How one saver transformed a career success into financial freedom
When Alex Jones sold his TV production company, he needed a smarter way to manage a significant windfall. Discover how he diversified his cash to ensure it was safe and accessible.
This article is not advice. If you would like to receive advice on your savings and investments, consider speaking to a Financial Adviser.
Alex Jones
In conversation with Alex Jones
Alex Jones has spent his career in television production. As joint Managing Director of an independent TV production company, he helped steer it through years of growth – culminating in the sale of a majority stake in 2021.
That milestone brought new opportunities, but also the challenge of managing a significant sum of money. To keep it both secure and accessible would normally have meant juggling multiple bank accounts, each with its own limits and login details to keep track of.
With Flagstone, Alex was able to bring everything together – diversifying his cash across a wide range of banks and accounts, all managed through one simple platform.
How did you approach managing the money from the sale of your business?
I invested some of the proceeds with support from a financial adviser. But because I was trying to buy a house, I didn’t want to lock my money away long term. I needed it to stay accessible.
With only £85,000 of FSCS protection per bank, I’d have needed to open lots of accounts just to keep the money safe. My accountant suggested Flagstone, so I joined and added funds as the sale proceeds came through. I’ve now drawn most of it out to buy a house.
Roughly what proportion of your investable assets did you put into Flagstone?
Around 70–80% of the equity I received went into Flagstone, giving me access whenever I needed it. I put some into 90-day Fixed Term and Notice accounts, because a house purchase is never going to take less than three months.
Later, when more money came in, I used a 45-day Notice account, so maturities could line up. It also let me spread cash across different banks for maximum protection – around 10 in total, most of which I’d never heard of before.
How did you find using the platform?
Simple and straightforward. Opening took a bit of time – I had to show where the money came from – but then I realised I’d only have to do it once.
If I’d gone through separate banks, I’d have been repeating that process again and again. Doing that once through Flagstone was far easier.
Day to day, I could log in and move money around myself, which is exactly how I like to manage things.
How has your attitude to personal finance changed with your new situation?
I’m more aware of what I need to keep an eye on, the risks to watch out for, and the opportunities available. I now follow relevant developments more closely – but in a fairly reactive way.
Having a financial adviser helps maximise investments in a tax-efficient way. I’d also leave money on Flagstone long-term if I wanted access to it.
Outside of cash, what have you invested in? Any sectors you favour?
I’ve invested in Venture Capital Trusts – measured, not knee-jerk. The portfolios are broad, so you’re not exposed by one sector or market change. I haven’t picked sectors myself, I’ve let the experts advise.
From lump sum to lasting security
Alex didn’t manage his windfall by settling for average. He looked for smarter ways to hold cash, made use of competitive interest rates, and kept control over when and how his money was available.
Too many savers still leave their cash sitting idle in low-interest accounts, missing out on the potential it holds. The difference between 1% and 5% interest isn’t just a few extra pounds – over time it can mean the deposit on a home, the freedom to travel, or the go-ahead to pursue new opportunities.
With Flagstone, you can spread cash between hundreds of high-interest accounts from 65+ banks – all in one platform, with one login.
Build a sample portfolio to see how you could protect and grow your cash.
