6 origins of financial bias that could affect you
Bias can affect the decisions you make, including financial ones. But how are biases formed? Research suggests numerous factors influence biases, including the following six. 1. Evolutionary psychology Some forms of bias go back millennia and allowed early humans to prioritise safety. The ability to make quick decisions could have been the difference between survival…
Investment market update: November 2025
One of the biggest factors affecting investment markets in November 2025 was concern about an AI bubble. Despite this, there were still market highs recorded during the month. Remember to consider your risk profile when you invest and review your portfolio’s performance with a long-term outlook. AI concerns led to volatility throughout November 2025 With…
Is the default pension fund right for you?
How your pension is invested will affect its value and the income it will provide you later in life. If you’ve put off reviewing your pension fund, find out why it could be a worthwhile task. While most pension providers offer savers plenty of fund options to choose from, many leave their money in the…
Explained: The new Cash ISA rules and what they mean for your savings
In the November 2025 Budget, the chancellor revealed new Cash ISA rules that will affect under-65s. The change could affect your savings and wider financial plan. ISAs provide a tax-efficient way to save and invest, making them an essential part of many financial plans. In 2025/26, you can add up to £20,000 to ISAs and…
How cashflow planning turns numbers into possibilities
When you’re making financial decisions, it can feel like you’re faced with indecipherable numbers. You might know how much you have in your bank account or pension, but what does the figure mean for your future? Cashflow planning can turn the numbers into possibilities. If you feel uncertain about your future after looking at numbers…
Phasing into retirement: 5 essential financial considerations
While phasing into retirement can offer you greater flexibility, it may make your finances more complex. Read on to find out more about five key considerations. 1. Calculate if you’ll need to supplement your income While you might still earn a salary as you phase into retirement, if you’ve chosen to reduce your working hours...
Phasing into retirement: The emotional and financial benefits
Last month, you read about how retirement is changing, with almost half of workers aged over 50 exploring phasing into retirement. There are plenty of reasons why more people are considering a gradual retirement, including the emotional and financial benefits this option could offer. A gradual retirement could help you retain a sense of purpose…
How the benefits of your financial plan go beyond you to your family
A financial plan is rarely focused solely on the person making it. For many, a successful plan also benefits their family. When setting out your goals as part of your financial plan, your family might feature in them. Perhaps you want your retirement income to be enough so that you can treat them to an...
Investment market update: October 2025
October 2025 proved to be a positive month for many investors, with markets reaching record highs. Read on to find out more about what factors may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember to take a long-term view when assessing your investments and consider your risk profile when making decisions. Markets experienced record highs, but investor...
The difficult but important estate planning conversations to have with your family
An estate plan sets out how you’d like your assets to be managed and distributed during your life and when you pass away. It often involves thinking about difficult topics, such as what your funeral preferences or who you’d like to receive heirloom possessions. Once you’ve created an estate plan, it can be tempting to…
How financial planning could give you the confidence to spend more
The importance of saving is drummed into us from a very early age. As a child, for example, you may have had a moneybox and been encouraged to save your spare coins. As you get older, this extends into saving for university, saving up for a house, saving for retirement, and so on. But what...
Why successful investing starts with your mindset, not the markets
What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market, and they do have an effect. When share prices rise, so too will the value of your portfolio. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is....