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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
