Guide: Revealed: The value of financial planning
Financial planning can add real value to your life, helping you achieve your goals and enjoy the lifestyle you want. When you think about financial planning, you might initially focus on the financial element. Perhaps you’re interested in how planning can help you reduce your tax bill, invest to get the most out of your…
Investment market update: July 2025
The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Read on to find out what else may have affected your investments recently. While it might seem like 2025 has been a poor year for…
Does your income make you a “Henry”? Here are some ways it could affect tax considerations
High earners striving to build wealth, dubbed “Henrys” (high earner, not rich yet), may find their tax position changes drastically as their income grows. Being aware of your tax liability now and in the future could allow you to create a financial plan that helps you get more out of your money by potentially reducing…
The decumulation dilemmas you might need to overcome when you retire
One of the retirement challenges many people face is how to handle wealth decumulation. During your working life, you’re typically working to increase your wealth, and this usually shifts as you enter retirement. So, if you’re retired or are nearing the milestone, read on to find out more about decumulation dilemmas and how you might…
4 times you might want to review your financial plan
When you create your financial plan, you might envision everything following the path you’ve set out. However, life is often unexpected, and your plan should be updated to reflect changes to your circumstances. So, as well as your regular meetings, you might want to book additional reviews with your financial planner to ensure your plan…
Planning for care: Making later-life support part of your financial plan
While many people don’t rely on care later in life, planning for the potential cost of it could help you feel confident about the future and mean you have more options should you need support. According to a December 2021 report from The Health Foundation, people are increasingly living healthier and more independent lives in…
The psychological influences that could affect your relationship with money
Your relationship with money is related to far more than how much cash you have. In fact, psychological influences could be having more effect on your decisions and how you feel about wealth than you think. Speaking to the Guardian in July 2025, financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal stated she believes thoughts and feelings about money...
Explained: How Dividend Tax works and when you pay it
Managing your tax liability could help reduce your overall tax bill and get more out of your money. If you’re unsure how and when you might pay Dividend Tax, read on to find out. A dividend is one way a company can distribute profits to shareholders. You might receive dividends if you hold shares in…
5 surprising and unconventional economic indicators
How do you judge whether an economy is sliding into a recession? Some unconventional theories suggest looking at the hemline of skirts or sales of ties could provide valuable insights due to patterns in consumer behaviour. According to finance corporation JP Morgan, as of the end of May 2025, there was a 40% risk of…
5 valuable reasons to consult a solicitor when writing your will
Writing your will should give you confidence that your assets will be distributed in line with your wishes when you pass away. Yet, for an increasing number of people, this might not be the case as they overlook the value of working with a professional. You don’t need to use a solicitor when writing your…
The age you can access your pension may rise. Could it affect your retirement?
In April 2028, the age you can usually access your pension, known as the “normal minimum pension age” (NMPA), will rise from 55 to 57. So, if you hope to retire at 55, you might need to update your retirement plan. Even if your planned retirement date seems far away, creating a plan now could…
Investment market update: June 2025
Trade tariffs continued to affect investment markets in June 2025, though uncertainty did start to ease. However, rising tensions in the Middle East may have affected the performance of your investments. Read on to find out more. Remember, it’s often wise to take a long-term view of your investments when reviewing returns, rather than focusing…