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. …
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 …
