At Blue Sky, we often talk about helping people live the life they want, with confidence. It’s a phrase that sits at the heart of what we do, but what does it really mean in practice?
Recently, Blue Sky founder and CEO Gary Neild joined a webinar hosted by The Hideaways Club to explore that very question. Sharing his experience as a long-standing member, Gary reflected on travel, family, money and the choices that shape a fulfilling life.
Whilst the conversation centred around The Hideaways Club and its unique co-ownership model, the themes explored reached far beyond holidays and property. Instead, they touched on something much more important: how we use our resources, our time and our wealth to create a life that feels meaningful.
What is The Hideaways Club?
The Hideaways Club offers a different approach to second-home ownership.
Rather than purchasing and maintaining a single property, members enjoy access to a collection of luxury homes and villas around the world. The club manages the logistics, concierge services and property upkeep, allowing members to focus on enjoying their time away with family and friends.
Gary and his family first joined the club in 2009, shortly after the global financial crisis.
At the time, he was building Blue Sky, raising a family and working hard. What appealed to him wasn’t necessarily the properties themselves, but the promise of simplicity, quality and trust.
Reflecting on that period, Gary explained:
“We were looking for guaranteed quality. We were looking for properties which matched our aspirations. I was working hard in developing my own company, we were busy as a family, and I didn’t really want to have to work too hard on organising holidays.”
That desire for simplicity remains something many people can relate to today.
The Bigger Question: What Is Wealth Really For?
One of the most interesting moments in the discussion came when the conversation moved away from travel and towards financial planning. As a Chartered Financial Planner, Gary spends much of his professional life helping our clients accumulate, preserve and manage wealth. Yet he believes there comes a point when the conversation needs to shift.
For many people, money becomes a goal in itself. They spend years building financial security but can sometimes struggle to transition into actually enjoying the benefits of what they’ve created.
Gary shared his perspective:
“A lot of people accumulate capital because we’re brought up to accumulate capital. When you transition into another stage of life, sometimes people’s relationship with money is a little bit too anchored.”
Instead, he encourages people to think about money as a tool. A tool that can create choices. A tool that can buy back time. A tool that can help create memories with the people who matter most.
As Gary put it:
“This is payback time. This is really living the most fulfilling life possible.”
Investing Beyond Financial Returns
When people hear the word investment, they often think purely in financial terms – returns, growth, performance. Whilst those things are undoubtedly important, Gary believes some of life’s most valuable investments cannot be measured on a spreadsheet. When asked about his membership of The Hideaways Club, he offered a perspective that resonated deeply with Blue Sky’s philosophy:
“It’s probably one of the best investments we’ve ever made. Not from a financial perspective. I think the best investment you can make is either in your health or with you and your family.”
That distinction is important. Financial planning is not simply about building the largest possible pot of money. It is about creating a framework that supports the life you want to live. For some people, that might mean retiring earlier. For others, it might mean helping children onto the property ladder. For others, it may mean travelling more, spending time with grandchildren, pursuing passions or creating experiences that bring joy and connection.
The destination is different for everyone. The principle remains the same.
Creating Memories, Not Just Assets
One theme emerged repeatedly throughout Gary’s conversation: the importance of sharing experiences. As life evolves and priorities change, the value of meaningful experiences often becomes more apparent. Whether travelling with children, welcoming grandchildren into family traditions, or inviting friends to share special moments, Gary believes these experiences create something far more lasting than possessions alone.
His advice was simple:
“Why don’t you spend it on memories for you and your family?”
It’s a question worth reflecting on. Because ultimately, financial planning isn’t about numbers on a statement. It’s about what those numbers allow you to do.
Watch the Full Conversation
Gary’s conversation with The Hideaways Club offers a thoughtful and honest perspective on wealth, family, travel and the importance of living intentionally.
If you’re interested in exploring the relationship between financial security and life fulfilment, it’s well worth a watch.
And, if you’d like to explore what “living the life you want” means for you and your family, we’d be delighted to start that conversation. Good financial planning isn’t simply about building wealth, it’s about helping you use it wisely, purposefully and confidently.