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After Rachel Reeves’ impactful first Budget in autumn 2024, you might have been concerned about the announcements that would be included in her Spring Statement on 26 March 2025. Reassuringly, the major headline from this year’s springtime fiscal event is that Reeves made few announcements that are likely to affect you and your personal finances […]

How long do you leave essential tasks on your to-do list? If you’ve put off tasks because they feel overwhelming, you’re not alone, but delays could be harmful. Read on to find out how financial planning may help you overcome decision paralysis. According to a January 2025 study from the Post Office, half of adults […]

Endorphins are the body’s feel-good hormone, and it is released by your brain in response to pain or stress. While most people are familiar with endorphins from the “runner’s high”, a state of euphoria induced by strenuous physical activity, there are other ways to increase your endorphin levels. Read on to discover 10 surprising ways […]

The UK property market has been a source of frustration, and the Labour government has identified the sector as a major barrier to economic growth. One of the areas that may be reviewed is how property is taxed. Indeed, the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggested tax is damaging the housing market in a December 2024 […]

The Murdoch family’s messy dispute over who will retain control of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire when he passes away has been grabbing headlines. While your affairs might not be in the spotlight, the case offers some useful insight into how to avoid family disputes. Following his second divorce in 1999, Rupert Murdoch established a trust […]

Handling finances is a part of life and something that most people do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t stressful. Indeed, many people don’t feel confident making financial decisions, and financial advice could ease their mental load. Even when you’re relatively comfortable, managing your finances can be a cause of concern. Indeed, you might find […]

This guest blog was written by Chris Budd who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book, and also the Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing, and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. Financial wellbeing is a subject that looks at all aspects of the relationship […]

When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could use these valuable allowances before 5 April 2025, when the 2024/25 tax year ends, might help your money go further. It’s important to understand which allowances fit into your financial plan and suit your goals. So, this guide could help you […]

Insurance to protect your home could help you avoid an unexpected bill should something go wrong, from damage caused by a storm to a burst water pipe.  Read on to find out what you might want to consider when choosing insurance to select the right cover for you. While you might hope you never need […]

Often dubbed the “most hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on your estate when you pass away, which could reduce how much you leave behind for family and friends. If your estate is worth more than £2 million, the potential IHT bill might be higher than you expect. Read on […]

The secret to saving more for your retirement could be regularly switching jobs, figures suggest. In fact, according to FTAdviser in November 2024, those who frequently take new career opportunities have more saved for retirement. For many workers, gone are the days of a job for life. Instead, employees are switching jobs more frequently than […]

While financial challenges often come up when those nearing retirement are asked about their concerns, emotional obstacles could be just as important. A financial plan might include looking at areas like your pensions and investments, but it could help you emotionally prepare for retirement as well. Here are five ways a financial plan could improve […]

We’re only weeks into 2025, and it’s already been one filled with market volatility and uncertainty. At times like this, being part of a crowd might feel comforting, but following the investment decisions of others could lead to choices that aren’t right for you. Political and economic uncertainty means investors may already have experienced the […]

While you might intend to make your financial decisions based on facts, emotions creeping in from time to time is normal. Recognising when emotions might be influencing your judgement could mean you’re better able to evaluate what’s right for you. Last month, you read about how past experiences could affect your decisions. Now, read on […]

Going through a divorce can be incredibly emotionally challenging, but it may also represent the beginning of a new phase of your life. When starting a new chapter, it’s important to consider your financial plan, review your goals, and prepare for any challenges you might face in the future. This could be especially true during […]

Key changes, like interest rates falling and Stamp Duty thresholds changing, are likely to affect the property market in 2025. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply interested in how the value of your home might change over the next 12 months, read on to discover three insightful property market predictions for the year ahead. 1. […]

Using allowances and exemptions could reduce your overall tax bill and help you get more out of your money. On 5 April 2025, the current tax year will end, and many tax-efficient allowances and exemptions will reset. So, here are five that you may want to consider using before the 2025/26 tax year starts. 1. […]

While the saying might be “money can’t buy happiness”, research suggests that financial stability certainly plays a role in your overall wellbeing. In retirement, when you’re no longer earning a salary, finding a way to create financial stability could be a vital part of building a lifestyle that allows you to enjoy the next stage […]

Even the best-laid financial plan might need to change at times. If you find yourself in that position, you might benefit from reassurance that you can still reach your goals and will be financially secure. There’s a whole host of reasons why you might want to adjust your financial plan. In some cases, it might […]

Emotions can affect how you feel about different scenarios and your response to them, including when you’re making financial decisions. Improving your emotional resilience could mean you’re better equipped to handle stressful situations. Read on to discover why and how it might support your financial goals.  Emotional resilience simply refers to your ability to adapt […]

When you’re making financial decisions, it can be difficult to look at your options objectively. Indeed, factors like your past experiences and emotions may influence the conclusions you draw. Behavioural finance seeks to understand how people make financial decisions and what factors influence them. Understanding some aspects of this area of study could help you […]

As 2025 approaches, you might be looking for ways to fill your calendar with fun experiences for you and your friends or family. Luckily, there’s an exciting array of events happening across the UK next year. From popular sporting events like the British Grand Prix to the anniversary events for iconic locations such as The […]

During the Autumn Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled an increase to Stamp Duty that could affect buyers of second homes and property investors. The temporary higher thresholds for Stamp Duty are also set to end in 2025 and could lead to larger tax bills when buying property. Read on to find out what you need […]

Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three ghosts in A Christmas Carol has been retold countless times. And there are some lessons about building an effective financial plan you could learn from the pages. Scrooge might not seem like a character you want to emulate, especially at the start of the […]

Research suggests the fear of running out of money later in life could be holding back millions of retirees. While spending too much too soon is a risk for some retirees, it could also mean you miss out on the lifestyle or experiences you’ve been looking forward to. According to a report in MoneyAge, 30% […]

Subconscious bias can affect your financial decisions. They might mean you make decisions that aren’t right for you. Setting a goal could help reduce the effect bias has. Read on to discover three reasons why. Cognitive bias is an error in cognition that can happen if your personal beliefs or experiences affect a decision you’re […]

As 2025 draws nearer, now is the perfect time to think about your aspirations for the year ahead and beyond. Read on to discover some simple questions that may help you assess if your life goals have changed. Last month, you read about 10 financial tasks to complete to get your finances on track for […]

Paying off your mortgage might come with a sense of relief and far more financial freedom. If reaching that milestone as soon as possible is one of your goals, there are ways to pay off your mortgage quicker. Being mortgage-free could open up doors for you. Without mortgage repayments, you might be able to travel […]

If you’re working and contributing to your pension, you might think you don’t need to do any more retirement planning just yet. However, seeking retirement advice in your 30s and 40s could mean you’re in a better position when you’re ready to give up work. According to a survey published in IFA Magazine, putting off […]

Lifetime cashflow forecasting is a core part of financial planning that could help you understand how your future may look. It could provide essential information that means you’re able to feel confident about what’s to come and the decisions you make. Read on to find out how it works and why it might be valuable […]

You might think of your financial plan as being a way to help you reach your life goals. But it could benefit more than just you. As a financial plan focuses on your goals, you might choose to include ways to create a legacy for your loved ones. It could mean your wealth provides long-term […]

The end of the year is fast approaching, and while your mind might be on celebrating the festive period, it’s the perfect opportunity to tick off some financial tasks you might be putting off. Spending some time going through your finances and thinking about what you want to achieve next year could help you step […]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget on 30 October 2024. Amid the announcements were key changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) that could affect your financial plan. Ahead of the Budget, prime minister Keir Starmer said it would be “painful” as there was a £22 billion black […]

Almost four months after Labour won the general election, chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her 2024 Autumn Budget, outlining the government’s plans for this tax year and beyond. Arguing that the July general election had given Labour a “mandate to restore stability and start a decade of renewal”, Reeves described it as “a Budget to […]

Did you know that small doses of fear and horror might be good for you? Whether you’re spending this Halloween enjoying treats in front of a scary film or venturing out for a thrill-seeking experience, it’s important to know the effects that fear – and the euphoric feeling once it passes – could have on […]

When you’re taking out a mortgage, it can be difficult to understand the terminology, which might seem like it’s filled with jargon and acronyms. Indeed, one such term “loan-to-value” or “LTV” can be confusing. If you’re unsure what LTV means, read on to find out and discover why it could be important if you’re searching […]

How would your family cope financially if you passed away? It may be a difficult question to consider, but it could also be an important one. Understanding the challenges your family could face may mean you’re able to identify steps to protect them, including taking out financial protection if appropriate. Financial protection is a type […]

What’s stopping you from retiring sooner? For many, it’s not just finances that are holding them back but their mindset too. If the excitement of retiring is also mixed with nerves, a financial plan could give you the confidence boost you need to take a step back from work. Finances may play a role in […]

Anchoring bias is a common cognitive phenomenon that could affect your day-to-day and long-term financial decisions. The good news is that there are ways you could minimise the effect of bias, including anchoring. First, what is a financial bias? The term refers to mental shortcuts and errors you might make when processing financial information that […]

More than 70% of Brits think Inheritance Tax (IHT) is unfair, according to a poll carried out by Tax Policy Associates in 2023. You might consider how other countries handle taxing assets when you pass away to be “fairer”, read on to find out more. Over the last few months, you’ve read about how IHT […]

Millions of students across the UK are preparing to head to university and pursue their educational goals. As a parent, you may feel proud as you help them pack up their belongings and move into their own space for the first time. Yet, you might also be worried about how they’ll cope financially or repay […]

Buying a second property can be exciting, but you might have questions about how a mortgage on a second home works. Read on to discover three ways they may be different to the mortgage on your main home. According to government statistics, 2.1 million households had a second property in 2021/22. Most owners let out […]

Retiring abroad is a dream for many people nearing the milestone. Whether you’re picturing a sunnier climate or want to move closer to family, there are some implications you might need to consider when managing your pension. According to a report in Moneyweek, more than three-quarters of pension savers would like the opportunity to leave […]

Effectively managing your finances to get the most out of your assets often means going beyond paying into a pension regularly or selecting a fund to invest through. That’s why lifestyle financial planning could help you better align your finances with the life you want to lead now and in the future. Financial advice alone […]

A new study has disputed the saying “money can’t buy happiness”. In fact, the research suggests the opposite is true, money can buy happiness, but it isn’t as simple as accumulating as much wealth as possible. According to the Guardian, a study from the University of Pennsylvania found a strong association between money and happiness. […]

If you take a proactive approach to managing your wealth, you could reduce how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) your estate may be liable for when you pass away.   Last month, you read about what IHT is and when estates become liable to pay it. Now, read on to discover some of the shrewd strategies you […]

Taking a lump sum out of your pension could provide you with more financial freedom. Yet, it could also land you with a large and unexpected tax bill. Read on to find out what you need to know about tax and withdrawing lump sums from your pension. Your pension withdrawals may be liable for Income […]

Labour secured a majority in the general election, and their manifesto included several pledges that could affect the property market over the coming years. Read on to discover three pledges that could have an impact. Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes Over the next five years, Labour has pledged to build 1.5 […]

Failing to set out your wishes in a will could mean your assets aren’t passed on to the loved ones you’d like to benefit from your estate. As a result, this could have a significant effect on your legacy. A will is one of the main ways to ensure your assets are passed on to […]

It doesn’t matter how much you prepare; sometimes unexpected life events could mean your carefully laid plans go awry. While you can’t know what’s around the corner, you can change how you respond to unpredictable events to help keep your financial plan on track. A life event could have a huge impact on your wealth, […]

In a historic victory, the Labour Party won a majority in the 4 July 2024 general election. After 14 years of Conservative government, you might be wondering what the change means for you and your financial plan. Since Keir Starmer took office, a day has barely passed without headlines speculating about the changes Labour will […]

Often dubbed “death tax” or “Britain’s most-hated tax” in the media, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may seem complex, and you might be unsure if it’s something you should consider as part of your estate plan. Over the next few months, you can read about the essentials you need to know, how to reduce a potential tax […]

Taking out a new mortgage is often a trigger for considering how you or your family would cope if you faced a financial shock. Yet, a report from Which? suggests that more than half of homeowners don’t have enough life insurance to protect them. If you took out life insurance, it would pay a lump […]

The tapering of the Personal Allowance means some higher-rate taxpayers effectively pay an Income Tax rate of 60%, sometimes without realising. Fortunately, if you’re affected, there could be ways to reduce your tax bill. A report in the Telegraph suggests 1.35 million workers were affected by the 60% tax trap in 2023/24. Collectively, they paid […]

When you’re accessing your pension, it’s important to consider the sustainability of your withdrawals. You might have heard of the “4% rule”, which provides a seemingly simple way to calculate how much you can access each year. However, for modern retirees, applying this rule to your pension could be risky. The 4% rule was first […]

Imagine you could time travel to understand how your financial decisions today might affect your lifestyle in 10 or 20 years. You may be in a better position to turn your goals into a reality. Read on to find out how working with a financial planner could give you a glimpse into the future. Time […]

Your relationship with money may play a huge role in how you handle financial decisions and your long-term security. Many factors affect your financial decisions, but you might be surprised by how much your childhood experiences still influence you today. The majority of parents recognise how important financial education is. Indeed, according to Nationwide, almost […]

Often one of the biggest benefits of a bespoke financial plan is that it allows you to devise a blueprint to follow, with your goals placed at the centre. It’s a strategy that could help you focus on what you want to achieve in life and make working with a professional even more valuable to […]

In a decisive and historic victory, the Labour Party won the 2024 UK general election with a significant majority and Keir Starmer has become the UK prime minister after 14 years of Conservative government. The new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has already pledged to “fix the foundations” of the British economy in a bid to drive […]

2024 has been called “the year of elections” with an estimated 2 billion people around the world heading to the polls. Voters in the UK will have their say on 4 July. Now that each of the main parties has published their manifestos, here’s what the 2024 general election could mean for your finances. Conservatives […]

How many times have you told yourself that you need to do more exercise, started a new routine, and then stopped it altogether after a few weeks as you just don’t have the time? This cycle of wanting to get healthy, trying your hardest, and then being put off by the physical and time demands, […]

Rising interest rates have been big news over the last couple of years, with many mortgage holders seeing their outgoings increase. It’s not just individual families that have been affected, it’s having a wider impact on the property market too. To tackle high inflation the Bank of England (BoE) started increasing its base interest rate […]

2 in 5 UK retirees have retirement regrets, according to a Canada Life survey. If you’re saving towards your future, you could learn some valuable pension lessons and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Securing the retirement you want often means thinking about this milestone many years before you celebrate it. One of the key challenges […]

As financial planners, we often talk about the importance of working towards long-term goals and security. As part of your financial plan, you might be putting money into a pension for retirement or building an emergency fund to safeguard your finances if you experience a shock. Considering your long-term ambitions is often important for turning […]

Impulsive decision-making can be useful in some circumstances. Yet, when it comes to finances, it could lead to choices that aren’t right for you and even harm your long-term financial security. Read on to find out how you could cut the effect of impulsive financial decisions. When you think of impulsive financial decisions, your mind […]

Consider the benefits of financial planning. If the first advantage that comes to mind is the opportunity to grow your wealth, you might be overlooking some of the intangible benefits that could improve your wellbeing. Last month, you read about the potential financial benefits of working with a financial planner and how it could help […]

Every year, the UK celebrates Small Charity Week. The event’s goal is to raise awareness for the thousands of local causes which make a huge difference to vulnerable communities across the UK and the rest of the world. This year’s theme is “Resilient Charities for Stronger Communities”, and the movement is encouraging everyone to get […]

Affordability challenges mean more people could near retirement with outstanding mortgage debt. It could affect your retirement plans or mean your income once you give up work doesn’t stretch as far as you expect. If you’re approaching retirement with a mortgage, read on to find out what your options may be. The effect rising house […]

“Loss aversion” is a type of bias that could affect how you manage your finances. It’s a concept that was developed by renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman, who won a Nobel Prize for his influential work and sadly passed away in March 2024. To celebrate his life, read on to find out more about loss aversion […]

When you set out how to reach your financial goals, you might think about the steps you need to take. Just as important could be considering how the unexpected might affect your financial plan. Read on to find out how the unexpected may affect you and how an effective plan could keep you on the […]

It’s been more than a decade since auto-enrolment was introduced, and now most workers automatically become members of their employer’s pension scheme. While more people saving for retirement is excellent news, it could mean you end up juggling multiple pots. One option is to transfer one pension to another, known as “consolidation”. It’s usually simple […]

Financial planning can help you to reach your life goals, and give you and your loved ones security and peace of mind. Over the next few months, you can read our blog to discover exactly why a financial plan that’s tailored to you can add value – and we’ll start with the financial benefits. When […]

Living in such a picturesque country as the UK certainly has its benefits, namely the abundance of opportunities for breathtaking walks. Whether exploring the rugged Yorkshire moors or strolling through the tranquil Lake District, the UK is truly a nation of walkers. In fact, data on the government website reveals that the average person made […]

It’s often said that Brits are obsessed with buying their own homes. But it doesn’t end with our property. The popularity of TV shows like Grand Designs and Location, Location, Location proves we can’t get enough of the property market. As well as showing off the latest interior design trends or bargains you can find […]

The gains you can make before potentially paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) have halved for the 2024/25 tax year. If you plan to dispose of assets, the change could affect you. Read on to find out when you could be liable for CGT and some steps you might take to manage a bill. CGT is […]

Since they were introduced in 1999, ISAs have become a finance staple for many households thanks to providing a tax-efficient way to save and invest. As ISAs turn 25, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled plans to launch a new UK ISA and has previously announced changes that could provide you with more flexibility. Read on to […]

If you’re concerned about running out of money during retirement, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the top financial concerns in the UK. Being proactive and working with a financial planner to create a retirement plan could offer you peace of mind. Read on to find out why. In an Aegon survey, 7 […]

Effective retirement planning often involves weaving together lots of different threads. As you think about your retirement, you might be unsure how to bring everything together, but a bespoke financial plan could put your mind at ease. Over the last few months, you’ve read about the importance of deciding how you’ll retire, why you should […]

Humanity is becoming increasingly aware of how we treat our planet. With more people experiencing the effects of climate change and global warming than ever before, the campaigns to protect the Earth are becoming more urgent. Earth Day has advocated for permanent, global change to save our planet for over 50 years. Named the planet’s […]

As property prices and rental yields have steadily increased in recent years, buy-to-let property has often been seen as a useful way to invest your money. However, figures suggest the pace of growth is slowing and landlords face increasing regulation that might mean it’s not as attractive as it once was. For some people, buy-to-let […]

Income protection could provide you with an essential safety net if you’re unable to work due to an accident or illness. Yet, research suggests it’s a valuable step that some people might be overlooking. If you’re too ill to work, income protection could provide you with a regular replacement income. Usually, income protection would pay […]

More than 1 million investors will be hit with a Dividend Tax bill for the first time in the 2024/25 tax year, according to an AJ Bell report. Read on to find out if you could be affected and discover some of the steps you could take to mitigate a tax charge. A dividend is […]

A survey suggests that some retirees could risk running out of money during their lifetime because they haven’t considered how long their assets need to last. Failing to factor longevity into your retirement plan could mean your later years don’t live up to expectations or you may face financial insecurity. The report published in IFA […]

When you give up work, your pension is likely to play a key role in creating an income. So, an essential part of retirement planning is often deciding how you’ll access your retirement savings. Last month, you read about the importance of setting out your retirement lifestyle goals and how financial planning could help. Your […]

With one eye on a forthcoming general election, the chancellor has announced a Budget aimed at generating long-term growth, with “more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes”. While the headlines will inevitably focus on Jeremy Hunt’s cut in National Insurance contributions (NICs), many less headline-grabbing messages will affect millions of families and […]

The 2024/25 tax year is just a month away, and chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered his 2024 Spring Budget, outlining the government’s plans for the next fiscal year and beyond. With a general election looming – prime minister Rishi Sunak has said he will call it before the end of the year – the chancellor […]

Does your job cause you stress? A recent survey found that 3 in 5 UK employees say their mental health declined in 2023 because of workplace stress. Long work hours, tight deadlines, and job insecurity all contributed to this burden, and nearly half of respondents said senior management was to blame. Instead of continuing to […]

With a general election likely this year, the Labour Party has promised to revolutionise the mortgage market by opening the door for long-term fixed-rate deals that could last a full mortgage term. The announcement follows many mortgage holders facing soaring bills due to rising interest rates throughout 2022 and 2023. To tackle high levels of […]

Naming a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is often associated with the elderly. But it could provide vital protection and peace of mind at every life stage. An LPA gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. When you think about the scenarios that might […]

Rising interest rates have led to government bond yields climbing. It’s made them more attractive to some investors and could provide a way to grow your wealth too. According to figures in FTAdviser, investors pumped £18.6 billion into UK and US government bond funds between November 2022 and the end of 2023. Of this total, […]

This year the FTSE 100 index turns 40. Over the last four decades, it’s become a way to measure the health of the UK stock market. During that time there have been highs that investors no doubt celebrated, and lows that serve as a reminder that there’s some truth in the saying: it’s time in […]

When you start thinking about the steps you need to take when retiring, your focus might be on the financial side. Yet, it’s often a good idea to start with your lifestyle aspirations. Last month, you read about the different options when deciding how you’ll retire. Now, it’s time to consider what your ideal retirement […]

When a new tax year starts, many allowances reset. So, checking if you could make use of allowances before Friday 5 April 2024, when the 2023/24 tax year ends, might be valuable. This guide explores some of the allowances that could help your money go further. You might discover you could reduce your Income Tax […]

What are your goals for 2024? Whether you want to improve your health, be smarter with your money, or learn a new skill, it can be hard to know where to start. Recent research discovered the average British adult only sticks to a new habit for seven weeks before giving up. So what can you […]

With interest rates at their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, finding a mortgage deal that’s right for you could save you thousands of pounds over the long term. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the BoE slashed its base interest rate, and it remained below 1% for more than a decade. During the Covid-19 […]

The last few years have seen volatile investment markets due to the pandemic, lockdowns, and fears that high inflation could lead to economic recessions. Looming general elections could mean investors continue to experience ups and downs throughout 2024. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call a general election at some point in 2024. […]

When creating a financial plan, you often start with your goals. After all, setting out your aspirations first lets you create a plan that’s tailored to you. Yet, understanding your numbers is just as crucial for successful financial planning and they could help you understand the effect of your decisions. So, which numbers are the […]

Pension savers dubbed “triple defaulters” could be overlooking small changes to their pension that may make their long-term finances more secure. Have you reviewed these three important pension decisions recently? According to a survey from Aviva, millions of workers who have been auto-enrolled into a pension scheme have never updated their contributions, investment choices, or […]

Retirement can be an exciting milestone, but one that you might feel nervous about too. Setting out how to achieve the retirement lifestyle you want could help put your mind at ease. One of the first things you may have to consider is how you’ll retire – would a phased retirement suit you? Over the […]

While inflation is starting to ease in economies around the world, there are still signs of economic challenges ahead. Read on to find out what affected investment markets in November 2023.  UK  In November, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement. Despite media suggestions that Inheritance Tax would be abolished, the biggest announcement was a […]

As Christmas approaches, so does the inevitable stress of gift buying. On top of finding presents for your loved ones, there’s always one person you forget.  Whether they’re an unexpected addition to the family party or you simply want an extra treat for your friends, you may need to quickly source an additional gift. You […]

With the cost of living soaring and mortgage repayments rising, making additional payments on your home might be the last thing on your mind. Yet, if you’re in a position to do so, it may cut the cost of borrowing over the long term.  To tackle rising inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) has increased […]

If you want to start investing or would like to boost an existing portfolio, your mind might turn to using a lump sum. However, there could be benefits to drip-feeding your investments instead. Drip-feeding means you slowly add money to your investment portfolio. So, rather than investing £10,000 straightaway, you might increase your investment portfolio […]

It’s the season for giving. This Christmas, you might be thinking about how you could improve the security of your loved ones by gifting them money or assets. Read on to discover five potentially useful allowances that you might want to consider if your estate could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT). Some gifts are […]

Financial reviews provide you with a chance to ensure your financial decisions continue to reflect your goals and circumstances, and to assess if you’re on track. They could also be a useful way to reduce behavioural bias. Over the last few months, you’ve read about why financial reviews are important and why you may need […]

On 22 November 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Statement against a backdrop of a cost of living crisis and a looming general election. It’s been a challenging year with inflation dominating headlines. While inflation has fallen, it’s still higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target at 4.6% in the 12 months to […]