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…
How to prepare your loved ones for the “great wealth transfer”
Passing on your wealth to loved ones could transform their lives and mean they have more opportunities in the future. However, to get the most out of the “great wealth transfer”, younger generations need to be prepared to manage their inheritance. According to September 2024 data from Vanguard, it’s estimated $18.3 trillion (£13.45 trillion) in…
4 steps that could recession-proof your retirement
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...
How technology could be harming your investment decisions
Technology has made it easier than ever to invest and review the performance of your portfolio. Yet, it could also be harming your decision-making skills and the way you approach managing your finances. Understanding when and how technology has the potential to negatively affect your investments could mean you’re better able to spot and then…
Financial protection: 3 useful questions to help you calculate appropriate cover
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...
How to improve your financial resilience
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...
Investment market update: May 2025
Uncertainty continued to lead to market volatility in May 2025. However, there was some good news for investors as some markets recovered the losses they experienced in April 2025. Read on to find out more and what factors may have influenced your portfolio’s performance recently. While market movements may be worrisome, remember, it’s a normal…
How to use the “gifting from income” rule to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill
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…