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In the Autumn Budget 2025, the chancellor announced that Inheritance Tax (IHT) thresholds would remain frozen for a further year, until 2031. Upcoming changes will also see unused pensions included in an estate for IHT purposes for the first time from April 2027. These measures could see estates facing a larger IHT liability, or coming into the scope of IHT ...

A third of people don’t know how much they need to contribute to their pensions every year to create a comfortable retirement, according to a MoneyAge article (11 November 2025). Striking the right balance with pension contributions is important. Contribute too little, and you could leave yourself short in retirement. If you contribute as much as possible to your pension ...

From introducing a “mansion tax” to creating a separate tax for property income, the November 2025 Budget included several announcements that could affect landlords. Here’s what you need to know about four key changes. 1. Property income will be taxed at a higher rate from April 2026 The major change announced in the Budget that will affect landlords is that, ...

After a year filled with uncertainty and rising trade tensions, markets were calmer in December 2025. Find out what may have affected the performance of your portfolio at the end of the year. Market volatility eased in December 2025 Markets were downbeat at the start of the month. Most European markets were in the red on 1 December, including Germany’s ...

One of the biggest factors affecting investment markets in November 2025 was concern about an AI bubble. Despite this, there were still market highs recorded during the month. Remember to consider your risk profile when you invest and review your portfolio’s performance with a long-term outlook. AI concerns led to volatility throughout November 2025 With UK chancellor Rachel Reeves set ...

Your home is often among your most important assets – it provides security for you and your family. Assessing how you’d keep up with mortgage repayments if your income suddenly stopped could improve your financial resilience. According to a survey from HomeOwners Alliance (8 September 2025), 46% of mortgage holders would struggle to keep up with repayments for six months ...

Submitting your mortgage application can be stressful. If the lender rejects your application, it could mean you miss out on the chance to buy the property. Understanding what lenders will be assessing could put your mind at ease and may help you identify ways to improve your application. Here are seven factors mortgage lenders will review when deciding whether to ...

The last 12 months have been interesting for investors, with the market experiencing volatility. Read on to discover valuable insights from 2025. 1. Many markets have performed well despite volatility If you simply read the headlines from 2025, you might think the markets performed poorly. Worries about high inflation, trade tariffs, and sluggish economic growth have dominated the media. Yet ...

In the November 2025 Budget, the chancellor revealed new Cash ISA rules that will affect under-65s. The change could affect your savings and wider financial plan. ISAs provide a tax-efficient way to save and invest, making them an essential part of many financial plans. In 2025/26, you can add up to £20,000 to ISAs and split the money across savings ...

While phasing into retirement can offer you greater flexibility, it may make your finances more complex. Read on to find out more about five key considerations. 1. Calculate if you’ll need to supplement your income While you might still earn a salary as you phase into retirement, if you’ve chosen to reduce your working hours or switch roles, it might ...