News

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 stage, the government has signalled ...

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. While you might have a ...

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 savings, or make sure you’re ...

Trade tariffs continued to affect investment markets in June 2025, though uncertainty did start to ease. However, rising tensions in the Middle East may have affected the performance of your investments. Read on to find out more. Remember, it’s often wise to take a long-term view of your investments when reviewing returns, rather than focusing on short-term market movements. In ...

We all become more forgetful as we get older. But can you differentiate what is a normal part of the ageing process and what are the early signs of dementia? Although there is no current cure for dementia, recognising the early symptoms so you can get a diagnosis as soon as possible is still very important. A dementia or Alzheimer’s ...

When you’re buying a property, Stamp Duty can be a significant expense that you need to consider. So, read on to find out when the tax is paid and how to calculate a potential bill. According to data published in IFA Magazine in June 2025, the government collected £14.1 billion in Stamp Duty in the 12 months to the end ...

How do you judge whether an economy is sliding into a recession? Some unconventional theories suggest looking at the hemline of skirts or sales of ties could provide valuable insights due to patterns in consumer behaviour. According to finance corporation JP Morgan, as of the end of May 2025, there was a 40% risk of a US and global recession ...

In April 2028, the age you can usually access your pension, known as the “normal minimum pension age” (NMPA), will rise from 55 to 57. So, if you hope to retire at 55, you might need to update your retirement plan. Even if your planned retirement date seems far away, creating a plan now could help you bridge a potential ...

Passing on your wealth to loved ones could transform their lives and mean they have more opportunities in the future. However, to get the most out of the “great wealth transfer”, younger generations need to be prepared to manage their inheritance. According to September 2024 data from Vanguard, it’s estimated $18.3 trillion (£13.45 trillion) in wealth will be transferred globally ...

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 ...