Category Archives: News

Around 15% of homeowners are considering downsizing during the next five years, according to a MoneyAge article from April 2025. If you’re thinking about moving to a smaller home and still have a mortgage, here’s what you need to know. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to downsize now or in the […]

According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24.  This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial year will have reached a record high of […]

If you’ve been keeping up with the news recently, you’ll likely know that global economic growth is under increasing pressure.  In February 2025, the Bank of England halved its forecast for UK growth this year from 1.5% to just 0.75%, the BBC reports.  Meanwhile, the Guardian reveals that US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrank by […]

Achieving “financial freedom” is an aspiration many people have. Yet, it can mean different things to each person and is influenced by other lifestyle goals, so defining how to measure it for you could help you turn it into a reality.  Securing financial freedom so you can retire with confidence is a common goal. A […]

Financial protection may provide you or your loved ones with a financial injection when you need it most. Calculating what level of cover is appropriate for you is an essential step to take when comparing options. Over the last couple of months, you’ve read about why financial protection is important and the different types that […]

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 broad term that encompasses all aspects of the relationship […]

When you think of famous wine regions, your mind might go to Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Napa Valley. However, some incredible vineyards and wineries are much closer to home.  While it’s often overlooked, English wine is becoming increasingly popular and regularly wins international awards. According to Wine GB’s latest report, more than 1.5 million people visited […]

As inflation stabilised following a period of prices rising more rapidly than usual, there were expectations that the Bank of England’s (BoE) base interest rate would be cut throughout 2025. However, a potential trade war could mean the opposite happens and lead to higher mortgage outgoings for millions of homeowners. Read on to find out […]

Investing can seem like it’s filled with jargon that’s difficult to get your head around. “Diversification” is one such common term you may have come across. Read on to find out what it means and why it’s important for your investment portfolio.  In simple terms, diversification means spreading your investments across a variety of opportunities.  […]

A decade ago, the introduction of Pension Freedoms shook up retirement planning and gave retirees more options than ever.  Before 2015, if you had a defined contribution (DC) pension, the common route was to use the money accumulated to purchase an annuity. The annuity would then provide you with a regular income, usually for the […]