Some of you may know that I run The Five Minute Investor with David Lockett, my hubbie. I started to chronicle (a bit) our journey and the decisions we took to retire to France From some of the things we considered to how we used the education we are providing here to improve our financial freedom and follow our dream life. I thought some of you might find it interesting https://medium.com/@balockett17/retiring-to-france-part-1-b919707628f8?sk=0fb08c0efe142418b705f234fba0a12b I'm not doing this to show off, but to motivate others to follow their dreams because it is worth it. If you know anybody who wants to retire early or be more financially free (honestly, it's fabulous we'd love to see more people do it) then please share the link to our community with them https://www.skool.com/the-five-minute-investor/about?ref=89df9512027748639131904f25e8493e

“You should start with a cheap offer and work your way up.” Sounds safe. Sounds logical. Sounds responsible. It’s also backwards for most people. Here's something to think about: High-ticket offers are often the best place to start. Not because you’re trying to be fancy…But because they’re more sustainable, clearer, and smarter for long-term growth. Why high-ticket first actually works better: 1. It’s more sustainable as a business owner.Selling $27 offers means you need a lot of volume to survive.Selling one higher-ticket offer can give you breathing room, stability, and momentum. 2. You get deep, real feedback fast.When you work 1:1 or in small groups at higher levels, you: - See exactly where people get stuck - Hear their real objections - Learn what they actually need (not what they think they need) That becomes the foundation for everything you build later. 3. You build better low-ticket offers later.Most low-ticket offers fail because they’re built from guesses.High-ticket work removes the guesswork. So why does this myth stick around? Because many people haven’t yet built a high-ticket offer they truly believe is worth selling. So instead of solving that… They shrink the offer. Shrink the price. And try to make up for it with volume. That’s not scaling.That’s survival mode. The real order that works best: 1. ✅ Solve real problems at a high level 2. ✅ Work closely with real humans 3. ✅ Refine your process 4. ✅ THEN create low-ticket offers that are built on proof Low-ticket should be the by-product of experience…Not the starting point. 👉 Want to build your offers the smart way? That’s exactly what we do inside the Next Level Creator Hub — helping you clarify what you should sell, who it’s for, and how to build offers that actually support your life and your business. Join the Next Level Creator Hub

We’re officially in that season where everyone starts saying things like “Next year is going to be different”… but different doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because you planned for it, built systems to support it, and decided ahead of time what Q1 is going to look like. So ask yourself: ➡️ Do you have a clear plan for Q1? ➡️ Or are you crossing your fingers and hoping good things just happen? ➡️ If 2025 felt chaotic, what’s your strategy to make 2026 feel intentional? Momentum doesn’t start in January. It starts now, with clarity and a plan you’re willing to follow. If you know you want 2026 to feel more focused, intentional, and profitable, come join us inside the Next Level Creator Hub. Take a moment, reflect honestly, and vote below. 📊 Poll: How prepared do you feel for 2026?

Take Charge of Your Heart Health Now and It's Free! Do you need help with gaining more energy, sleeping better, and feeling confident about your heart health — with a prevention-first approach, not waiting for a crisis? If you’ve ever felt unsure whether you’re really “fine,” or you’ve had borderline numbers, family history, or just a quiet worry in the back of your mind — this community is for you. I run Heart Health Reboot, a supportive cardiologist-led space that helps you take charge of your heart health early, proactively, and with clarity. Inside you’ll find: • micro-habits you can actually stick to • simple guidance explained in plain language • support and accountability • real-world strategies to protect your heart • FREE classrooms on:— knowing your numbers— why they matter— how to improve them naturally • a friendly environment to learn and ask questions 💙 It’s free to join for now! If you’ve been wanting a heart-focused space that’s trustworthy, practical, and calming to the mind — you’re welcome to join us

We did a little celebration yesterday, as it was Monday Big win for us - we launched our Premium in The Five Minute Investor group. You know how much hard work goes into branding, writing courses and launching and it all came together yesterday - and we had a first few paying clients! So if you know anybody who may have a (what they think of as a smallish) pot but they would like to become financially independent, please point them in our direction. For background, we are English but retired to France in 2022. We are financial free, we answer to no body and need ask nobody for permission to do stuff - it is very liberating! BUT we'd like to help others get here to, we've helped loads of people in the 'real' world do this and thought we'd try on Skool. So if you know of anybody who, like us, wants to be financial independent come and see the proven strategies we offer, but not only that you get to have everything checked and support along the way - true accountability and support. Just pop over and see us, we are going live at 1pm (UK time) every Tuesday https://www.skool.com/the-five-minute-investor/about?ref=89df9512027748639131904f25e8493e