Investment market update: August 2025
While global government policy – particularly US trade tariffs – continued to influence the value of investments in August 2025, many markets experienced less volatility compared to the start of the year. Read on to discover what factors may have affected the performance of your investments in August 2025. Hopes of a peace deal between…
How pension and Inheritance Tax policy changes could affect your legacy
From April 2027, pensions are expected to fall within your estate and could be liable for Inheritance Tax (IHT). That date might seem far away, but the policy change has the potential to significantly affect your estate plan, so thinking about it now could be useful. While the policy change is still in the initial…
5 challenges a financial midlife MOT could help you overcome
Your midlife can be an exciting time; you may have ticked off some goals or bucket list items and are looking forward to what the future holds. Yet, it might also present some new challenges. Arranging a financial midlife MOT could help you overcome obstacles and feel confident as you prepare for the next chapter….
3 ways behavioural bias could affect your approach to estate planning
Financial biases are often linked to investing. However, subconscious tendencies can affect many aspects of your finances, including your estate plan. An estate plan sets out how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and distributed after your death. It might include writing a will or creating a trust to provide for young children….
Taken out a new mortgage? Don’t forget to review your financial protection
Taking out a new mortgage deal could represent a shift in your financial commitments. So, reviewing whether your financial protection is still appropriate could ensure you have a vital safety net should you face a shock. Read on to learn how financial protection can provide security in unexpected situations, and what to consider when taking…
Explained: How remortgaging works and why it’s important
Remortgaging is a task most homeowners will do at some point. Yet, it can seem complex or something that isn’t that important. Read on to learn how remortgaging works and why it could save you money. When taking out a mortgage, you’ll choose the term length, the length over which you repay the loan. First-time…
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…