On 26 November, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the government’s Autumn Budget, setting out fiscal plans for the year ahead and beyond. There’s speculation that some of the announcements could affect homeowners, including changes to Stamp Duty. According to a September 2025 article from the BBC, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research estimates the chancellor will need …
Why stock market volatility can trigger financial bias
When markets experience volatility, even the most level-headed investor can let their emotions or other influences affect their decisions. Read on to find out why volatility can trigger financial biases and how these might affect you. For the average investor, it’s important to take a long-term approach. While returns cannot be guaranteed, investing over a longer time frame gives markets …
What footballer Kevin Keegan tells us about retirement planning
This guest blog was written by Chris Budd, who wrote the original Financial Wellbeing Book as well as The Four Cornerstones of Financial Wellbeing. He founded the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and has written more than 100 episodes of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast. For most people, retiring is a goal. Pick an age, create a financial plan to make sure …
Investment market update: August 2025
While global government policy – particularly US trade tariffs – continued to influence the value of investments in August 2025, many markets experienced less volatility compared to the start of the year. Read on to discover what factors may have affected the performance of your investments in August 2025. Hopes of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine boost markets …
Taken out a new mortgage? Don’t forget to review your financial protection
Taking out a new mortgage deal could represent a shift in your financial commitments. So, reviewing whether your financial protection is still appropriate could ensure you have a vital safety net should you face a shock. Read on to learn how financial protection can provide security in unexpected situations, and what to consider when taking out new cover. Financial protection …
How a mortgage adviser could help you secure a buy-to-let mortgage
Investing in property can be an exciting opportunity. It might provide you with a regular income stream now and, if property prices rise, a lump sum in the future. However, securing a buy-to-let mortgage isn’t always straightforward. The good news is that working with a mortgage adviser means you have the support of a professional every step of the way. …
What could a Labour wealth tax look like?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing some difficult decisions ahead of the Autumn Budget, and one option that’s reportedly under consideration is the introduction of a wealth tax. In August 2025, the BBC reported that the Labour government must increase taxes if it is to plug a £41.2 billion black hole in its budget. There’s a lot of speculation about how …
How pension and Inheritance Tax policy changes could affect your legacy
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 …
5 challenges a financial midlife MOT could help you overcome
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 …
Revealed: The value of financial planning
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 …













