News & Insights

Over the last couple of years, rising interest rates have had a huge effect on the cost of borrowing. If your mortgage deal expires soon, you might be wondering if interest rates will return to “normal” and whether you’d benefit from choosing a fixed- or variable-rate mortgage deal. The Bank of England (BoE) sets the base rate, and it’s increased ...

If you face a serious illness, it could place pressure on your finances and mean you’re not able to focus on what’s most important – your health. Yet, research suggests many families could be overlooking the protection that critical illness cover could provide. Read on to find out how critical illness cover works and how it could improve your financial ...

The State Pension is often a useful foundation when you’re creating an income in retirement. Yet, a survey from Just Group found that a third of people didn’t check their State Pension forecast before stopping work. While the State Pension might not be your primary income in retirement, it’s often valuable because it’s reliable – you’ll receive a regular income ...

Forget the car keys, National Walking Month is here! An annual reminder of the benefits of walking and spending time outdoors. It’s the perfect excuse to dust off your boots and rediscover the joy – and surprising benefits of walking. While statistics from the 2021 ONS Census show that driving reigns supreme as the most common commute option (45.1% in ...

Rising property prices mean homeowners who sold in 2023 made an average profit of £74,000. Gains could help you move up the property ladder, but they could also be useful even if you don’t move and might lead to lower mortgage repayments. Read on to find out if you could benefit from rising property prices. Just 1 in 10 homes ...

The gains you can make before potentially paying Capital Gains Tax (CGT) have halved for the 2024/25 tax year. If you plan to dispose of assets, the change could affect you. Read on to find out when you could be liable for CGT and some steps you might take to manage a bill. CGT is a tax on the profit ...

Since they were introduced in 1999, ISAs have become a finance staple for many households thanks to providing a tax-efficient way to save and invest. As ISAs turn 25, chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled plans to launch a new UK ISA and has previously announced changes that could provide you with more flexibility. Read on to find out what you need ...

Pensioners have benefited from an 8.5% increase in the State Pension. While the boost is likely to be welcomed by many, the full new State Pension is nearing the Personal Allowance threshold. As a result, some retirees might need to consider their Income Tax liability for the first time or could be pushed into a higher tax bracket. The full ...

Taking a tax-free lump sum from your pension could be a fantastic way to kickstart your retirement plans. If it’s something you’re thinking about, it’s important to consider the long-term implications and understand how much you could withdraw from your pension before facing a tax bill, as the rules have changed in 2024/25. Previously, you could take up to 25% ...

Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgage deals that end in 2024 could face much higher repayments due to rising interest rates. If your mortgage deal expires this year, being proactive could help you manage your outgoings. High inflation over the last couple of years has led to the Bank of England (BoE) increasing interest rates. In November 2021, the BoE base interest ...