When you’re searching for your next home, having a clear budget is essential. For many prospective buyers, that involves understanding how much you could borrow through a mortgage. Read on to discover three ways to assess your borrowing potential. Calculate the figure using general guidelines If you simply want a ballpark figure to whittle down the list of properties you’re …

There were highs and dips in the investment markets in May 2026. Discover some of the factors that may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember, short-term market movements are a normal part of investing. When you’re reviewing returns, it’s typically a good idea to look at the bigger picture and assess performance over several years. Ongoing conflict continued to affect …

During April 2026, markets have continued to experience volatility as the conflict in the Middle East has developed. Find out what external factors may have affected the performance of your investments. One effect of the conflict on global markets is the rising price of energy. Indeed, analysis from UBS suggests that March 2026 experienced the largest increase in global energy …

Buying a new home with someone is exciting, and answering these questions could help ensure you’re on the same page about your mortgage and ownership. According to an article in Estate Agent Today (24 January 2026), in 2024, 53% of first-time buyers applied for a joint mortgage. Traditionally, joint mortgages were held by couples. However, as rising house prices continue …

When your mortgage deal expires, rather than diving straight into finding a new deal, take some time to review these seven key numbers first. 1. The number of years on your mortgage term Start by looking at how many years you have left on your mortgage term. This will help you calculate how your repayments might change when taking out …

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a growing concern for many people in the UK, with increasing numbers of estates facing a rising tax liability. Each year, the amount of IHT paid to HMRC is increasing. By 2030/31, the Office for Budget Responsibility (February 2026) forecasts that IHT receipts will reach £14.5 billion, up from £8.3 billion in 2024/25. Frozen tax-efficient allowances …

Building wealth without a financial plan may be like searching for a destination without a map. You might miss the most efficient route, take an unnecessary detour, or miss your intended target altogether. A clear plan could be essential for helping you reach your goals. If you’re simply accumulating wealth, your assets don’t have a clear structure. Seeing the balance …

Once you have made an investment strategy, often doing nothing is the best course of action. Yet, it’s an approach that might be more difficult to stick to than you expect. Investment markets often experience volatility, which could tempt investors to make decisions based on short-term emotions. These actions might not align with their strategy and could harm long-term growth. …

Conflict in the Middle East caused market volatility throughout March 2026. Find out what other factors may have affected your investments. While the ongoing uncertainty may feel unsettling for investors, remember that your strategy reflects your long-term goals and considers periods of volatility. Oil prices rising and ongoing uncertainty led to stock markets falling On Saturday, 28 February, the US …

Managing your pension doesn’t stop once you retire and start to draw an income from it. In fact, your pension still needs careful attention in retirement – just as much as when you were contributing – to ensure you don’t deplete it too quickly. Research suggests that many retirees aren’t taking professional advice and are potentially making financial decisions they’ll …