News & Insights

You’ve likely spent years preparing for retirement and envisioning the lifestyle you’d like to enjoy once work is officially behind you. You might have even accumulated a significant pension pot through careful planning to help support this dream lifestyle. As you explore some of the different ways to draw an income from your retirement fund, one option you might have ...

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 between money and happiness. Some ...

Once again, US president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have affected investment markets throughout April 2025 and could have far-reaching implications over the coming months. Indeed, UN Trade and Development now predicts that global growth will slow to 2.3% in 2025, compared to 2.8% last year. While experiencing volatility can be daunting as an investor, remember to take a long-term view. ...

Seeing the world and exploring new destinations is a goal many people share. Whether you dream about relaxing on a beach, or you prefer to be on the go ticking off sights, travelling might be more beneficial than you first think. If you need an excuse to book your next trip, there’s more than one reason why it could be ...

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 how inflation and interest rates ...

If an unexpected lump sum lands in your bank account, you might be tempted to splash out and treat yourself. However, using a windfall effectively could create long-term prosperity. There are plenty of reasons why you might suddenly receive a cash injection. Perhaps you’ve received a bonus from work or inherited assets. Whatever the reason, before you start making plans, ...

24% of people think all their savings are tax-free, according to a Lloyds Bank survey carried out in February 2025. However, they could be in for an unexpected shock, as the interest earned on savings might be liable for Income Tax. The good news is, there are often ways to reduce a potential tax bill on your savings. Read on ...

Creating a financial plan can seem complicated, especially if you need to take into account your partner’s views, assets, and goals. At times, you might have conflicting ideas about what is “right” and it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Working with a financial planner as a couple could help you overcome some of the key challenges you might ...

The global economy is facing significant disruption following President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of trade tariffs. These sweeping measures have triggered sharp declines in stock markets worldwide, leaving many investors and businesses concerned about the potential long-term impact.   Market reactions to tariffs This morning (7th April 2025), the UK’s FTSE 100 index fell by nearly 6%, reflecting widespread unease about ...

Your home may be one of the largest assets you own, and unlocking property wealth using equity release could significantly boost your funds later in life. According to the Equity Release Council, in the final quarter of 2024, homeowners withdrew around £622 million from their homes. The average person withdrawing a lump sum for the first time received £115,243. A ...