been serving clients locally and nationwide for over 20 years. It works with over 90 lenders and has access to thousands of mortgages.
For advice on mortgages or financial resilience, get in touch with Monica at info@mbassociates.net, call 020 8652 5240, or visit the website at https://mbassociates.net/.