News & Insights

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Investment market update: July 2025

The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Read on to find out what else may have affected your investments recently. While it might seem like 2025 has been a poor year for investors, due to geopolitical tensions ...
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Explained: Why overpaying your mortgage could save you thousands of pounds

Overpaying your mortgage could mean you’re mortgage-free sooner, but did you also know it could save you thousands of pounds in interest? If you have a direct debit set up, it’s easy to think of your mortgage as a set cost that you can’t change. However, it’s often possible to make overpayments regularly or as a one-off lump sum. Even ...
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Think cash is king? It might be time to review your mantra

Cash can be comforting. It’s familiar, it’s accessible, and it’s tangible. But while cash savings can be part of a well-balanced financial plan, they’re not always the best-performing asset. Data shows that many UK adults are reluctant to depart from cash. In an update reported by MoneyWeek, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reported that 61% of adults with £10,000 or ...
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How a protection gap could leave older workers facing financial challenges

Older workers could find they’re more exposed to financial shocks because financial protection doesn’t meet their needs. Read on to find out if a protection gap might affect you and how you could close it. There are several different types of financial protection, which would pay out a lump sum or regular income when certain conditions are met. For many ...
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Unsure how to access your pension at retirement? Here’s what you need to know

It’s been a decade since Pension Freedoms legislation gave retirees more choice. Yet rather than relishing the freedom the changes have provided, research suggests workers are approaching retirement unsure about the decisions they need to make. Data published by PensionsAge in June 2025 suggests that only 47% of UK savers are aware of their options in retirement. In addition, just ...
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4 times you might want to review your financial plan

When you create your financial plan, you might envision everything following the path you’ve set out. However, life is often unexpected, and your plan should be updated to reflect changes to your circumstances. So, as well as your regular meetings, you might want to book additional reviews with your financial planner to ensure your plan continues to reflect your situation. ...
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Investment market update: May 2025

Uncertainty continued to lead to market volatility in May 2025. However, there was some good news for investors as some markets recovered the losses they experienced in April 2025. Read on to find out more and what factors may have influenced your portfolio’s performance recently. While market movements may be worrisome, remember, it’s a normal part of investing. Keep your ...
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A woman looking at properties for sale in an estate agent window.

The pros and cons of choosing a 100% mortgage

There are now several 100% mortgages available to choose if you don’t have a deposit. First-time buyers are sure to welcome the news, but before you opt for a mortgage with zero deposit, there are pros and cons to weigh up. A 100% mortgage means you’re able to borrow the full value of the property you want to buy through ...
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How to use the “gifting from income” rule to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill

According to a Citywire report, forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the amount of Inheritance Tax (IHT) paid to HMRC will have increased by 11.6% in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24. This will mean that the total amount of IHT paid in the 2024/25 financial year will have reached a record high of £8.4 billion. The report suggests ...
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Should you choose a Cash or Stocks and Shares Junior ISA for your child?

A Junior ISA (JISA) is often an effective way for parents to start putting money aside for their children to help them reach their goals when they reach adulthood. One important question parents need to consider is: Should the money be held in a Cash JISA or invested through a Stocks and Shares JISA? Read on to find out what ...
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