News & Insights

A family unloading a moving van.

5 top tips for securing a mortgage

Applying for a mortgage, whether you’re buying your first home or remortgaging, can feel like a daunting task. While you might be putting it off, tackling it sooner could save you money and make it well worth your while over the long term. As mortgage advisers, we’re here to help you find the right mortgage for your needs, and offer ...
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Why you should make registering a Lasting Power of Attorney a priority

Data released by Scotland’s largest health board has highlighted the potential challenges families could face if a loved one doesn’t have a Power of Attorney in place. According to a BBC report, in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, a third of patients who are delayed getting out of hospital are stuck because they don’t have a Power of Attorney, the ...
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Half of adults reconsidering their retirement plans ahead of 2027 Inheritance Tax changes

An incoming change to the way pensions will be taxed when they’re inherited might mean you’re rethinking how you use your pension. Before you dive into updating your retirement plan, it’s important to understand what the changes could mean for you and how to balance passing on wealth with your retirement aspirations. During the Autumn Budget in October 2024, chancellor ...
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Spring Statement 2025: Key Changes and What They Mean for Your Finances

The Spring Statement 2025 has brought several important changes that could affect your personal finances. With lower growth forecasts, inflation expectations, and new welfare reforms, it’s crucial to understand how these updates could impact your financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and tips on how to adjust your strategy accordingly. Economic Outlook – Slower Growth, Higher Inflation ...
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Thinking about investing in crypto? You need to be aware of these signs of a scam

As some cryptocurrencies have delivered large returns in the past, you may be more likely to overlook red flags when you’re assessing an investment opportunity. Yet falling victim to a scam could leave you out of pocket and affect your mental wellbeing, so being aware of the warning signs could be essential. According to the City of London Police, more ...
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Why locking in a new mortgage deal could save you money

Even if your current mortgage deal doesn’t expire for a few months, searching the market now could be worthwhile and might even save you money. You can usually lock in a new mortgage deal up to six months before your existing one ends. While it might seem like a non-essential task right now, tackling it sooner rather than later could ...
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Investment market update: February 2025

After reading headlines throughout February, you might be expecting a gloomy investment outlook. Yet, despite threats of trade wars and uncertainty around the world, there were market highs. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that influenced investment markets. As investment markets are experiencing volatility, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some investors sought the “safe haven” of ...
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How to reduce your Capital Gains Tax bill in 2025

A combination of rising rates and panic ahead of the current government’s first Autumn Budget has led to HRMC collecting a record amount in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) towards the end of 2024. According to a report in the Telegraph, between July and November 2024, CGT generated more than £1 billion for the government – more than a £200 million ...
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The potential perils of accessing your pension at 55

Reaching the minimum pension age and being able to access your retirement savings might mean new possibilities opening up. You may start thinking about giving up work, withdrawing a lump sum to pursue a goal, or using your pension to boost your regular income. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also important to evaluate your decisions and consider how they ...
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A couple in their 50s laughing on a boat together.

3 retirement financial shocks that could affect your finances

Those who have retired or are nearing the milestone are consistently overlooking the risk of financial shocks when compared to other generations, a survey published in PensionsAge in December 2024 suggests. According to the report, 43% of over-50s had thought about financial shocks but not included the risks in their retirement plan. A further 32% haven’t considered risks at all. ...
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