Articles of interest

Financial wellbeing
Your pathway to a healthier, happier life.
When anxiety hits, our instinct is often to withdraw rather than face it. However, if the root of your worry is your bank balance, seeking professional financial advice might be the most valuable discussion you have this year. The link between money and mental health is undeniable, emphasising the close connection between our finances and our wellbeing.

Don’t miss the deadline for Individual Savings Accounts
Have you fully utilised this wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax?
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is highly effective for anyone looking to save or invest money in a tax-efficient way. An ISA functions as a wrapper that shields your savings and investments from tax. Any interest, capital gains or dividends earned within an ISA are completely tax-free, enabling your money to grow more efficiently than it would in a standard savings account.

Don’t let your pension funds disappear
How financial awareness can protect your hard-earned retirement savings.
In an era when job changes are common, millions of people in the UK risk losing touch with their hard-earned retirement savings. New research highlights a concerning gap in financial awareness, with many individuals potentially missing out on a significant part of their future income because pension pots from previous jobs have been forgotten.

Decoding recent pension changes
Staying informed and maximising available tax benefits for a comfortable retirement.
Last November’s Autumn Budget 2025 Statement outlined a series of updates for pensioners and those saving for retirement. While a welcome increase to the State Pension was confirmed for April, the Chancellor also announced a future cap on salary-sacrifice pension contributions, which will impact many workplace pension savers.

Chasing the sun over security
Some Britons prioritise immediate pleasures over long-term financial security.
Recent research indicates that many UK adults prioritise immediate pleasures over long-term financial security, with holidays and daily expenses often taking precedence over pension contributions. As the cost of living continues to tighten household budgets, nearly a third of Britons (28%) admit they prefer to enjoy the present rather than plan for the future[1].

Building a resilient income portfolio
A fundamental aspect of prudent financial planning.
Whether you’re nearing retirement or seeking to boost your current income, building a portfolio that generates steady returns is a fundamental aspect of prudent financial planning. For most investors, the aim is to create an income stream that is not only dependable but also flexible to changing financial circumstances.

Five ways to maximise tax year-end planning opportunities 2025/26
As the 2025/26 tax year-end approaches on 5 April 2026, now is the time to review your finances to ensure you’ve maximised all available allowances and reliefs. Read our guide for 5 ways to maximise your year-end planning.

Are you making the most of your ISA?
How to grow your savings beyond cash accounts.
Recent research shows a significant change in savings attitudes, with over half of UK Cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) holders willing to explore the investment market. For the 2025/26 tax year, this offers a notable chance for savers to grow their wealth beyond the returns from traditional cash accounts.

A new era for pension inheritance
The inevitable shift in the approach to intergenerational wealth transfer.
Pension savers intending to pass on their retirement funds to loved ones received unwelcome news following announcements in the 2024 Budget. The Chancellor revealed that pensions will soon be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT), marking a significant change from previous rules that usually protected pension funds from tax upon death.

£100k annual retirement dream
Are young people’s expectations realistic?
Recent research highlights a notable generational gap in retirement expectations, with over one in five young people believing they will need an annual income of more than £100,000 for a comfortable retirement[1]. This figure, reported by 22% of those aged 18 to 34, sharply contrasts with the industry body Pensions UK’s Retirement Living Standards estimates that a single individual needs £43,900 to maintain a comfortable standard of living, excluding housing costs and Income Tax.

Why silence costs families
Planning, talking, and protecting more of your legacy from tax and disputes.
Death and money are two of life’s unavoidable realities, yet they remain subjects many of us hesitate to discuss. This reluctance often extends to inheritance, a topic filled with discomfort for many families. The consequence of this silence is significant, as an increasing number of estates are affected by Inheritance Tax (IHT), and disputes over Wills are becoming more common in UK courts.

When is the right time to invest?
Why market timing rarely works – and why long‑term consistency matters.
Some people delay investing because they’re waiting for “the right moment.” The idea of buying when prices are low and selling when they’re high seems sensible in theory, but in practice, it’s very difficult to perform. Even experienced professionals struggle to predict short-term market movements accurately, and headlines or emotions can easily cloud judgment. Meanwhile, cash sitting on the sidelines loses potential for compounding over time, which is one